Ticks are good, good grades are bad, and please, don’t drink the water. 

Sorry, Bulgakov – the devil didn’t come to Moscow this time, but prizes and panties did.

Russia remembers the War and recovers from an air tragedy. 

Moss, kneeless bears, diamonds, and volunteers (not serfs) are the worth of Russia’s earth.

Defending gay rights, yoga, recycling, and a stress-free childhood. Yes, in Russia.

What would the world be like without a wee boy, women, or whales in the wild? Definitely worse.

Russia’s full of crazy (but lovable) animal stories this week: polar bears, camels, and fathers, oh my!

This week got a little shifty, with trash sent in packages, a possible tax evasion scheme, and a game retelling a contentious moment in recent Russian history.

The post-holiday doldrums must not exist in Russia, where we find stories of hope, change, and a mayor that cares.

Russian Orthodox Christmas has come and gone, leaving us with all sorts of holiday lunacy. 

2018 is out, 2019 is in, and even with the holidays, Russian news didn’t stop.

We look back and some of our, and your, favorite stories from The Weekly Russia File during 2018.