For over 20 years, rumors have swirled that Russia’s president uses stand-ins for public events. The body double conspiracy got a lot of attention in 2022, when Ukraine was invaded. Then, many wondered if some of Putin’s appearances were real. Those who believe in the vladimir putin body double theory say they’ve seen differences in…
When you ask what season it is in Russia, the answer varies. St. Petersburg has a marine climate, with cool, damp winds. Yakutsk, in Siberia, has a harsh continental climate, with sudden temperature changes. Russia covers eleven time zones, so seasons change differently across the country. In one week, you might see sleet near the…
The question of Vladimir Putin net worth is a big mystery in modern politics. Official documents say he makes about $140,000 a year. He also has an 800-square-foot apartment, a trailer, and three cars. But, experts say Putin’s wealth is much higher. Financier Bill Browder told the U.S. Senate in 2017 that Putin’s wealth could…
In Moscow’s cafés and Saint Petersburg’s train stations, one word is key: Спасибо. It’s a simple way to show gratitude. It’s perfect for any situation, from a casual conversation to a polite exchange. Want to say thank you in Russian with style? Start with Спасибо (Spa-SEE-bah). For a bigger thank you, say Большое спасибо. Use…
Morning in Russian language sets the tone for the day. One phrase does the heavy lifting: Доброе утро. From a barista in Moscow to a coworker in New York, this Russian greeting for morning feels clear, brief, and polite. It signals respect without fuss, a style many Russians prefer. Timing matters. Say Доброе утро up…
Vladimir Putin identifies as a Russian Orthodox Christian. He has openly shared this faith throughout his career. Born on October 7, 1952, in Leningrad—now Saint Petersburg—he grew up in a time when the Soviet Union was officially atheist. Despite the ban on religion, his mother Maria Ivanovna secretly baptized him as an infant. The Soviet…
A first hello sets the mood in Russia. Think “Good morning,” “Howdy,” or “Yo” in English—each carries a vibe. The same goes for Russian greetings. If you’re asking how do you say hi in Russia, the answer depends on who’s in front of you and where you are. The safest all-purpose hello in Russian is…
Russian tortoises, Testudo horsfieldii, are bigger than they look. They come from dry hills and steppes from the Caspian Sea to China. Even two of them went to the Moon in 1968. This makes us wonder: how big do Russian tortoises get? These tortoises are just the right size for homes. Adults are 5–10 inches…
Step into the Siberian heartland, where the air stings and the horizon glitters with ice. Here, the coldest place in Russia doesn’t just flirt with winter—it owns it. In the Sakha Republic, known as Yakutia, valleys trap cold like bowls, and skies go dim for weeks. The result: extreme cold temperatures that rival the outer…
A huge complex near Gelendzhik has caught the world’s eye. The Italianate estate spans 190,420 square feet and cost over $1 billion. It’s linked to Russia’s president, causing protests and global interest. The mansion is at Cape Idokopas on the Krasnodar Krai coast. It has a theater, casino, ice rink, and wine cellar. Alexei Navalny’s…