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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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• St. Petersburg - Moscow Cruise

This 8-day Russian river cruise by luxury ship will take you to the jewels of Russia - St. Petersburg and Moscow as well as the most significant towns between these 2 magnificent cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil, country atmosphere.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Rostropovich
• Group Tour This is a group tour. There will be other people in your group.

This is a great Russian river cruise on a comfortable 4-star ship that will take you to St. Petersburg and Moscow and the most significant places between these 2 cities: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island with its amazing wooden architecture and Uglich and Goritsy with their tranquil atmosphere.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui- Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ship: MS Crucelake

This is our shortest St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise and it is a perfect choice for those who have already been to Moscow and St. Petersburg and would like to explore the small, charming towns lying between the Two Capitals.

• Route St. Petersburg - Shlisselburg - Valaam - Svirstroy/Lodeynoe Pole - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Kuzino - Myshkin - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ships: MS Swan Lake, MS Moonlight Sonata

This is our most popular St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise. Besides in depth visits to St. Petersburg and Moscow, the cruise covers all the most important areas between the two capitals: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Route St. Petersburg - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Yaroslavl - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ships: MS Zosima Shashkov

This is a classic St. Petersburg - Moscow cruises that takes you to the Two Capitals as well a number of charming ancient towns on the way: Mandrogui village, Kizhi island, Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Cruise Ship 4-star cruise ships:, MS Nikolay Chernyshevsky, MS Nizhny Novgorod, MS Konstantin Fedin, MS Sankt-Peterburg, MS Kronshtadt

This St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise is a great way to discover Russia. The cruise includes in-depth visits to Russia’s two capitals and also makes stops at all of the important sites along the route including Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island with its beautiful nature and wooden architecture, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

This 11-day St. Petersburg to Moscow cruise covers all the important places: Mandrogui - a colorful village famous for local handicrafts, amazing Kizhi Island, as well as the ancient towns of Goritsy, Yaroslavl, and Uglich.

• Cruise Ship 3-star cruise ship: MS Moonlight Sonata

This 8-day Russian river cruise on a luxury ship takes you to Russia’s two capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as to the ancient towns of Uglich and Goritsy, Kizhi island with its outstanding wooden architecture, and Mandrogui village, famous for traditional handicrafts, and Valaam archipielago with its amazing monastary.

• Route St. Petersburg - Valaam - Mandrogui - Kizhi - Goritsy - Uglich - Moscow
• Cruise Ship 5-star cruise ship MS Mustai Karim

We would like to thank you very much for making the arrangements for our river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow in Sept-Oct. We were very pleased with every aspect of the cruise. The accommodation and the meals were excellent, the staff very knowledgeable & courteous, the quality of the tours was excellent. We found the lectures on the boat very interesting & everything possible was done to make sure the tourists had a wonderful experience. Thank you, too, for arranging the hotel for us the night before the cruise. It was in a great location & very comfortable. All aspects of the trip were wonderful & it was great value for money spent. Our sincere thanks.

We just wanted to thank you again for your help in setting up our Russian cruise. We've appreciated your support all the way through - from taking us through the complex paperwork of the visa application to talking to our taxi driver in St Petersburg to make sure that we were in the right place. Great service! We absolutely loved the cruise! We learned a lot, relaxed a lot and were dazzled by beautiful cities and landscapes. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Russia. Thanks again!

St. Petersburg Cruise

This St. Petersburg cruise to Moscow Cruise is a great combination of ancient Russian cities, famous for their history, architecture and art. Travel along the magnificent Volga River that links these 2 beautiful and historic cities. Port calls include the Russian capital Moscow , Saint Petersburg , Kizhi , Goritsy and Uglich . The river cruise ship will take you along the Neva River , Lake Ladoga ,the Svir River , Lake Onega , the Baltic canal , White Lake and the Volga River . The beauty of the countryside will make your trip unforgettable. Come to Russia in the summer of 2021 with Express to Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

A russian land tour or a river cruise - which is better.

This decision completely depends on your preferred way of travelling. During the Russian river cruise you will not only visit the two largest cities of Russia, but also small towns and villages along the route and you will have a chance to participate in master classes, learn a little Russian language and dive into local Russian culture and hospitality. For those who prefer custom-made programs and more free time in the cities of their choice we recommend a land tour, both are excellent options. To find out more about the differences click here .

Do I need a visa for a Russian River Cruise?

If your citizenship is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Russia, you will need a valid Russian visa. Please make sure to start the process in a timely manner, so as to avoid any last-minute pressure. More details on Russian Visas can be found here .

What is the best Russian river cruise line?

There are several Russian river cruise lines. Each cruise line offers a number of ships and programs at different price ranges. You call feel confident in choosing any of them. All of these cruise lines are well trusted and have been in business for a long time. We also recommend checking guests' reviews and asking our reservation specialist for more details regarding any concerns.

How far in advance should I book a Russian river cruise?

Usually the cruise operating companies set their schedules and prices well in advance - at least one year before the actual cruise starts. So, we may recommend that you book your cruise and place a deposit as early as possible so that you have enough time to arrange all other components of your journey. Please also note that cruise cabins sell out quickly, so it is always a good idea to book your cabin of choice in advance.

What should I pack for a Russian River Cruise?

The weather here can be unpredictable. So first of all it is important to have comfortable clothes and some wind/waterproof items. We highly recommend that you check our new article that contains full information on packing for a Russian river cruise .

What is the voltage in Russia?

Russia uses 220V voltage as does most of Europe. So before packing your devices, do not forget to take a proper adapter, so you may recharge all of your devices with no stress. For more information please see our useful tips .

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Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

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Russian River Cruises

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
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Lorem Ipsum

Moscow to Astrakhan

14 days – 13 nights

Collapse Full Itinerary

Airport transfer / Check-in

Volga dream experience:

City Tour / Moscow Metro/ Tretyakov Gallery

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Moscow Kremlin / Armory Museum 

Volga dream experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Town of Uglich / Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood

Volga dream experience: Russian Cooking Class

Yaroslavl City Tour / Governor’s house 

Volga dream experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony

Relaxing day of leisure / Onboard activities

Volga dream experience: An onboard presentation

City tour / XVIth-century Kremlin / Folk concert by a local children’s group

Volga dream experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting

City tour /  Kazan Kremlin / Concert of traditional Tatar music

Volga dream experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

City tour / Space Museum /  Samara State Art Museum

Volga dream experience: Sun Deck Barbeque

City tour /  Radishev State Art Museum

Volga dream experience: -

Mamayev Hill / Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum

Concert in a local Conservatory

Volga dream experience: Concert in a local Conservatory

Tour to a fortress of Astrakhan

Volga dream experience: Farewell dinner

Check-out / Airport transfer

Meals: Breakfast

The rates are set for a cruising season. The price is not dependent on the month within a selected year

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All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Actual size of cabins can slightly differ within one category.

