Charles Maynes

Russia's most famous independent newspaper has shut down after more than 30 years

Charles Maynes

Russia's top independent newspaper is closing after more than 30 years amid state pressure and censorship laws. Its founder won the Nobel Peace Prize and several of its journalists have been killed.

NPR's Moscow and Beijing correspondents discuss the reaction to U.S. elections abroad

Ayesha Rascoe, Charles Maynes, Jennifer Pak

The results of the U.S. midterms were closely followed overseas. NPR correspondents in Moscow and Beijing discuss how the elections are seen in the countries they cover.

At a Moscow movie screening, Anthony Bourdain's Russian fixer remembers the late chef

Hannah Bloch, Charles Maynes

Zamir Gotta, Anthony Bourdain's longtime fixer in Russia, remembers working with and becoming friends with the late chef.

Putin releases American Stephen Hubbard from Russian prison

Charles Maynes

Russian President Vladimir Putin has freed another American, 74-year-old Michigan native Stephen Hubbard, from a Russian prison following a request from President Trump.

A screen set up at a hall of the Moscow City Court broadcasts the verdict in the trial of U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard, accused of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine, in Moscow on Oct. 7, 2024.

NPR Headlines

Russia releases imprisoned U.S. citizen Stephen Hubbard following Trump's request

Charles Maynes, Joanna Kakissis

The announcement of Hubbard's release came as talks got underway between Putin and White House envoy Steve Witkoff in Saint Petersburg focused on the latest U.S. efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes, as relations between Trump and Zelenskyy sour

Charles Maynes, Michel Martin

Ukraine carried out a massive drone strikes on Russia, which launched deadly attacks on its smaller neighbor over the weekend.

Russia's view amid Ukraine's strikes and Zelenskyy's growing rift with the U.S.

Charles Maynes, A Martínez

Russian authorities say Ukraine struck a major oil refinery southeast of Moscow Thursday. The strike was in response to Russia's attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.