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Ghost Empire

As Russia rises, how does it project its power around the world? Are its successes genuine or merely sleights of hand? This series looks at the "ghost empire" behind Russian renewal and finds greatness both real and imagined.

A person is bent backward as a bag flies overhead during a game outside a polling place.

Putin wins, surprising no one, but voter turnout rose

Global Politics

The election was never about whether Putin would win. But high voter turnout has been marred by reports of ballot stuffing and other unethical means of getting support for the incumbent president.

A crowd of young people are gathered. Two hold up two large signs in Russian.

There are no surprises in Russia’s upcoming elections. Putin will win.

Global Politics
The Internet Research Agency, or IRA, in St. Petersburg, Russia.

A mole among trolls: Inside Russia’s online propaganda machine

Media
Alexander Borodai (C), former prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, poses with delegates during the Union of Donbass Volunteers congress in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 10, 2015.

Russia’s shadow armies: Soldiers, mercenaries or volunteers?

Conflict