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Journey: Volga Dream

Price per person: not specified

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

• Description
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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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Who's going.

• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
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Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

Duration 14 days

Price from USD $4,795 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Luxury River Cruise

Time of year May - October

Home / Luxury Russia Tours / Grand Volga River Cruise from Moscow to Astrakhan

Dates & Prices

This Russian river cruise is an epic journey along a spectacular stretch of Europe’s largest river. This 11-day tour, staying onboard the five-star, luxury Volga Dream cruise liner includes 14 days cruising from the historic River Terminal on the Moscow Canal to the beautiful old city of Astrakhan on the banks of the Volga.

After a three day introduction to the main attractions of Moscow, you’ll set sail for some of the most picturesque towns of the Lower Volga, including Yaroslavl on the famous Golden Ring circuit. Marvel at iconic onion-domed churches and medieval forts while immersing yourself Russia’s extraordinary culture, arts, folklore, history, food and legendary love of lively celebration along the way.

Grand Volga River Cruise highlights: 

• Highlights of Moscow : Enjoy guided excursions to the most lauded landmarks of the Russian capital. Walk the Red Square, enter the halls of the imposing Kremlin and Armoury Museum, and marvel at the works of the Russian masters at the Tretyakov Gallery
• Uglich : With brightly painted historical buildings standing proudly along the banks of the river, Uglich is one of the most magnificent towns to behold from the Volga. Explore one of Russia’s oldest cities, home to Church of St Dmitry, built on the site where the last heir of Ivan the Terrible met his mysterious demise
• Yaroslavl : One of the most celebrated cities of Russia’s Golden Ring, Yaroslavl has so much to see. Admire the incredible artistry of the Spassky Monastery and take part in a costumed reception at the Governer’s House
• Nizhniy Novgorod was a once-wealthy city with a strategic position on the Eastern trade route. During the Soviet era, it was used as a place of exile for political prisoners and outsiders were forbidden. Now open to visitors once again, it boasts spectacular views from the ramparts of its 16th century Kremlin
• By Day 7, Orthodox churches no longer dominate the landscape. Instead, the beautiful minarets of Islamic mosques pierce the sky as we enter the Republic of Tatarstan, where we disembark to discover the unique Tartar culture of the Republic’s capital, Kazan
• Sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards Samsara . Our tour of the city includes a visit to the space museum and stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum
• Discover the world-changing WWII history of Volgograd , a 16th-century city that shot to notoriety as the site of the Battle of Stalingrad, the largest and bloodiest battle in the history of warfare
• Tour a fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible in Astrakhan before flying back home.

Russia’s most significant settlements share one essential geographic detail – their connection to the Volga River, the cultural, agricultural and industrial lifeline for the country's largest population centres. What better way to take in Russia’s beautiful rural landscapes, spectacular old-world architecture and picturesque historical townships than an intimate experience sailing the waters of the mighty Volga herself. From the chaotic modern metropolis of Moscow to fairytale medieval villages and the ancient kingdom of the Tartars, this is a river cruise with few equals, offering variety and splendour on a scale that exists simply nowhere else.

Our cruise begins at the Moscow Canal ferry terminal, the city’s gateway to the Volga River. From Moscow, we’ll sail north to the fascinating Medieval city of Uglich and on to Yaroslav, one of the most iconic cities on Russia’s historic Golden Ring circuit. Next, we’ll follow the lower reaches of the Volga River to the south-east, watching the local architecture change from Tsarist cathedrals to exotic Muslim mosques as we temporarily leave Orthodox Russia and enter the Republic of Tatarstan. Finally, we’ll sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains to Samsara,  Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad), one of the single most important battlefield locations in the history of modern warfare, and then on to our departure point - Astrakhan, known for the Astrakhan Kremlin, an expansive fortress built in the 1500s.

Your luxury vessel on this eye-opening journey is the MV Volga Dream, a renovated boutique cruise ship with classic décor and distinctive Russian touches. Accommodating just 100 passengers in 50 staterooms, the Volga Dream is the perfect choice for travellers seeking an intimate experience and personalised service. Soak up the panoramic views from the elegant lounge or the spectacular sundeck and enjoy a mix of fine Russian and international fare, buffet breakfasts and four-course dinners in the restaurant. Life onboard is as laidback or action-packed as you prefer. Between trips ashore, enjoy a diverse range of activities including Russian language lessons, cooking demonstrations, matryoshka painting classes, documentary films, educational talks from our passionate guest speakers, live musical entertainment and a traditional costumed Russian dinner with vodka tasting.

Accomodation

MS Volga Dream

Luxury River Cruise

Action rating ?

Type of tour

14 days / 13 nights

up to 100 people

Guaranteed Departures

Day 1 Moscow

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe hotel in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. Spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight.

Day 2-3 Moscow

Explore Moscow's main attractions, including Red Square, Kremlin and Armoury Chamber. Take a ride on the iconic Moscow's metro and visit the famous Tretyakov Gallery.

The evening on day 3 provides a chance to meet your crew and fellow travellers at Captain's welcome reception and dinner.

Day 4 Uglich

After a full day of cruising through the idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.

Day 5 Yaroslavl

Explore one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port - Yaroslavl. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the cruise ship in time for lunch.

Day 6 Sailing day

A relaxing day of leisure as Volga Dream continues its gentle voyage along the picturesque Volga river. The Sun Deck provides a glorious and ever-changing view as we pass small villages, provincial towns, churches, and monasteries. This is an area that flourished for centuries thanks to the large volume of trade along the Volga.

Our guest speaker presents an entertaining and informative lecture on the history and traditions of the places we pass.

Day 7 Nizhny Novgorod

You will hear about the city’s history as a place of exile for political prisoners. Walk the ramparts of the 16th-century Kremlin with its spectacular views, and visit elaborately painted churches. The evening’s highlight is a folk concert presented by a local children’s group.

Day 8 Kazan

Today, you will notice that the now familiar Russian Orthodox Churches no longer dominate the banks of the River Volga. Instead, beautiful Muslim mosques begin to appear as you cruise across the border into the Republic of Tatarstan.

Explore Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and very center of Russia’s Tatar culture. Later in the day, a local ensemble will delight us with a concert of traditional Tatar music.

Day 9 Samara

A great opportunity to relax on the Sun Deck as we sail past the Zhigulevskie mountains towards the city of Samara. We begin with a city tour, which includes a visit to the space museum, then stroll along the Volga esplanade to the Samara State Art Museum.

