Civil Society
Civil society and its resilience under authoritarian pressure, in Russia and beyond: how people defend human rights and free expression, how the state works to silence them, and why independent voices and grassroots initiative still matter for a democratic future
“The Silent Middle”
Why the Absence of Mass Protest in Russia Is Not Evidence of Consensus
“When It Comes to Prisoner Exchanges,
the Principle Is Simple: People First”
According to the human rights organization, Viasna, there are currently at least 839 political prisoners in Belarus. Of them, 112 are women. Sasha Starost spoke with Yevgeniya Dolgaya,…
Fear, Unfreedom, and Migration Intentions
Under War and a Repressive Regime
“Their Minds Only Work Backward in Time”
How the Russian State Is Trying to Turn Science Backward in the Era of Total War
Leadership Without Permission
Women Demonstrate Strength in Unquiet Times
Sixteen Were Freed. More Than 1,600 Remain
And They Will Shape Russia’s Future
Politics of Fear
How Repression Turned Justice Into a Tool of Control
Ukraine: Russia’s Continuing Violations of International Law Against Civilians and POWs
Updates for 2024–2025
“The dead usually remain silent”
Vladimir Zhbankov on the fate of kidnapped Ukrainian citizens
“The release of political prisoners must be a prerequisite for negotiations”
Sergei Davidis and Ivan Pavlov on the lessons of last year’s exchange, the future of political prisoners, and practical tools for fighting for freedom