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Olympic calm: Russian athletes’ return to the international stage is producing remarkably little controversy
Despite Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, IOC officials are increasingly giving in to pressure from Moscow for a return to business as usual.
Despite Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, IOC officials are increasingly giving in to pressure from Moscow for a return to business as usual.
Olympic calm: Russian athletes’ return to the international stage is producing remarkably little controversy
The Olympic Winter Games that opened on Feb. 6 in Milan will feature thirteen athletes from Russia — a figure that would have been even higher had Schengen visas been obtained in time. Although Russia...
theins.press
February 10, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Olympic calm: Russian athletes’ return to the international stage is producing remarkably little controversy
Despite Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, IOC officials are increasingly giving in to pressure from Moscow for a return to business as usual.
Despite Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, IOC officials are increasingly giving in to pressure from Moscow for a return to business as usual.
UK plans command center to intercept Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the North Sea and English Channel, The Sunday Times reports
The UK's east coast may soon host a base for remotely controlled, unmanned boats that will monitor the Russian vessels.
The UK's east coast may soon host a base for remotely controlled, unmanned boats that will monitor the Russian vessels.
UK plans command center to intercept Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the North Sea and English Channel, The Sunday Times reports
The UK’s Royal Navy has drawn up proposals for European allies to establish a command center on the country’s east coast in order to track Russia’s “shadow fleet,” according to a report by The Sunday ...
theins.press
February 9, 2026 at 3:40 PM
UK plans command center to intercept Russian “shadow fleet” tankers in the North Sea and English Channel, The Sunday Times reports
The UK's east coast may soon host a base for remotely controlled, unmanned boats that will monitor the Russian vessels.
The UK's east coast may soon host a base for remotely controlled, unmanned boats that will monitor the Russian vessels.
Gunman in attack on high-level GRU general Vladimir Alexeyev was recruited by Ukraine’s SBU with help from Poland, FSB claims
Lyubomir Korba was detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia on Feb. 8. Alexeyev survived the shooting.
Lyubomir Korba was detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia on Feb. 8. Alexeyev survived the shooting.
Gunman in attack on high-level GRU general Vladimir Alexeyev was recruited by Ukraine’s SBU with help from Poland, FSB claims
Lyubomir Korba, who is suspected of attempting to assassinate GRU deputy chief Vladimir Alexeyev on Feb. 6, was recruited by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Russia’s Federal Security Service (F...
theins.press
February 9, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Gunman in attack on high-level GRU general Vladimir Alexeyev was recruited by Ukraine’s SBU with help from Poland, FSB claims
Lyubomir Korba was detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia on Feb. 8. Alexeyev survived the shooting.
Lyubomir Korba was detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia on Feb. 8. Alexeyev survived the shooting.
The devil’s due: Why Putin’s pursuit of a multipolar world risks ruin for Russia itself
Russia’s position in a world where might makes right faces greater challenges than under the rules-based system, argues political scientist Seva Gunitsky @seva.bsky.social.
Russia’s position in a world where might makes right faces greater challenges than under the rules-based system, argues political scientist Seva Gunitsky @seva.bsky.social.
The devil’s due: Why Putin’s pursuit of a multipolar world risks ruin for Russia itself
On Feb. 5, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) — arguably the last functioning strategically significant Russian-American agreement in the field of international security — ceased to b...
theins.press
February 9, 2026 at 1:52 PM
The devil’s due: Why Putin’s pursuit of a multipolar world risks ruin for Russia itself
Russia’s position in a world where might makes right faces greater challenges than under the rules-based system, argues political scientist Seva Gunitsky @seva.bsky.social.
Russia’s position in a world where might makes right faces greater challenges than under the rules-based system, argues political scientist Seva Gunitsky @seva.bsky.social.
Resistance network coverage: Iranian protesters have shown the world how to combat internet shutdowns
With the State Duma passing a bill for complete internet shutdowns in Russia, their experience could prove useful to ordinary Russians in the future.
With the State Duma passing a bill for complete internet shutdowns in Russia, their experience could prove useful to ordinary Russians in the future.
Resistance network coverage: Iranian protesters have shown the world how to combat internet shutdowns
After a 20-day internet shutdown, Iranian authorities are gradually restoring access to the web, albeit under restrictive measures that include “whitelists” and mandatory user identification. Official...
theins.press
February 9, 2026 at 8:33 AM
Resistance network coverage: Iranian protesters have shown the world how to combat internet shutdowns
With the State Duma passing a bill for complete internet shutdowns in Russia, their experience could prove useful to ordinary Russians in the future.