Day 10 Saratov

Once home to a large German community, Saratov is better known today for its connection to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, who lived and studied in the city. Our city tour takes us to the Radishev State Art Museum, the first Russian picture gallery outside of St. Petersburg or Moscow.

Day 11 Volgograd

The site of epic battles during the Russian Revolution – between 1925 and 1961 it was known as Stalingrad. We will visit the imposing memorial on Mamayev Hill, which saw the bloodiest fighting of the war, and the Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Day 12-13 Astrakhan

The ship arrives in the city of Astrakhan in the evening. This is the world capital of caviar, also the centre of the fishing industry in Western Russia. This is where the mighty Volga flows out into the Caspian Sea.

Day 13 begins with a tour of a local fortress built during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. After lunch, an optional and fascinating lecture on the famed and much-coveted black caviar, followed by a private tasting of this most precious delicacy. 

Day 14 Departure

Here our cruise finishes. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to our next destination.

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Arrival and departure group airport transfers

5* Volga Dream cruise ship

5* hotel accommodation in Moscow

Full board catering (three meals per day) while on board the cruise ship

All excursions according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides

Onboard entertainment including Russian language course and Russian songs lessons, live music concerts, etc

Lectures by a guest speaker

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Moscow to Astrakhan

*Price is per person, based on twin occupancy in the Standard Twin Cabin. For all other rates download the detailed itinerary.

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Day 1: Moscow

Day 2-3: moscow, day 4: uglich, day 5: yaroslavl, day 6: sailing day, day 7: nizhny novgorod, day 8: kazan, day 9: samara, day 10: saratov, day 11: volgograd, day 12-13: astrakhan, day 14: departure, not included, start planning your tour.

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Totally renovated in 2012 the 4-deck vessel is equipped with sophisticated navigation devices and modern facilities. The total passenger capacity is 112 persons. There are 4 Royal Suites (with balconies), 12 Deluxe Balcony Suites, 34 Balcony Suites, 2 Panorama Suites (with balconies) and 4 Standart Staterooms. All cabins are outside.

m/s River Victoria

Built in Germany in 1982 and totally renovated in 2011 this 5-deck vessel is equipped with sophisticated navigation devices and modern facilities. The total passenger capacity is 206 persons. There are 93 twin cabins, 2 presidential suites, 6 deluxe suites and 2 junior suites. All cabins are outside.

Built in Germany in 1981 and completely refurbished in 2011 this 5-deck vessel is equipped with sophisticated navigation devices and modern facilities. The total passenger capacity is 240 persons. There are 100 twin cabins with two lower beds, 4 single cabins with one lower bed, 20 triple cabins with 2 lower and one upper beds, 20 junior suites and 2 suites. All cabins are outside.

m/s Karamzin

Built in Germany in 1981 and renovated in 2010 this 5-deck vessel is equipped with sophisticated navigation devices and modern facilities. The total passenger capacity is 240 – 260 persons. There are 100 twin cabins with two lower beds, 12 single cabins with one lower bed, 20 triple cabins with 3 lower beds, 12 junior suites and 2 two-room suites. All cabins are outside.

Built in Austria in 1975 and refurbished in 2008 this 4-deck vessel is equipped with sophisticated navigation devices and modern facilities. The total passenger capacity is 150 persons. There are 34 twin cabins with two lower beds, 2 single cabins with one lower bed, 46 triple cabins with 2 lower and one upper bed, 6 junior suites. All cabins are outside.

m/s Yesenin

Built in Austria in 1984 and renovated in 2002 this 3-deck vessel is undergoing regular innovations and equipped with modern navigation devices and facilities. The total passenger capacity is 150 persons. There are 30 twin cabins with two lower beds, 20 quad cabins with 2 lower and 2 upper beds, 4 junior suites and 2 two-room suites. All cabins are outside.

Moscow – St.Petersburg

This river voyage links the great imperial cities of the czars. Russia’s two most famous cities are also the repositories of Russian art and architecture. Moscow, the medieval and 20th-century capital, has a wonderful heritage of historic buildings, while St.Petersburg, the creation of Peter the Great, benefited from the inspiration of Europe’s greatest 18th-century architects and craftsmen. Three rewarding days will be spent in each of these great cities, and, in between, we will cruise the intricate pattern of connecting rivers, canals and lakes that link Moscow with St.Petersburg. You will sail through enchanting countryside and witness firsthand the tranquillity and beauty which has inspired writers and musicians for centuries.

Moscow River Shipping Company and Mosturflot Cruise Company are happy to present the site about river cruises to Russia’s most popular tourist destinations. We sincerely hope that the information presented on our web site, will be of use and help you find a reliable and trustworthy business partner.

Moscow River Shipping Company is one of Russia’s oldest water transport companies with over 150 years of experience in cargo and passenger shipping, as well as constructing and modernizing vessels of different kinds. Today it is a fast-growing company with a strong fleet and a highly developed on-land infrastructure. [Read More…]

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VIKING RIVER CRUISES 13 Days | Waterways of the Tzars Southbound

ST. PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW D ay 1 | St. Petersburg, Russia. Embark Ship. Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges,” then transfer to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D) Day 2 | St. Petersburg. This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. After a picnic lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera. For a unique, privileged access experience, consider booking the Behind the Scenes at the Ballet excursion. For a video preview, click here. Or, spend additional time at the Hermitage, visit the vaults and learn from a Hermitage art expert on the Hermitage Behind Closed Doors excursion. Catch a glimpse here. (These excursions are optional and can be booked in advance, no later than 30 days prior to sailing. Limited space may be available for onboard booking, but cannot be guaranteed. Since these excursions run at the same time, it is not possible to book both.) (B, L, D) Day 3 | St. Petersburg.  Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. After lunch, embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D) Day 4 | St. Petersburg.  Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D) Day 5 | Scenic Waterways. Mandrogy. Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this museum village. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya (traditional Russian bath house). Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D) Day 6 | Kizhi.  Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church—a fairytale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D) Day 7 | Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Take a guided walk through the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; see several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Or, see the Monastery and then visit a children’s art school and restoration workshop. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D) Day 8 | Yaroslavl.  Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a stirring à capella choir performance. Then, take a guided stroll through the covered food market. Or, join an excursion to the Governor’s Palace, a living museum of Russian art, history and culture. Shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D) Day 9 | Uglich. After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D) Day 10 | Moscow Canal. Moscow.  This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You will also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city’s Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late dinner on board. (B, L, D) Day 11 | Moscow.  Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from two optional experiences—a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; or an engaging optional morning tour to the Military Museum where you visit with Red Army veterans as you explore Russia’s military history. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax—or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D) Day 12 | Moscow. After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore—you may wish to spend some time people-watching in Red Square or visit Lenin’s Tomb. Or, you may take an optional afternoon tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Return aboard for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D) Day 13 | Moscow. Disembark Ship. After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or take some extra time in Russia with a 2-night Moscow extension. (B) NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky says Russia lost 6,000 troops in Kursk as he pleads for more weapons

LIVE – Updated at 12:17

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed Russia lost 6,000 troops during Kyiv ’s cross-border incursion into Kursk last month.

