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Gregory Feifer Gregory Feifer reports for NPR from Moscow, covering Russia's resurgence under President Vladimir Putin and the country's transition to the post-Putin era. He files from other Soviet republics and across Russia, where he's observed the effects of the country's vast new oil wealth on an increasingly nationalistic society as well as Moscow's rekindling of a new Cold War-style opposition to the West.
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Gregory Feifer

Story Archive

Saturday

Space

Tensions Brew In U.S.-Russian Space Partnership

The international space station was conceived as a technological showcase of what countries can do when they work together. But recent disputes between NASA and the Russian space agency have revealed problems in the relationship, just as the U.S. prepares to retire its space shuttle fleet and rely on the Russians' Soyuz rocket.

Tensions Brew In U.S.-Russian Space Partnership

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Tuesday

World

Tank Battalion Mutinies At Georgian Military Base

Defense officials in the former Soviet republic of Georgia say a tank battalion has mutinied at a military base near the capital Tbilisi. The fighting broke out after the arrest of a former special forces commander accused of planning to disrupt NATO exercises.

Tank Battalion Mutinies At Georgian Military Base

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Friday

World

U.S., Russia To Restart Arms Talks Amid Tensions

The two countries begin talks on a new agreement to replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. The treaty expires in December; both sides say they want to reach a deal before then. But deep-rooted tensions between Moscow and Washington may pose a major obstacle to success.

U.S., Russia To Restart Arms Talks Amid Tensions

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Tuesday

World

Obama To Meet With Russia's President Medvedev

President Obama hopes to reverse a serious slide in relations with Moscow when he meets Russian President Dmitri Medvedev for the first time Wednesday. They'll get together in London on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

Obama To Meet With Russia's President Medvedev

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Monday

Essay

Nixon, Khrushchev And A Story Of Cold War Love

Washington and Moscow have often inched toward rapprochement. Amid the Cold War, one iconic episode of detente took place 50 years ago this summer. It has special significance for NPR's Moscow correspondent.

Nixon, Khrushchev And A Story Of Cold War Love

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Wednesday

World

Soviet Legacy Looms Large In Russian Schools

Teachers and principals in Russian schools say the government is providing more money for education, but discouraging critical examination of Soviet history. Meanwhile parents complain that widespread bribery for good grades is eroding standards.

Soviet Legacy Looms Large In Russian Schools

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Wednesday

World

Russia To Upgrade Military Forces

Russia says it plans to spend billions of dollars upgrading its nuclear weapons and the rest of its military forces. President Dmitry Medvedev says the program is a response to what he described as NATO pressure on Russia's borders.

Russia To Upgrade Military Forces

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Friday

World

It Takes More Dough To Buy Russian Bread

Bread has a major place in Russian culture. It's more than just a staple. In Russia's turbulent history it's often been the only thing that's kept people alive. Now this delicious part of Russian life is under threat.

It Takes More Dough To Buy Russian Bread

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Tuesday

World

Jailed Russian Tycoon On Trial For New Charges

Former Russian billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky is on trial in Moscow for a second time. Supporters say Khordorkovsky's original arrest and conviction was political because of his opposition to the Kremlin. Two years before his scheduled release from a Siberian prison camp, he faces another 22 years in jail.

Jailed Russian Tycoon On Trial For New Charges

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Thursday

World

Russian Baths Offer Respite From Bitter Winters

In Russia, the legendary fierce winter starts to seem endless around this time of year. That helps explain Russians' abiding love for a central part of life: the sauna baths Russians call the banya, which have their own traditions and customs.

Russian Baths Offer Respite From Bitter Winters

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Thursday

World

Suspects Acquitted In Russian Journalist's Murder

The trial of three men accused of taking part in the killing of Russian investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya ended in acquittal Thursday. The case is yet another reminder of the dangers facing those who publicly criticize the Russian government.

Suspects Acquitted In Russian Journalist's Murder

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Tuesday

World

Moscow Sends Mixed Messages To Obama

The Obama administration has offered to "reset" relations with Russia, which became increasingly strained during the last years of the Bush presidency. But many Russian analysts see little hope for optimism.