With the State Duma passing a bill for complete internet shutdowns in Russia, their experience could prove useful to ordinary Russians in the future.
Public health scholar from St. Petersburg detained for “state treason” over publications allegedly accessed by Norwegian intelligence
The case against Alexei Dudarev is based on his co-authored publications in respected scientific journals.
The case against Alexei Dudarev is based on his co-authored publications in respected scientific journals.
Public health scholar from St. Petersburg detained for “state treason” over publications allegedly accessed by Norwegian intelligence
A court in St. Petersburg has placed medical scholar Alexei Dudarev in pretrial detention. According to the human rights project Pervyi Otdel, Dudarev is facing charges of “state treason” over academi...
theins.press
February 6, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Public health scholar from St. Petersburg detained for “state treason” over publications allegedly accessed by Norwegian intelligence
The case against Alexei Dudarev is based on his co-authored publications in respected scientific journals.
The case against Alexei Dudarev is based on his co-authored publications in respected scientific journals.
Russian inmates are having up to 75% of their money transfers confiscated. Why?
Amendments to the Penal Enforcement Code state explicitly that inmates must reimburse the cost of their upkeep from their salaries, pensions, and other income.
Amendments to the Penal Enforcement Code state explicitly that inmates must reimburse the cost of their upkeep from their salaries, pensions, and other income.
Russian inmates are having up to 75% of their money transfers confiscated. Why?
In a number of Russian penal colonies and prisons, up to 75% of money transfers sent to inmates by relatives and loved ones are being withheld in order to “cover the costs of their upkeep
theins.press
February 6, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Russian inmates are having up to 75% of their money transfers confiscated. Why?
Amendments to the Penal Enforcement Code state explicitly that inmates must reimburse the cost of their upkeep from their salaries, pensions, and other income.
Amendments to the Penal Enforcement Code state explicitly that inmates must reimburse the cost of their upkeep from their salaries, pensions, and other income.
When rules no longer rule: Global institutions are failing, and it is far from clear what might replace them
The resulting chaos will sooner or later bring the world to a new order, which could take various forms.
The resulting chaos will sooner or later bring the world to a new order, which could take various forms.
When rules no longer rule: Global institutions are failing, and it is far from clear what might replace them
On Jan. 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington is prepared to use force to ensure “maximum cooperation” from Venezuela’s leadership. The capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro by Ame...
theins.press
February 6, 2026 at 3:45 PM
When rules no longer rule: Global institutions are failing, and it is far from clear what might replace them
The resulting chaos will sooner or later bring the world to a new order, which could take various forms.
The resulting chaos will sooner or later bring the world to a new order, which could take various forms.
Talking points from Moscow: How RT and the GRU set the agenda on German-language Telegram
Using a layered system of Kremlin-controlled channels, Putin's propagandists have effectively become the main source for several German-language influencers.
Using a layered system of Kremlin-controlled channels, Putin's propagandists have effectively become the main source for several German-language influencers.
Talking points from Moscow: How RT and the GRU set the agenda on German-language Telegram
The Insider and Novaya Gazeta Europe have found that half of all sociopolitical content in the German-language segment of Telegram is controlled by the RT (formerly Russia Today) media network, which ...
theins.press
February 6, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Talking points from Moscow: How RT and the GRU set the agenda on German-language Telegram
Using a layered system of Kremlin-controlled channels, Putin's propagandists have effectively become the main source for several German-language influencers.
Using a layered system of Kremlin-controlled channels, Putin's propagandists have effectively become the main source for several German-language influencers.
Top GRU general Vladimir Alexeyev shot several times in Moscow attack
The first deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition.
The first deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition.
Top GRU general Vladimir Alexeyev shot several times in Moscow attack
An unidentified assailant fired several shots at Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, the first deputy head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, Russian news agencies reported (1, 2, 3) earlier today,...
theins.press
February 6, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Top GRU general Vladimir Alexeyev shot several times in Moscow attack
The first deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition.
The first deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition.
“Programs about Christ followed by beatings half to death”: Kherson’s ex-mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko on his years in Russian captivity
The ex-mayor described how he was pressured to cooperate, and how men went mad in prison, unable to withstand torture.
The ex-mayor described how he was pressured to cooperate, and how men went mad in prison, unable to withstand torture.
“Programs about Christ followed by beatings half to death”: Kherson’s ex-mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko on his years in Russian captivity
Former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko returned to Ukraine on Aug. 24, 2025, after spending nearly three and a half years in Russian captivity. After Russia’s seizure of Kherson in March 2022, occ...
theins.press
February 6, 2026 at 7:21 AM
“Programs about Christ followed by beatings half to death”: Kherson’s ex-mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko on his years in Russian captivity
The ex-mayor described how he was pressured to cooperate, and how men went mad in prison, unable to withstand torture.