Mr Zelensky made the claim at the Ramstein Airbase in Germany, where he urged Western leaders to supply more air defence systems and long-range missiles to his embattled country .

It came as Britain pledged £162m worth of air defence missiles to Kyiv, as Vladimir Putin ’s forces continued to bombard Ukraine with air attacks.

Defence secretary John Healey, who is said to want to be known as the most pro-Ukrainian minister in the British government, will send 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to Kyiv this year.

Russia has been ramping up its aerial attacks on Ukraine and launched 44 drones and two missiles overnight on Friday. Kyiv said it shot down just over half of the drones.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian husband and father Yaroslav Bazylevych lost his entire family when a Russian missile destroyed his house in the western city of  Lviv .

Mr Bazylevych’s wife Eugenia and the couple’s three daughters, Yarya, 21, Daria, 18 and Emilia, seven, were all killed in the attack.

• Russia lost 6,000 troops in Kursk, says Volodymyr Zelensky
• Zelensky presses for long-range strike support
• Ukraine military commander says Kursk offensive working
• Kyiv shoots down just over half of 44 Russian missiles

UK to send 650 air defence missiles worth £162m to Ukraine

Zelensky ‘discusses peace plan' with italy’s meloni.

Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed his peace plan to end the war with Russia and reconstruction with a focus on Ukraine’s energy system in a meeting with Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni, the Ukrainian president said.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Ambrosetti Forum in Italy.

Russia claims to seize Donetsk village 20 miles east of Povrosk

Russia’s defence ministry claims its troops have seized the Donetsk village of Kalynove.

Kalynove lies some 20 miles east of Povrosk, the key supply hub which Vladimir Putin’s forces are desperately seeking to seize in their current push on the eastern Ukrainian front line.

Three killed by Russian shelling in Donetsk town, governor says

Three people have been killed and three others wounded by Russian artillery shelling of the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostyantynivka, Donetsk’s regional governor has said.

Three men aged between 24 and 69 were killed and a multi-storey block, administrative building and a shop were damaged, governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram.

Analysis | Ukraine’s attack on Russia started as a triumph – but could into a tragedy

Ukraine’s counter-invasion of Russia saw it take more than 300 square miles of the Kursk region in its first month, raised morale at home and challenged a growing sense in the West that stalemate was the best Kyiv could hope for. Yet as a daring incursion looks set to become an open-ended occupation, doubts are growing about its long-term wisdom.

When Ukrainian forces crossed the Russian border on 6 August, Kyiv was tight-lipped about its objectives, both to keep Moscow guessing and also because it did not want to set itself up for a fall. It needed a victory for both foreign and domestic audiences.

Since then, though, the goals seem to have changed – and gaps opened between the military and political leadership.

Historian and author Mark Galeotti has more analysis on the incursion here:

Ukraine’s attack on Russia started as a triumph – but could yet turn into a tragedy

Drone debris found next to Ukraine’s parliament after overnight Russian attack

Debris from a drone shot down in an overnight Russian attack was found next to Ukraine’s parliament building, Kyiv’s parliament said in a statement on Telegram.

Ukraine’s air force said earlier that Russia had launched 67 drones in a nationwide overnight attack.

Chair of Ukrainian parliament meets with House of Commons speaker

The chair of the Ukrainian parliament has met with the speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle at the sidelines of a G7 summit in Italy for parliamentary leaders.

Ruslan Stefanchuk thanked the UK for its support for Ukraine and stressed the importance that this remains unchanged, as he highlighted the need for Ukraine to be granted permission to strike military targets in russia with Western weapons, according to a statement issued by Ukrainian officials.

MI6 and CIA warn ‘staying the course’ in Ukraine is more vital than ever

In their first ever joint statement, the heads of MI6 and the CIA have warned that “staying the course” in backing Ukraine’s fight against Russia was more important than ever and vowed to further their cooperation.

Writing in the Financial Times , CIA Director William Burns and Richard Moore, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, said: “The partnership lies at the beating heart of the special relationship between our countries.”

The agencies “stand together in resisting an assertive Russia and Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” they said, noting that their services marked 75 years of partnership two years ago.

“Staying the course is more vital than ever. Putin will not succeed in extinguishing Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence,” they said, adding that their agencies would continue aiding Ukrainian intelligence.

The spy chiefs said their agencies would keep working to thwart a “reckless campaign of sabotage across Europe by Russian intelligence” and its “cynical use of technology” to spread disinformation “to drive wedges between us.”

Russia launches 67 long-range drones in overnight attack on Ukraine

Ukraine’s air force has said that Russia launched a total of 67 long-range drones in a mass overnight attack, 58 of which it was able to shoot down.

The air force said in a statement on the Telegram app that air defence units were scrambled into action in 11 regions across Ukraine.

The Ukraine invasion has made the Russians more ferocious

It feels like the Ukraine invasion has made the Russian invasion more ferocious

In Ukraine, a city grieves for a family killed in a deadly Russia missile attack

Behind enemy lines with Ukraine’s troops in Russia

How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank

Poland ‘has duty’ to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine

Poland has duty to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine, minister says

Watch: Drone rains down molten thermite on Ukrainian battlefield

Wearing prosthetics, Ukraine war veterans take to the runway as fashion week returns

BBC Two’s The Zelensky Story is gripping and immensely moving

The Zelensky Story: Meticulous study of Ukraine’s president is immensely moving

Zelensky’s latest reshuffle of his top team has one major aim

Zelensky’s latest cabinet reshuffle seeks to project strength before a tough winter

Russian hackers charged over cyberattacks in US

Zelensky says Ukraine has to be in a strong position for any negotiations

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine needs the full support of its allies to be in a strong position for any future negotiations with Russia, and called on the West to help Ukraine conduct long-range strikes into Russia.

Zelensky, who was speaking at a forum in Italy, said Ukraine would like to strike specifically at Russian military airfields at a range of up to 300 km (186 miles).

