Russia’s boom years raised the profiles of its ‘second cities’, nowhere more so than in Ekaterinburg. But even as the cranes fall silent, the city’s entrepreneurs say the good times are not over yet.
Despite its soft-power credentials, there are many factors that are hindering Russia’s progress – not least its relations with the West. But is maintaining the status quo at home appealing to ordinary citizens who remember…
Recent high-profile security lapses and safety concerns have damaged the Russian Federal Atomic Energy Agency’s standing. Aware of its PR failings, the body has launched a hunt to find the nuclear industry’s most beautiful…
Following this summer’s Georgian war, breakaway territory Abkhazia has been recognised as independent by Russia and Nicaragua. Limited diplomatic credibility hasn’t stopped it wanting the trappings of statehood: it hopes…
Five years ago, one of Khabarovsk’s main exports was its women, who went to work as prostitutes in Japan. Today, the Russian city is booming, thanks to its natural resources. But can this city, closer to Beijing than Moscow…
It’s a vital military outpost, dogged by organised crime. However, with huge Chinese, Korean and Japanese markets on its shores, Vladivostok could become Russia’s Far Eastern giant.
We get toasty in Vienna, fawn over Brazil’s suited, booted football squad and consider how fashion-forward Saudi Arabia truly is. Meanwhile, where is the best place to get branded bags? It’s totes Milan.