The ex-mayor described how he was pressured to cooperate, and how men went mad in prison, unable to withstand torture.
London court sentences Russian captain of cargo ship that collided with U.S. tanker to six years in prison
Last March, the container ship Solong struck the MV Stena Immaculate, which was carrying 220,000 barrels or Jet A-1 aviation fuel intended for the U.S. Air Force.
Last March, the container ship Solong struck the MV Stena Immaculate, which was carrying 220,000 barrels or Jet A-1 aviation fuel intended for the U.S. Air Force.
London court sentences Russian captain of cargo ship that collided with U.S. tanker to six years in prison
A London court has sentenced Russian ship captain Vladimir Motin to six years in prison in a case involving a collision between the container ship Solong (IMO: 9322554) and the U.S.-flagged tanker Ste...
theins.press
February 5, 2026 at 7:29 PM
London court sentences Russian captain of cargo ship that collided with U.S. tanker to six years in prison
Last March, the container ship Solong struck the MV Stena Immaculate, which was carrying 220,000 barrels or Jet A-1 aviation fuel intended for the U.S. Air Force.
Last March, the container ship Solong struck the MV Stena Immaculate, which was carrying 220,000 barrels or Jet A-1 aviation fuel intended for the U.S. Air Force.
Russian war bloggers report Starlink outages after Kyiv announces “whitelists” and mandatory registration for terminals operating in Ukraine
A prominent pro-war channel noted Russian forces “took [Starlink] for granted” and have “no real alternative.”
A prominent pro-war channel noted Russian forces “took [Starlink] for granted” and have “no real alternative.”
Russian war bloggers report Starlink outages after Kyiv announces “whitelists” and mandatory registration for terminals operating in Ukraine
The satellite internet service Starlink stopped working for Russian forces in Ukraine on the evening of Feb. 4, according to multiple reports (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) from Russian military correspondents an...
theins.press
February 5, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Russian war bloggers report Starlink outages after Kyiv announces “whitelists” and mandatory registration for terminals operating in Ukraine
A prominent pro-war channel noted Russian forces “took [Starlink] for granted” and have “no real alternative.”
A prominent pro-war channel noted Russian forces “took [Starlink] for granted” and have “no real alternative.”
Armenian investigators name suspects in killing of Chechen woman Aishat Baymuradova, one was previously linked to terrorism case in Russia
The authorities said the suspects, both Russian citizens, acted on instructions from a “person not yet identified.”
The authorities said the suspects, both Russian citizens, acted on instructions from a “person not yet identified.”
Armenian investigators name suspects in killing of Chechen woman Aishat Baymuradova, one was previously linked to terrorism case in Russia
On Feb. 3, Armenia’s Investigative Committee officially named two suspects in the killing of 23-year-old Chechen woman Aishat Baymuradova, who had fled Russia to escape domestic abuse. According to a ...
theins.press
February 5, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Armenian investigators name suspects in killing of Chechen woman Aishat Baymuradova, one was previously linked to terrorism case in Russia
The authorities said the suspects, both Russian citizens, acted on instructions from a “person not yet identified.”
The authorities said the suspects, both Russian citizens, acted on instructions from a “person not yet identified.”
Gulf buddies: Arab monarchies are squabbling over regional standing, fossil fuels, and Trump’s attention
The conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in late December was just one in a long line of areas of competition among the region’s main players.
The conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in late December was just one in a long line of areas of competition among the region’s main players.
Gulf buddies: Arab monarchies are squabbling over regional standing, fossil fuels, and Trump’s attention
The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE entered a particularly heated phase in late December when Riyadh’s forces struck a shipment to a Yemeni port under Abu Dhabi’s control. A new war in the Gu...
theins.press
February 5, 2026 at 6:06 AM
Gulf buddies: Arab monarchies are squabbling over regional standing, fossil fuels, and Trump’s attention
The conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in late December was just one in a long line of areas of competition among the region’s main players.
The conflict between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in late December was just one in a long line of areas of competition among the region’s main players.
Russia's Matryoshka bots begin Epstein-themed disinfo campaign, focusing false claims against Ukraine and France
The network's new posts present themselves as reports from major outlets like @france24.com, @liberation.fr, @rfi.fr, @aljazeera.com and others, as per @antibot4navalny.bsky.social.
The network's new posts present themselves as reports from major outlets like @france24.com, @liberation.fr, @rfi.fr, @aljazeera.com and others, as per @antibot4navalny.bsky.social.
