Russia

In many ways, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become a war of identity and self-expression. Many Ukranians are turning to tattoos to show their patriotism.

At the start of the war in Ukraine, much of Russia’s cultural elite fled the country, including playwrights, filmmakers, artist and curators. A year on, they have established themselves in new cities across the world, a century after a previous exodus of Russian writers and artists reshaped global culture.

Novels about queer topics have been pulled from bookstores in Russia under a recent law that bans all mention of LGBTQ life in popular culture. It’s part of a regional crackdown against novelists and poets.

​​​​​​​For decades, India has depended on Russia for its weapons supply. It’s the cornerstone of the two countries’ ties, which go back to the Soviet era. But it can also be a liability, as India found out last week when it learned that a major shipment of Russian arms had fallen through because of the war in Ukraine.

​​​​​​​In Russia, in order to attend soccer matches in the country’s Premier League, fans now need to present a “Fan ID.” The state says it’s about public safety and security. But Russian soccer fans aren’t buying it.