Zelensky thanks US for latest military package

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the US for the latest military package, which includes much-needed artillery shells and fighting vehicles, in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

Watch live as Zelensky addresses political leaders at business conference in Italy

‘I could die any moment’: Indians forced to fight for Russia in Ukraine say they feel abandoned by Delhi

‘I could die any moment’: The Indians forced to fight in another country’s war

US announces £190 million military package to Ukraine

The US has announced a £190 million military package to Ukraine, the sixty-fifth tranche of support.

Included in the latest package are artillery shells, infantry fighting vehicles and patrol boats.

You can see the full readout of the package here .

Ukraine investigates new alleged murders of POWs by Russian troops

Ukrainian prosecutors said on Friday they had launched an investigation into the alleged Russian shooting of three surrendering Ukrainian servicemen on the eastern front near Pokrovsk, the main focus of Russia’s assault.

Describing the latest in scores of such incidents Ukraine has reported, the Prosecutor General’s office said on Telegram that it took place after Russian troops attacked a trench used by the Ukrainian military for cover on Aug. 27.

“The soldiers came out of the damaged shelter and knelt down, holding their hands behind their heads. At this time, Russians opened fire,” the statement said.

CNN obtained Ukrainian drone footage showing the supposed execution. Three kneeled men could be seen on the video, falling on the ground within seconds after the apparent shooting.

Reuters could not independently verify the video clip. There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Andriy Kostin, the prosecutor general, said on X that Kyiv was investigating alleged executions of 73 Ukrainian prisoners carried out by Russian troops.

He said an increasing number of such cases had been documented.

Zelensky says he discussed second peace summit with Scholz

President Volodymyr Zelensky met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday to discuss preparations for the second summit on peace in Ukraine.

“I greatly appreciate sharing our efforts to bring a just peace closer,” Zelensky said on X.

Ukrainian father attends the funeral of his family

A Ukrainian father whose wife and three daughters were killed in a Russian missile strike on their house in the western city of Lviv has attended their funeral.

Yaroslav Bazylevych was pictured at the ceremony earlier on Friday.

Hundreds of Lviv residents paid their respects to Yaroslav’s wife, Evgenia, and the couple’s three daughters Yaryna, 21, Darina, 18 and Darina, 7.

Their story captured the attention of Ukrainians already well-used to tragedy at the hands of Russian aerial attacks.

Russia says it takes control of the village of Zhuravka in eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have taken control of the village of Zhuravka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, Russia’s Defence ministry said on Friday. The report could not be independently verified.

Ukraine presses for long-range strike support

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies on Friday to ignore Moscow’s “red lines” and allow Kyiv to use long-range weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

Zelensky made his first appearance at a regular US-hosted gathering of Ukraine’s allies at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Friday.

“We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine, but also on Russian territory, yes, so that Russia is motivated to seek peace,” Zelensky said.

Kremlin says US pressure on Russian media is unacceptable after TV presenter charged

The Kremlin on Friday accused the United States of applying unacceptable pressure to Russian media after the US Justice Department charged Virginia-based Russian TV contributor Dimitri Simes and his wife with schemes to violate US sanctions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Washington was trying to ensure that Moscow’s own perspective on world affairs was not available to people.

Russia lost 6,000 troops in Kursk, says Zelensky

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Friday that Russia has lost 6,000 troops during Kyiv’s invasion of Kursk.

The Ukrainian president made the claim at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he repeated calls for Western nations to expedite the delivery of air defence systems and long-range missiles.

Kremlin says people must judge for themselves if Putin was serious about backing Kamala Harris

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asked if President Vladimir Putin’s stated support for U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris was serious or a joke, said people would have to figure it out for themselves.

Putin said on Thursday that Russia wants Harris to win the November election, in a teasing comment that cited her “infectious” laugh as a reason to prefer her over Donald Trump.

Canada to supply Ukraine with over 80,000 unarmed small rockets, some warheads

Canada plans to send 80,840 surplus small unarmed air-to-surface rockets to Ukraine as well as 1,300 warheads in the coming months, Defense Minister Bill Blair said in a statement on Friday.

Canada announced an initial shipment of 2,160 unarmed CRV7 rockets in June. Each CRV7 rocket can be equipped with warheads designed variously to hit buildings, tanks or soldiers.

Canada will also donate chassis assemblies from 29 M113 armored personnel carriers and 64 Coyote armored cars, which the Canadian armed forces are no longer using, Blair said.

Poland to charge three Belarusians for diverting Ryanair flight in 2021

Polish prosecutors have enough evidence to charge three Belarusian citizens over the forced landing in Minsk in 2021 of a civilian airliner carrying an opposition journalist, who was then arrested, Polish authorities said on Friday.

In what some EU leaders at the time called a hijacking, the Ryanair flight from Athens to Lithuania was diverted to the capital of Belarus escorted by a MiG-29 fighter jet.

On landing, dissident Belarusian journalist Roman Protasevich and his Russian girlfriend Sofia Sapega were taken into custody.

Zelensky visits Germany to discuss air defence

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Germany to discuss air defence and weapons delivery.

Zelensky said Ukraine needed strong decisions on long-range strikes to bring a “just peace” closer as Vladimir Putin ramped up his aerial strikes.

He will travel to Italy after visiting Germany, according to the statement posted on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukraine shoots down just over half of 44 Russian missiles

Ukraine shot down just over half of 44 Russian drones launched at the country overnight, Kyiv’s air force said.

Two missiles were also used in the attack. It comes as Vladimir Putin continued to ramp up Russia’s aerial attacks on Ukraine following Kyiv’s cross-border incursion into Kursk one month ago.

Defence secretary John Healey, who is said to want to be known as the most pro-Ukrainian minister in the British government, will also send 650 Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to Kyiv this year.

UK to send Ukraine hundreds of missiles worth £162m

The UK will send 650 missiles to Ukraine in a £162m commitment to the country’s defence against Russia, John Healey is expected to say during a visit to Germany.

The Defence Secretary will announce Britain’s latest commitment to Kyiv’s war effort when he meets fellow ministers from across Europe at a defence summit.

Mr Healey will use his first appearance as Defence Secretary at the latest meeting of the group to reaffirm the new Government’s commitment to president Volodymyr Zelensky’s war-torn nation.

“This new commitment will give an important boost to Ukraine’s air defences and demonstrates our new government’s commitment to stepping up support for Ukraine,” Mr Healey said ahead of the summit.

Putin has two secret sons with gymnast who live life of luxury

Russian president Vladimir Putin has two secret sons who live an isolated life of luxury in a heavily guarded mansion, according to a Russian investigative journalism website.

The Dossier Centre reported that Ivan, nine, and Vladimir Jr, five, spend most of the year at their father’s vast mansion near Lake Valdai, northwest of Moscow.