Russia’s Matryoshka bots begin Epstein-themed disinfo campaign, focusing false claims against Ukraine and France
The Kremlin-linked bot network known as “Matryoshka” has launched a disinformation campaign following the release by the U.S. Justice Department of new documents in the case of Jeffrey Epstein.The cam...
theins.press
February 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Russia's Matryoshka bots begin Epstein-themed disinfo campaign, focusing false claims against Ukraine and France
The network's new posts present themselves as reports from major outlets like @france24.com, @liberation.fr, @rfi.fr, @aljazeera.com and others, as per @antibot4navalny.bsky.social.
The network's new posts present themselves as reports from major outlets like @france24.com, @liberation.fr, @rfi.fr, @aljazeera.com and others, as per @antibot4navalny.bsky.social.
Moscow court hands stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin 5 years and 9 months in prison over two jokes
One of the jokes mentioned a legless man in the subway. It was interpreted as demeaning a veteran of Russia's “special military operation” in Ukraine. Another reflected on a scene from the Bible.
One of the jokes mentioned a legless man in the subway. It was interpreted as demeaning a veteran of Russia's “special military operation” in Ukraine. Another reflected on a scene from the Bible.
Moscow court hands stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin 5 years and 9 months in prison over two jokes
On Feb. 4, Moscow’s Meshchansky District Court sentenced stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin to five years and nine months in prison over two jokes he made during a stand-up performance. Ostanin was foun...
theins.press
February 4, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Moscow court hands stand-up comedian Artemy Ostanin 5 years and 9 months in prison over two jokes
One of the jokes mentioned a legless man in the subway. It was interpreted as demeaning a veteran of Russia's “special military operation” in Ukraine. Another reflected on a scene from the Bible.
One of the jokes mentioned a legless man in the subway. It was interpreted as demeaning a veteran of Russia's “special military operation” in Ukraine. Another reflected on a scene from the Bible.
Estonia detains Russia-bound container ship Baltic Spirit on suspicion of smuggling
A representative of the ship's operator, Cool Carriers, told The Insider that the vessel was carrying bananas to St. Petersburg.
A representative of the ship's operator, Cool Carriers, told The Insider that the vessel was carrying bananas to St. Petersburg.
Estonia detains Russia-bound container ship Baltic Spirit on suspicion of smuggling
At approximately 5 p.m. local time on Feb. 3, Estonia detained the container ship Baltic Spirit (IMO: 9765873) while it was anchored at a fueling site near the island of Naissaar, near Tallinn. The ve...
theins.press
February 4, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Estonia detains Russia-bound container ship Baltic Spirit on suspicion of smuggling
A representative of the ship's operator, Cool Carriers, told The Insider that the vessel was carrying bananas to St. Petersburg.
A representative of the ship's operator, Cool Carriers, told The Insider that the vessel was carrying bananas to St. Petersburg.
Polish Defense Ministry employee detained on suspicion of working for Russian and Belarusian intelligence
While the ministry did not disclose details, media reports identified the employee as a 60-year-old man who had worked at the MoD since the 1990s.
While the ministry did not disclose details, media reports identified the employee as a 60-year-old man who had worked at the MoD since the 1990s.
Polish Defense Ministry employee detained on suspicion of working for Russian and Belarusian intelligence
Poland’s Defense Ministry reported earlier today that one of its employees has been detained on suspicion of working for a foreign intelligence service. According to the statement, the arrest took pla...
theins.press
February 3, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Polish Defense Ministry employee detained on suspicion of working for Russian and Belarusian intelligence
While the ministry did not disclose details, media reports identified the employee as a 60-year-old man who had worked at the MoD since the 1990s.
While the ministry did not disclose details, media reports identified the employee as a 60-year-old man who had worked at the MoD since the 1990s.
Hungary files lawsuit to challenge EU decision on phaseout of Russian gas imports
“Without Russian oil and natural gas, we cannot guarantee our country’s energy security,” Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated.
“Without Russian oil and natural gas, we cannot guarantee our country’s energy security,” Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated.
Hungary files lawsuit to challenge EU decision on phaseout of Russian gas imports
Hungary has filed a lawsuit with the European Court challenging the REPowerEU regulation, which fully bans imports of Russian gas starting in 2027
theins.press
February 3, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Hungary files lawsuit to challenge EU decision on phaseout of Russian gas imports
“Without Russian oil and natural gas, we cannot guarantee our country’s energy security,” Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated.
“Without Russian oil and natural gas, we cannot guarantee our country’s energy security,” Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated.
