If you build it, they will come. Well, they would, if they weren't all practicing social distancing.

Russia's president discovers ancient pottery, goes spearfishing, and visits a coronavirus hospital.

“This is war. The enemy is invisible, but some lines of the front are clear. Today's difficulties, of course, are far from the horrors known to our history, and that includes the Blockade. That was much worse than today, and scarier.... The noble experience and mysticism of the besieged Hermitage remains with us always and serves as an example.”

- General Director of the State Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky, in a Facebook post on how the Hermitage is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic

In this week's Odder News, the Moscow Zoo tries a new marketing tactic; a consumer protection agency gives its condom recommendations; and high winds call for desperate measures.

An Archangelsk police chief is in hot water for using his subordinates to build a banya.

A public opinion survey reveals that Russians are averse to a woman holding Putin's office.

If you believe the papers, Russia is in the grips of протестное настроение, which literally means a mood for protest, but which might be better translated as “loaded for bear.”

In which Russia discovers old frescoes, a lost grave, and a new PM. Among other news.

300 years of book burnings, banishments, and censorship in Russian books.

“I noticed that there are places here, shall we say, for contemplation.” said a Duma deputy, referring to… the bathroom. He continued: “And when important issues are being discussed, they should broadcast it there.”

A Siberian city looks to beautify itself with an excessive amount of flowers.

This week's Odder News: Belarus, the "Switzerland of the East," quiet hours, and tank-fueled wedding proposals.