Residents of an apartment building damaged after shelling by the Ukrainian side stand near the building in Kursk, Russia

Falling Out of Love With Sports — And the Russian Regime

Alena Zavarzina, a former Russian Olympic snowboarder, reflects on her journey from being a celebrated athlete in Russia to becoming a visual artist in London, critical of the Russian regime. Her story highlights the intertwining of sports and politics in Russia, her disillusionment with the system, and her opposition to the war in Ukraine. Despite her past patriotism, Zavarzina now distances herself from the Kremlin, expressing concerns over Russia's authoritarianism and its impact on her life and career. The article also touches on the broader context of sportswashing and the challenges faced by Russian athletes amid international sanctions and political tensions.

Pushkin House Shortlists Elena Kostyuchenko's 'I Love Russia' for 2024 Book Prize

Elena Kostyuchenko's book 'I Love Russia' has been shortlisted for the 2024 Pushkin House Book Prize. The book, a memoir and essay collection, explores the dark realities of life in Russia under President Vladimir Putin, including authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and the war in Ukraine. Kostyuchenko, a journalist with Novaya Gazeta, has faced personal danger due to her reporting, including an attempted poisoning. Despite being in exile in Germany, she continues her work and will join a fellowship at Harvard University. The book provides a detailed account of Russia's descent into authoritarianism and the impact on its citizens, particularly marginalized groups.

Everything changed. Ukraine’s literary star Serhiy Zhadan on 5 years since Euromaidan

Serhiy Zhadan, a prominent Ukrainian novelist, poet, and political activist, reflects on the profound changes in Ukraine and his own life since the Euromaidan protests. He discusses his involvement in the protests, the impact of the ongoing conflict with Russian-backed separatists, and his views on language, culture, and politics in Ukraine. Zhadan emphasizes the importance of Ukrainian identity and patriotism while rejecting nationalism. He also shares his current projects, including music albums, an opera, and a novel about the start of the war in 2014.

Tom Parfitt’s ‘High Caucasus’ is Shortlisted for Pushkin House Book Prize

Tom Parfitt's book 'High Caucasus' is a travelogue and historical exploration of Russia's North Caucasus, reflecting on the region's complex history of violence and ethnic tensions. The narrative intertwines personal stories with broader historical events, such as the Chechen wars and Stalin's deportations, offering insights into the enduring impact of these conflicts. Parfitt's journey, undertaken years ago, provides a poignant perspective on a region now less accessible due to increased authoritarianism. The book is recognized for its lyrical descriptions and engaging storytelling, capturing the resilience of the people and the haunting beauty of the landscape.

Tom Parfitt’s ‘High Caucasus’ is Shortlisted for Pushkin House Book Prize

Tom Parfitt's book 'High Caucasus' is a travelogue and historical exploration of Russia's North Caucasus, reflecting on the region's complex history of violence and ethnic tensions. The narrative intertwines Parfitt's personal journey with historical events, such as the Beslan school siege, Chechen wars, and Stalin's deportations. Through vivid descriptions and encounters with locals, Parfitt delves into themes of grief, healing, and the legacy of conflict. The book, shortlisted for the Pushkin House Book Prize, offers a poignant reflection on the region's past and present, resonating with current geopolitical tensions.

In conservative Poland, gay literary couple ‘Maryla Szymiczkowa’ are cutting a defiant path

Jacek Dehnel and Piotr Tarczynski, a gay literary couple known as 'Maryla Szymiczkowa', are challenging societal norms in conservative Poland through their murder mystery series. Despite the risks in a country where same-sex marriage is illegal and the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has launched an anti-LGBTQ campaign, they openly discuss their relationship and insist on visibility to change attitudes. Their character Turbotyńska, a conservative, bourgeois woman, is the protagonist of their 'cosy crime' series set in historical Krakow, which they meticulously research to ensure authenticity.

‘Russia’s Cartier-Bresson’: how Dmitry Markov captured beauty amidst the brutality of Putin’s regime

Dmitry Markov, a renowned Russian photographer known for capturing the essence of Russian society, particularly its most vulnerable, passed away at the age of 41. His work, which often featured orphans, alcoholics, addicts, and the homeless, offered a stark contrast to the official narratives of Russia under Putin's regime. Markov, who had a history of heroin addiction and personal struggles, used his iPhone for photography, amassing nearly a million Instagram followers. He combined his art with philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes. Despite criticism for remaining in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, Markov felt tied to the country and its people. His death prompted widespread appreciation for his contributions to socially oriented Russian art.

‘Russia’s Cartier-Bresson’: how Dmitry Markov captured beauty amidst the brutality of Putin’s regime

Dmitry Markov, a renowned Russian photographer known for capturing the essence of Russian life, particularly its most vulnerable citizens, passed away earlier this month. His work, which often featured orphans, alcoholics, addicts, and the homeless, provided a stark contrast to the official narratives of Russia under Putin's regime. Markov, who had a history of heroin addiction and personal struggles, used his photography as a means of philanthropy and personal healing. Despite criticism for remaining in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, Markov felt a deep connection to the Russian people. His death has sparked widespread appreciation for his contributions to socially oriented art, with some critics comparing him to historical figures like Ilya Repin and Caravaggio.

‘Russia’s Cartier-Bresson’: how Dmitry Markov captured beauty amidst the brutality of Putin’s regime

Dmitry Markov, a celebrated Russian photographer known for his empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities, passed away at 41. His work, often capturing the harsh realities of life under Putin's regime, gained widespread acclaim and criticism. Markov's photography, primarily using an iPhone and shared on Instagram, highlighted the beauty amidst brutality in modern Russia. Despite his personal struggles with addiction and a troubled past, Markov's legacy is celebrated for its deep social impact and artistic brilliance.