Their mother is Alina Kabaeva, the former Olympic rhythmic gymnast whose relationship with Putin has been an open secret in Russia for more than a decade, the Dossier Centre claims.

Putin has two secret sons with gymnast who live life of luxury isolated from world

In pics: Rescuers dig through rubble to find survivors in Poltava

Ukraine military commander says kursk offensive ‘working'.

Ukraine’s top military commander defended Kyiv’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, claiming it deterred Russia from advancing on a key area of the eastern front in Ukraine.

Col Gen Oleksandr Syrski told CNN that the offensive has been effective and the strategy was working.

“Over the past six days, the enemy hasn’t advanced a single metre in the Pokrovsk direction,” he said. “In other words, our strategy is working.”

“We’ve taken away their ability to maneuver and to deploy their reinforcement forces from other directions … and this weakening has definitely been felt in other areas.”

Syrskyi said his forces control nearly 1,300sq km and about 100 settlements in the Kursk region after Ukraine launched a surprise offensive on 6 August.

55 dead in Russian strike on Ukraine’s Poltava

The death toll from a Russian missile strike on a military institute in the east central Ukrainian town of Poltava rose to 55, the emergency service said yesterday.

Russian troops struck the educational facility with two extremely hard-to-intercept ballistic missiles, barely giving people time to seek shelter.

The deadliest single attack of this year wounded 328 others, with 27 of them being in intensive care.

The rescue operation continued for three days but had to be stopped due to new air raid alerts, officials added.

Russia must respond to Western media curbs, says Kremlin

Russia must “respond appropriately” to restrictions on its media imposed by the West, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said today.

This week the US justice department filed money-laundering charges against two employees of Russian state broadcaster RT over what it called a scheme to hire a US company to produce online content to influence the November presidential election.

“We criticise the West for pursuing the path of destroying our media abroad, they obstruct the dissemination of information, they obstruct the work of our journalists,” Mr Peskov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying.

“And, of course, in this situation of heated confrontation there needs to be reciprocity. Therefore we must respond appropriately.”

US charges Russian TV contributor and his wife with sanctions violations

The US justice department has charged Virginia-based Russian television contributor Dimitri Simes and his wife Anastasia Simes with two separate schemes to violate American sanctions.

In one of two indictments, Mr Simes and his wife are accused of laundering funds and violating US sanctions for the benefit of Channel One Russia, a Russian broadcasting station sanctioned in May 2022.

In exchange for providing services as a presenter and producer, prosecutors alleged that Simes and his wife received over $1m (£758,800), a personal car and driver, a stipend for an apartment in Moscow and a team of 10 employees from Channel One Russia.

In a second indictment, Anastasia Simes is charged with violating sanctions to benefit Aleksandr Yevgenyevich Udodov, a Russian oligarch sanctioned in February 2023. She is accused of purchasing art and other antiques for Udodov from various galleries and auction houses in the United States and Europe.

Father sole survivor in one of the deadliest attacks of war

A father has lost his entire family after his house was destroyed during Russia’s attack on the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

Yaroslav Bazylevych’s wife Eugenia and the couple’s three daughters, Yarya, 21, Daria, 18 and Emilia, seven, were all killed on Wednesday morning.

The attack led Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi to accuse Russia of “eliminating Ukrainians by (killing off) entire families”.

Ukrainian emergency services said his daughters – Daryna, 18, her sisters Yaryna, 21, and Emilia, 7, and their 43-year-old mother Yevhenia were killed while sheltering in the staircase of their residential building.

Zelensky to visit US air base in Germany today - report

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will likely visit the US air base in western Germany today to request increased Western military support, according to German magazine Der Spiegel .

Ukraine’s allies face renewed calls from Mr Zelensky for additional air defences and loosened restrictions on how far into Russia Ukraine can fire American-provided munitions.

“Air defence systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere,” Mr Zelensky said this week. “Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now.”

Top US military leaders, including defence secretary Lloyd Austin, will be in Germany to discuss Ukraine’s wartime needs after Russia conducted one of its deadliest airstrikes in the conflict and Ukraine continued its offensive in Russia’s Kursk region.

The British government will send 650 lightweight multi-role missiles worth £162m to help protect the country from Russian drones and bombing.

The new supply of missiles was announced as British defence minister John Healey attended the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, an ad-hoc coalition of some 50 nations, at a US air base in Germany.

“This new commitment will give an important boost to Ukraine’s air defences,” Mr Healey said.

The Ministry of Defence said the missiles made by Thales have a range of more than 6km and can be fired from a variety of platforms on land, sea and air.

Belarus downs Russian drones in a first – reports

In what appears to be the first incident of its kind, the Belarus Air Force has shot down two attack drones launched by its ally Russia – suggesting they had flown off course, a monitoring group claimed.

Belaruski Hajun, a monitoring group in Minsk, said multiple Belarusian fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the drones near the city of Gomel around 1.30am local time. Gomel lies within about 30km of the Ukraine-Belarus border.

This is the first reported incident involving Belarusian Air Force plane successfully downing Russian drones meant for Ukraine.

A third Russian attack drone was also downed around 2.30am in Belarusian air space, the group said but shared no additional information.

Russia launched another large-scale drone attack on Ukraine overnight, targeting multiple regions of the country, Ukraine’s Air Force said.

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Ukraine names new foreign minister, two deputy PMs in cabinet overhaul

Ukrainian lawmakers voted on Thursday to appoint a new foreign minister and two new deputy prime ministers, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy carries out his biggest government shakeup since Russia’s Feb. 2022 invasion.

Andrii Sybiha, 49, an experienced diplomat who does not have a prominent public profile, takes the reins of the foreign ministry, replacing Dmytro Kuleba, who has been one of the best known public faces of Ukraine in the West in recent years.

The new foreign ministry leadership is not expected to affect policy significantly; Zelenskiy and his office have taken the leading role in foreign affairs during the war with Russia.

The Ukrainian leader, who travels to the United States this month and hopes to present a “victory plan” to President Joe Biden, has said that Ukraine needs “new energy” and that this autumn will be important for Ukraine in the war.

Dmytro Razumkov, an opposition lawmaker, predicted the new appointments would change little, saying most decisions were made in Zelenskiy’s office, which was conferred considerable new emergency powers under wartime martial law.

Ukraine has achieved a lot in Kursk offensive, Nato says

Ukraine has achieved a lot in its Kursk offensive into Russia but it’s hard to say how the situation will develop next, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Oslo on Thursday.

“Only the Ukrainians can make the difficult choices that are needed, such as where to deploy their forces and what type of warfare is appropriate in this situation,” Stoltenberg said.

