This week, we've got some nice, alliterative shawarma shutdowns, approved apps, and coughing Kadyrov.

This week, stealing a ridiculous amount of butter leads to punishment; Chechen nepotism knows no bounds; and Russians hope for an end of the pandemic (don't we all?).

The president of Russia's neighbor Belarus ended 2020 the same way he started it: in denial over the coronavirus pandemic.

This week, we mark the end of 2020 with transportation stats, social media monitoring, and preparations for wild celebrations.

This week, your mother turns out to be right all along; Aeroflot adapts to COVID; and the European Commission says you can get good, free movies from Russian social media.

A recent survey of the elderly finds that one-fifth of pensioners hope to supplement their income with a blog.

This week, politicians are caught red-handed; surrogate motherhood and gambling are (apparently) the same; and Putin isn't as hip with the youth as you'd think.

The “Orthodox oligarch” is starting a political organization to promote politicians who share his views.

A police chief in Novosibirsk has been convicted of corruption charges after accepting Caucasian dumplings as brides.

This week, Lada outdoes itself; emergency services fall short; and cows (and men) finally get the appreciation they're due.

What’s the deal with this governmental agency with the weird name?

This week, the Russian army gets new toys; a university administrator doesn't quit while he's ahead; and Lukashenko keeps doing his thing, much to our chagrin.