Russian literary classics are not only dramatic plots with tragic endings, but also funny, ironic stories. We’ve picked out ...

Did you know that, at the beginning of the 20th century, foreigners filmed alternative movie endings for Russian audiences? It's true: ...

Before 1918, distances in Russia were measured not in kilometers, but in versts. Incidentally, they differ slightly from each ...

A person who pretends to be unhappy in order to make others pity them is called a “сирота Казанская” (“sirota Kazanskaya”) or ...

Dear readers, We’re excited to announce the relaunch of Russia Beyond under the new brand ‘Gateway to Russia’! We are no longer just a media platform about Russian culture a ...

Founded in 1255 by the Teutonic Knights, Königsberg became part of the USSR after World War II. In 1946, it changed its name ...

Founded in the 12th century, Veliky Ustyug is the same age as Moscow. Today, it is home to 28,000 people and even a real Father Frost. Here are three of its main symbols. Veliky Ustyug is the ...

This turbojet made its first flight in 1963 and served as “air force one” for Soviet leaders for 30 years. Today, it is still used for cargo transportation in Belarus and for passenger ...

Our website and social media accounts are under threat of being restricted or banned, due to the current circumstances. So, to keep up with our latest content, simply do the following: ...