The roadmap to Damascus: Syria’s new government is struggling to bring the Kurds under its authority
The continued lack of Kurdish autonomy threatens to spark new tensions in the region, where the Kurds have a strong ally — Israel.
The continued lack of Kurdish autonomy threatens to spark new tensions in the region, where the Kurds have a strong ally — Israel.
The roadmap to Damascus: Syria’s new government is struggling to bring the Kurds under its authority
A year after coming to power, Syria's interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa is taking active steps to bring Rojava — or Syrian Kurdistan, the country's last fully autonomous self-governing territory — und...
theins.press
February 3, 2026 at 6:48 AM
The roadmap to Damascus: Syria’s new government is struggling to bring the Kurds under its authority
The continued lack of Kurdish autonomy threatens to spark new tensions in the region, where the Kurds have a strong ally — Israel.
The continued lack of Kurdish autonomy threatens to spark new tensions in the region, where the Kurds have a strong ally — Israel.
Ukraine’s defense minister and Elon Musk agree that efforts to block Russian drones from using Starlink are yielding results
Kyiv will create a “whitelist” for Starlink terminals requiring devices used in Ukraine to be registered or face disconnection.
Kyiv will create a “whitelist” for Starlink terminals requiring devices used in Ukraine to be registered or face disconnection.
Ukraine’s defense minister and Elon Musk agree that efforts to block Russian drones from using Starlink are yielding results
The Ukrainian government has approved a resolution to create a “whitelist” for Starlink satellite communication terminals, according to a Feb. 2 statement from Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who l...
theins.press
February 2, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Ukraine’s defense minister and Elon Musk agree that efforts to block Russian drones from using Starlink are yielding results
Kyiv will create a “whitelist” for Starlink terminals requiring devices used in Ukraine to be registered or face disconnection.
Kyiv will create a “whitelist” for Starlink terminals requiring devices used in Ukraine to be registered or face disconnection.
Russia begins restoration work on abandoned military base near Finnish border
Helsinki’s military intelligence warns that as military infrastructure development progresses, Russia’s ability to conduct operations in the region will increase.
Helsinki’s military intelligence warns that as military infrastructure development progresses, Russia’s ability to conduct operations in the region will increase.
Russia begins restoration work on abandoned military base near Finnish border
In 2025, Russia began restoring an abandoned Soviet-era military base in Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia, near the border with Finland
theins.press
February 2, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Russia begins restoration work on abandoned military base near Finnish border
Helsinki’s military intelligence warns that as military infrastructure development progresses, Russia’s ability to conduct operations in the region will increase.
Helsinki’s military intelligence warns that as military infrastructure development progresses, Russia’s ability to conduct operations in the region will increase.
Crimean resident deported from Kazakhstan to Russia will stand trial for treason
Kazakh authorities took mere hours to process Oleksandr Kachkurkin's deportation case. In Russia, he faces the prospect of life imprisonment.
Kazakh authorities took mere hours to process Oleksandr Kachkurkin's deportation case. In Russia, he faces the prospect of life imprisonment.
Crimean resident deported from Kazakhstan to Russia will stand trial for treason
Crimean-born Oleksandr Kachkurkin, who had been living in Almaty in recent years, was deported from Kazakhstan and arrested on charges of treason upon his arrival in Russia
theins.press
February 2, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Crimean resident deported from Kazakhstan to Russia will stand trial for treason
Kazakh authorities took mere hours to process Oleksandr Kachkurkin's deportation case. In Russia, he faces the prospect of life imprisonment.
Kazakh authorities took mere hours to process Oleksandr Kachkurkin's deportation case. In Russia, he faces the prospect of life imprisonment.
Malaysia detains two tankers, seizes oil cargo
The Insider found that the operation involved a U.S.-sanctioned tanker that is linked to Iran, while the receiving vessel appears on European Union sanctions lists related to Russia.
The Insider found that the operation involved a U.S.-sanctioned tanker that is linked to Iran, while the receiving vessel appears on European Union sanctions lists related to Russia.
Malaysia detains two tankers, seizes oil cargo
Malaysian authorities have detained two oil tankers suspected of conducting an illegal ship-to-ship transfer and seized a cargo of crude worth approximately $130 million, Reuters reported on Sunday, c...
theins.press
February 2, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Malaysia detains two tankers, seizes oil cargo
The Insider found that the operation involved a U.S.-sanctioned tanker that is linked to Iran, while the receiving vessel appears on European Union sanctions lists related to Russia.
The Insider found that the operation involved a U.S.-sanctioned tanker that is linked to Iran, while the receiving vessel appears on European Union sanctions lists related to Russia.