Russian forces are advancing in the east of Ukraine while Ukrainian troops have made a bold incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, where it on 6 August launched the biggest foreign attack on Russia since World War Two.

Mr Stoltenberg said Ukraine has the right to self-defence, including with long-range missiles that can reach military targets on Russian territory.

Putin’s aide claims foreign military instructors are working in Ukraine

Russia is now claiming that military instructors from different countries are working in Ukraine and taking part in military actions and the training of Ukrainian forces, Russian news agencies reported today.

The claims were made by the Kremlin spokesperson and Vladimir Putin’s close aide Dmitry Peskov who wrongfully claimed that the US and Europe have shown no interest in a diplomatic solution to the war.

Peskov said Russia does not see any prerequisites for peace talks with Ukraine at the moment and it would continue its military operation inside its smaller neighbour nation until it achieves all of its aims, reported RIA news agency.

He also said that the Russian authorities were not discussing a new mobilisation.

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Russia launches 100 glide bombs, Kyiv claims

Vladimir Putin’s forces have launched 100 deadly glide bombs in an overnight attack on Ukraine as Russia continued its relentless aerial barrage across the country, Kyiv claimed.

Glide bombs, also called KAB – the Ukrainian acronym for guided aerial bomb, are old-fashioned “iron” aerial bombs of the sort that were dropped by bombers during the Second World War.

Russia is believed to have converted hundreds of thousands of Soviet-era KABs by fitting them with GPS guidance systems and wings. The Ukrainian military did not specify where the bombs had been dropped.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has two secret sons who live an isolated life of luxury in a heavily-guarded mansion, according to a Russian investigative journalism website.

The Dossier Centre reported that Ivan, nine, and Vladimir Jr, five, spend most of the year at their father’s vast mansion near Lake Valdai, northwest of Moscow.

Their mother is Alina Kabaeva, the former Olympic rhythmic gymnast whose relationship with Putin has been an open secret in Russia for more than a decade, the Dossier Centre claim.

Last weekend, when I was taken into Russia’s Kursk region by the Ukrainian army, I remembered how, as a foreign correspondent, I had rued all the bureaucratic hurdles in travelling to and from Moscow.

When I was posted to Moscow, years ago, as a British newspaper’s correspondent for the region, I was messed around by malicious Russianauthorities for months before I was granted a Russian press visa. Even after that, Russian airport officials had a knack of making entry to or exit from their country unpleasant.

It was always a joy to board a western plane flying out of Russia. The air crew said they recognised “that look” of relief on the faces of those taking their seats and, sometimes, would immediately offer a celebratory drink to passengers – even if they were flying economy.

Ukrainian parliament appoints Andrii Sybiha as foreign minister

Ukrainian parliament on Thursday appointed first deputy foreign minister Andrii Sybiha as Ukraine’s new foreign minister, lawmakers said.

Putin claims Ukraine’s Kursk incursion has failed to slow Russia’s eastern advance

Vladimir Putin has claimed Ukraine’s incursion into the Russian region of Kursk had failed to slow Russia’s own advance in eastern Ukraine.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said Russian forces were now gradually pushing Ukrainian soldiers out of Kursk.

Kyiv launched the audacious cross-border incursion into the region on 6 August, the largest foreign attack into Russia since the Second World War.

“The enemy’s goal was to make us nervous and worry and to transfer troops from one sector to another and to stop our offensive in key areas, primarily in the Donbas,” Putin said. “Did it work? No.”

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Satellite photos show likely launch site for Russia's new nuclear-powered missile

Identification of probable launch site suggests moscow proceeding with missile deployment after poor testing.

A warning from Russia

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Two U.S. researchers say they have identified the probable deployment site in Russia of the 9M730 Burevestnik, a new nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile touted by President Vladimir Putin as "invincible."

Putin has said the weapon — dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO — has an almost unlimited range and can evade U.S. missile defences. But some Western experts dispute his claims and the Burevestnik's strategic value, saying it will not add capabilities that Moscow does not already have and risks a radiation-spewing mishap.

Using images taken on July 26 by Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, the two researchers identified a construction project abutting a nuclear warhead storage facility known by two names — Vologda-20 and Chebsara — as the new missile's potential deployment site. The facility is 475 kilometres north of Moscow.

Reuters was the first to report this development.

Decker Eveleth, an analyst with the CNA research and analysis organization, found the satellite imagery and identified what he assessed are nine horizontal launch pads under construction. They are located in three groups inside high berms to shield them from attack or to prevent an accidental blast in one from detonating missiles in the others, he said.

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The berms are linked by roads to what Eveleth concluded are likely buildings where the missiles and their components would be serviced, and to the existing complex of five nuclear warhead storage bunkers.

The site is "for a large, fixed missile system, and the only large, fixed missile system that they're [Russia] currently developing is the Skyfall," Eveleth said.

Russia's Ministry of defence and embassy in Washington did not respond to a request to comment on his assessment, Burevestnik's strategic value, its test record and the risks it poses.

A Kremlin spokesperson said these were questions for the Defence Ministry and declined further comment.

The U.S. State Department, the CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the U.S. air force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center declined to comment.

The identification of the missile's probable launch site suggests that Russia is proceeding with its deployment after a series of tests in recent years marred by problems, said Eveleth and the second researcher, Jeffery Lewis, of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

Lewis agreed with Eveleth's assessment after reviewing the imagery at his request. The imagery "suggests something very unique, very different. And obviously, we know that Russia is developing this nuclear-powered missile," he said.

Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists, who also studied the Vologda imagery at Eveleth's request, said that it appears to show launch pads and other features "possibly" related to Burevestnik. But he said he could not make a definitive assessment because Moscow does not typically place missile launchers next to nuclear warhead storage.

Eveleth, Lewis, Kristensen and three other experts said Moscow's normal practice has been stockpiling nuclear payloads for land-based missiles far from launch sites — except for those on its deployed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) force.

But deploying the Burevestnik at Vologda would allow the Russian military to stockpile the nuclear-armed missiles in its bunkers, making them available to launch quickly, Lewis and Eveleth said.

Russia's deputy foreign affairs minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said Russia will make changes to its guidelines on the use of nuclear weapons in response to what it regards as Western escalation in the war in Ukraine, state news agency TASS reported on Sunday.

Missile has weak testing record

A 2020 report by the U.S. air force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center said that if Russia successfully brought the Burevestnik into service, it would give Moscow a "unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability."

But the weapon's checkered past and design limitations raised doubts among eight experts interviewed by Reuters about whether its deployment would change the nuclear stakes for the West and other Russian foes.

