Russian billionaire and Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris has sparked global speculation. French police are investigating Durov for alleged crimes committed on the Telegram platform, from drug trafficking to fraud. The Kremlin, cautious in its response, is waiting for clarity on the accusations. The incident has raised concerns about free speech and potential consequences for Russia, with fears that Western intelligence services could access Telegram’s encryption keys. Questions linger about a rumored meeting between Durov and Putin in August, with the Kremlin denying any such meeting took place. The arrest has prompted discussions about the impact on privacy…

Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine has not gone according to the Kremlin’s initial plan of a swift military operation. After nearly two and a half years, the war continues to rage on, with unexpected developments like the recent Ukrainian assault on Russia’s Kursk region. These events have caught Russian officials off guard and challenged the narrative that the conflict is proceeding as intended. Despite the escalating hostilities, Russian public opinion may not necessarily turn against the war, as many individuals in border regions, like Belgorod, have expressed support for further military action in Ukraine. Calls for expanding territorial gains by…

Russians returning home included two children Russian President Vladimir Putin personally greeted released prisoners at the airport in Moscow as part of a major prisoner swap between Russia and the West. The returnees, including spies and a convicted assassin, were welcomed with a red carpet reception and promised state awards by Putin. The Kremlin celebrates the successful swap, aiming to boost morale among loyal supporters and discredit critics. The prisoner exchange, viewed as a victory for Moscow, highlights Russia’s commitment to retrieving its agents from abroad. The message is clear: Russia stands by its own, even if they face trouble…

Getty Images Russian officials prefer silence when it comes to prisoner exchanges. However, recent events suggest otherwise. Moscow operates behind the scenes, using “hostage diplomacy” to negotiate deals away from public scrutiny. Vladimir Putin hinted at a possible exchange involving American journalists and a Russian agent. The swift trial and sentencing of journalists in Russia indicated progress in the negotiation process. Reports of political prisoners being moved in Russia fueled speculation of a larger exchange. This potential swap, the largest since the Cold War, involves multiple countries and high-profile individuals. While both sides may view it as a positive outcome,…

21 minutes ago By Steve Rosenberg, BBC Russia Editor in Yekaterinburg EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Friends, family and reporters are unable to enter the courtroom in Yekaterinburg US journalist Evan Gershkovich is on trial in Yekaterinburg, facing espionage charges in a closed-door trial. The Wall Street Journal journalist is the first Western reporter on trial for spying since the Cold War, denied by him and his employer. The trial, labeled a “sham” by his employer, could result in a 20-year prison sentence. With limited information available, speculation rises about potential diplomatic negotiations between Russia and America for Gershkovich’s release. As the trial progresses behind closed…

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, has been held in a Moscow jail for over a year and is now facing trial in Yekaterinburg, accused of espionage on behalf of the CIA. Despite the denial of these allegations by Gershkovich, his employer, and the US government, there is fear that he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The situation is further complicated by the presence of other Americans, like Paul Whelan and Alsu Kurmasheva, also detained in Russian prisons on disputed charges. This has raised concerns about hostage diplomacy and potential prisoner swaps between the…