Moscow Sends Mixed Messages To Obama

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Sunday

World

Russians Mark Anniversary Of Afghan War's End

The grueling, decade-long war was a humiliating failure for a crumbling superpower. But 20 years later, Russians say it's a failure that holds grave implications for U.S. and NATO forces now in Afghanistan.

Russians Mark Anniversary Of Afghan War's End

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Thursday

World

Russia Tries To Control Former Soviet Central Asia

Just two weeks into President Obama's administration, Russia is moving to reassert its influence over former Soviet republics in Central Asia. Moscow is pushing military cooperation and offering financial aid in what some say is reminiscent of the Kremlin's client-state relationships during the Cold War.

Russia Tries To Control Former Soviet Central Asia

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Friday

World

Critics Assail Revived Russian Church's Kremlin Ties

The Russian Orthodox Church elected a new leader this week. The church has become wealthy and highly visible since it emerged out of decades of suppression under the Soviet Union. But critics say it is more concerned with building power than with serving ordinary Russians.

Critics Assail Revived Russian Church's Kremlin Ties

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Monday

World

Masked Gunman Kills Russian Human Rights Lawyer

A top Russian human rights lawyer was shot dead last week on a central Moscow street along with a young journalist walking with him. Several critics of the Kremlin have been killed in recent years in cases that remain unsolved. Lawyers who have been fighting for human rights in Russia fear the latest shooting won't be the last.

Masked Gunman Kills Russian Human Rights Lawyer

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Tuesday

World

Russian Layoffs May Spark Political Backlash

Plummeting oil prices have sent shock waves through Russia's economy, and there are worries that the beginning of 2009 will bring a wave of layoffs across the country. Tens of thousands have already lost their jobs, and some suggest that resulting social unrest might cause a backlash against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Russian Layoffs May Spark Political Backlash

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Friday

World

Russia Agrees To Deal To Resume Gas Supplies

Russia said it would sign a deal Friday to resume natural gas supplies to Europe, fueling hopes for an end to Europe's energy crisis. A Russian dispute with Ukraine has left large areas of Europe without heat as record freezing temperatures hit many parts of the continent.

Russia Agrees To Deal To Resume Gas Supplies

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Wednesday

Gazprom And Russia's Foreign Policy

Serbia Plays Key Role In Russian Gas Pipeline Plans

Belgrade is part of a fierce struggle between Russia and the West over the future of energy supplies to Europe. Russia has taken control of Serbia's state oil and gas industry, while the Serbian capital hopes to be a hub for a major Russian gas pipeline.

Serbia Plays Key Role In Russian Gas Pipeline Plans

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Tuesday

Gazprom And Russia's Foreign Policy

Natural Gas Powers Russian-German Ties

Germany is the biggest customer of Russia's state natural gas monopoly, Gazprom. It supplies more than 40 percent of Germany's gas. Some worry that Russia is using its natural resources as a political weapon, but others say the influence goes both ways.

Natural Gas Powers Russian-German Ties

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Monday

Gazprom And Russia's Foreign Policy

Gas Monopoly Fuels, Finances Moscow's Might

Russia's state-controlled gas monopoly is the world's largest producer of natural gas. Despite recent financial setbacks, Gazprom still pumps billions of dollars into the government's budget and plans to continue plans to expand its global reach.

Gas Monopoly Fuels, Finances Moscow's Might

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Friday

World

Europeans Worry Gas Shutoff Will Leave Them Cold

Western countries are calling on Russia to resolve its dispute with Ukraine over natural gas prices. Moscow has shut off gas supplies to Ukraine for a second day. Energy companies in Europe say their flow of Russian gas hasn't been affected. But concern is mounting that a prolonged standoff may threaten deliveries to Western Europe.

Europeans Worry Gas Shutoff Will Leave Them Cold

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Wednesday

World

Russia Vows To Cut Ukraine Gas Supplies

The New Year tussle over prices for natural gas and outstanding debt payments between Russia and Ukraine has become almost an annual tradition. This winter, the two sides are at loggerheads over money, with Russia threatening to cut off supplies to the Ukrainians. Supplies to Western Europe could be affected.

Russia Vows To Cut Ukraine Gas Supplies

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