Nicholas Hoult rehearses lines for 'The Great,' a Hulu comedy about Catherine the Great's rise to power. The series, set in East London, portrays a fictionalized Russian court.

The International Criminal Court has started an investigation into potential war crimes by Russia in Ukraine. Challenges include gathering evidence and legal limitations preventing swift action against Russian leadership, including President Putin.

Despite current tensions, historical U.S.-Soviet cooperation during the Cold War on polio and smallpox eradication offers hope for renewed 'vaccine diplomacy'. Recent high-level U.S.-Russia dialogues suggest potential, but past conflicts and recent events like the Ukraine crisis and election interference complicate relationships.

The book explores socialist and post-socialist childhoods, blending personal memoirs with scholarly analysis. It challenges simplistic views through diverse, detailed accounts, contributing significantly to childhood studies and comparative education. The FreshEd Podcast

The article discusses Vladimir Putin's history of deceit and manipulation in Russian politics, highlighting his strategic use of lies to suppress opposition and maintain power, evidenced by cases like the apartment bombings in 1999 and the assassination of Boris Nemtsov in 2015. Theconversation.com

U.S. cities are reevaluating sister-city ties with Russian cities due to the Ukraine invasion. Decisions are tough, reflecting on decades of nonpolitical cooperation amidst geopolitical crises. Some U.S.-Russia partnerships persist, but many are inactive, while U.S.-Ukraine relationships grow.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for deporting Ukrainian children. This marks Putin as the third sitting leader indicted by the ICC. The interview discusses ICC's origins, challenges, and its authority, highlighting its non-UN, treaty-based nature.

The article examines the role of Russian private military security contractors (PMSCs), particularly the Wagner Group, in proxy wars in the Middle East and beyond. It explores their operations, legal status, and impact on Russia's international strategy and relations. Newamerica.org

Alexei Navalny, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin, has inspired mass protests across Russia against government corruption and for civil liberties, despite facing arrests and an assassination attempt. His actions resonate with historical calls for a rule-of-law based, normal European country. Theconversation.com

The Russian Orthodox Church published a 'black list of false clerics' to warn believers about fraudulent figures. Despite intentions, links provided to their online content may inadvertently increase their popularity and challenge the Church's authority. Publicorthodoxy.org

Calls for prosecuting Russian President Putin for war crimes in Ukraine are increasing. Despite skepticism, history shows successful prosecutions occur when leaders lose power. International courts face challenges without enforcement powers, yet political pressure and incentives can lead to trials. Theconversation.com

The article discusses the split in the Orthodox Church due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, contrasting responses from Patriarchs Bartholomew and Kirill. It provides insights into the structure, history, and theological distinctions of Orthodox Christianity, including its autocephalous churches and ecumenical relations. Theconversation.com