Latest posts by Masha
Musicians Seen As “Pro-Russian” Are Not Welcome in the UK and Latvia
When singer Valeriya arrived at the Royal Albert Hall for her concert, which she was supposed to perform with Iosef Kobzon, she was met with over one hundred anti-Putin protesters.
Critical Independent Theater Company Faces Eviction in Moscow
"There [was] no reason [given], and it is not indicated on the termination (statement). Therefore, I conclude that it has something to do with plays."
Russian and Ukrainian Musicians Caught Between Conflict, Bitter Rhetoric and Bans
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict unfolds, political borders turn into cultural borders, and artists on both sides suffer the consequences.
How Russia’s Anti-Profanity Law Is Affecting Independent Filmmakers
Russian filmmakers are still grappling with how the anti-profanity law will affect their work and Russian culture at large.
Russia's Far East Beset with Toxic Japanese Cars

Vladivostok, a remote city in the Russian Far East, is notorious for the many used Japanese cars on its roads, which are possibly the worst in the country.
Russia: Activist Jailed on Trumped Up Drug Charges

Earlier this week, the list of what many are calling Russia's 'political prisoners' grew yet again. On August 28, activist Taisiya Osipova was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug possession: four years more than the prosecution had requested.
Russia: Oppositionists Ponder Putin's Legacy

With Moscow's next anti-government mass rally scheduled for 'Russia Day' on June 12, 2012, the protest movement reflects on May's 'Million Man March,' which ended in violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Who was to blame, and what are the prospects for Putin in his third presidential term? Masha Egupova reports.
Russia: Vladivostok's Pre-Election Puzzle

Everyone and everything has turned political on the eve of the March 4 presidential election in Russia. The city of Vladivostok has caught this pre-election fever as well. Masha Egupova reports.
Russia: Pro-Putin Rally in Vladivostok Causes Controversy

Pro-Putin rallies, also known as Putings, took place in many Russian cities last weekend. One such Puting caused a scandal in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, which is renowned for its strong support of the opposition and for anti-Kremlin moods in general. Masha Egupova reports.
Russia: Post-Election Protest in Vladivostok on December 10

Prior to the national protests that took place on December 10 in various Russian cities, Vladivostok internet community has been actively discussing the necessity to protest. Masha Egupova reported the events and discussion.
Russia: Shark Attacks in Vladivostok

Russia is not known for sharks attacks, but this summer a number of incidents have occurred. Masha Egupova reports, and examines the blogosphere's response to the recent spate of shark attacks in the Russian Far East.
Russia: Vladivostok Bloggers Choose the City’s Flag

As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit of 2012 approaches, local authorities of the Russian maritime city of Vladivostok are busy with preparations, but creative netizens have pointed out that the city does not have an official flag for the event. Here are some of the creative suggestions put forward to remedy this.
Russia: Blogger Detained for Spreading Bombing Rumors

Masha Egupova analyzes the cases of Ilya Korol, Far East blogger who got detained for a terroristic act rumor, and the new government initiatives that are aimed to monitor and control such "dangerous content."
Russia: How Vladivostok Christmas Tree Craziness Made Me Laugh

People in Vladivostok never lose their sense of humor. Otherwise one would be in the perpetual state of depression. They laugh about everything from nerve-racking traffic jams and alarming snow situations to Christmas tree arrangements and new taxes on the imported Japanese cars.
Russia: Online Reactions to Korean Skirmish

People in Russia's eastern-most region Primorsky Krai followed the news of an exchange of fire between North Korea and South Korea on November 23 with special concern over the possibility of war.
Russia: Changing Time Zone in Primorsky Krai

Masha Egupova analyzed bloggers' reactions to Primorsky Krai officials' executive decision to change the time zone in order to be closer to Central Russia.
Russia: Rebranding of the Police

Masha Egupova analyzes online reactions to the police reform. Skeptics say it's meaningless, while officials argue this is an important law that will improve the security system in Russia.
Russia: New Video from Primorsky Krai Guerrillas

The story of the cop-killing gang in Russia's Far East continues, and Masha Egupova analyzes the new content.
Russia: Music Battle Over the Khimki Forest

Masha Egupova writes about the Khimki Forest dispute and the role that some popular Russian musicians play in it.
Russia: Vladivostok's Golden Horn Bay Bridge Controversy

Masha Egupova reviews bloggers' reactions to the construction of the Golden Horn Bay bridge in Vladivostok, a project compromised by corruption scandals and lack of accountability.