The Burevestnik has a poor test record of at least 13 known tests, with only two partial successes, since 2016, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, an advocacy group focused on reducing nuclear, biological and emergent technology risks.

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The setbacks include a 2019 blast during the botched recovery of an unshielded nuclear reactor allowed to "smoulder" on the White Sea floor for a year following a prototype crash, according to U.S. State Department reports.

Russia's state nuclear agency, Rosatom, said five staff members died during the testing of a rocket on Aug. 8. Putin presented their widows with top state awards, saying the weapon they were developing was without equal in the world, without naming the Burevestnik.

Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based expert on Russia's nuclear forces, along with Lewis, Eveleth, and other experts, said it will not add capabilities that Moscow's nuclear forces do not already have, including the ability to overwhelm U.S. missile defences.

Moreover, its nuclear-powered engine threatens to disgorge radiation along its flight path, and its deployment risks an accident that could contaminate the surrounding region, said Cheryl Rofer, a former U.S. nuclear weapons scientist, and other experts.

"The Skyfall is a uniquely stupid weapon system, a flying Chornobyl that poses more threat to Russia than it does to other countries," agreed Thomas Countryman, a former top U.S. State Department official with the Arms Control Association, referring to the 1986 nuclear plant disaster.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization did not answer questions about how the alliance would respond to the weapon's deployment.

Little publicly is known about the Burevestnik's technical details.

Experts assess that it would be sent aloft by a small solid-fuel rocket to drive air into an engine containing a miniature nuclear reactor. Superheated and possibly radioactive air would be blasted out, providing forward thrust.

Putin unveiled it in March 2018, saying the missile would be "low flying," with nearly unlimited range, an unpredictable flight path and "invincible" to current and future defences.

Many experts are skeptical of Putin's claims. The Burevestnik, they say, could have a range of some 23,000 kilometres — compared with more than 17,700 kilometres for the Sarmat, Russia's newest ICBM — while its subsonic speed would make it detectable.

"It's going to be as vulnerable as any cruise missile," Kristensen, of the Federation of American Scientists, said. "The longer it flies, the more vulnerable it becomes because there is more time to track it. I don't understand Putin's motive here."

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The Burevestnik's deployment is not banned by New START, the last U.S.-Russian accord limiting strategic nuclear weapon deployments, which expires in February 2026.

A provision allows Washington to request negotiations with Moscow on bringing the Burevestnik under the caps, but a State Department spokesperson said no such talks had been sought.

Citing the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia has spurned U.S. calls for unconditional talks on replacing New START, stoking fears of an all-out nuclear arms race when it expires.

Geneva-based expert Podvig said Moscow might use the missile as a bargaining chip if talks ever resume.

He called the Burevestnik a "political weapon" that Putin used to bolster his strongman image before his 2018 re-election and to telegraph to Washington that it cannot dismiss his concerns over U.S. missile defences and other issues.

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WNBA star Brittney Griner released from Russian custody in a high-profile prisoner swap between the U.S. and Moscow

WASHINGTON —  WNBA star Brittney Griner  is free Thursday after the Biden administration negotiated her release from a Russian penal colony in exchange for an arms dealer.

President Joe Biden signed off on the trade, which took place in the United Arab Emirates, even though it meant leaving behind Paul Whelan, an American corporate security executive who remains jailed in Russia.

The move marks one of the most high-profile prisoner swaps between Moscow and Washington since the Cold War, with the Kremlin seeing the return of Viktor Bout, who Russian President Vladimir Putin has been wanting to get back — and who had served 11 years of a 25-year sentence in the United States.

Griner’s return to the United States will cap a monthslong saga that began in February when she was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after Russian authorities said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. She was later jailed on drug charges.

The 32-year-old Phoenix Mercury player was the subject of prolonged and often public negotiations between the two countries after a trial that  underscored frayed relations  amid  Russia’s war in Ukraine . Biden’s administration had sought the release of both Griner and Whelan.

“I’m telling you, I am determined to get her home and get her home safely — along with others, I might add,” Biden said of the situation on Nov. 9.

Whelan is serving a 16-year prison sentence after being accused of spying, which the U.S. has denied. People familiar with the negotiations for his release say the Russians refused to release Whelan without getting a Russian spy in return. The U.S. insists it does not have any Russian spies in its custody, and thus no one to trade to meet the Kremlin’s demand.

Griner’s release marks a stunning turn of events from last month, when she began serving a nine-year sentence  at a Russian penal colony  more than 200 miles east of Moscow.

During her trial in July, Griner pleaded guilty but said she had no criminal intent. Griner said the canisters, which she had been prescribed to treat chronic pain, were packed inadvertently as she hurriedly prepared for her flight.

As her trial neared its end in early August, it became public that the U.S. put a prisoner swap offer on the table for Moscow to consider. Russia called for “quiet diplomacy” but said after her sentencing that it was  ready to discuss  a deal.

NBC News reported in July that the U.S.  proposed  a prisoner exchange with Russia for the release of Griner and  Whelan , who has been detained since 2018. That deal, two sources familiar with the matter confirmed at the time, would have included the U.S. releasing Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death” because he was considered one of the world’s largest illicit arms dealers.

Bout  was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison  in 2012 after he was convicted of selling arms to Colombian rebels, which prosecutors said were intended to kill Americans. The Kremlin has been demanding his release over the past decade, saying he was unfairly targeted.

The Washington-Moscow swap marks the most prominent diplomatic engagement between the two countries since the U.S. and its allies firmly backed Kyiv and condemned the Kremlin for launching the war against its neighbor in February.

The Biden administration has faced tremendous pressure to help bring home the 6-foot-9 Houston native. Griner’s teammates, family and friends, as well as a number of U.S. celebrities lobbied for her return.

Griner’s release is the second publicly known U.S. prisoner swap with Russia since the war in Ukraine started .  American  Trevor Reed  was released in April after spending nearly three years in a Russian jail. The former Marine was freed in a  prisoner exchange  that saw Biden commute the sentence of Konstantin Yaroshenko, a convicted Russian drug trafficker serving time in Connecticut who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the U.S. in 2010.

With the United States and its Western allies confronting the realities of a new Cold War with Russia in the wake of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, the high-stakes swap will evoke memories of Soviet-era trades involving spies.

One of the most well known Cold War swaps involved American pilot Francis Gary Powers, whose U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. He was traded in 1962 for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel in an exchange on a fog-shrouded bridge between West Berlin and East Germany.

The largest U.S.-Russian spy swap since the Cold War  came in 2010  when 10 Russian agents, including  Anna Chapman , were exchanged for four other Russians accused of spying for the West — among them  Sergei Skripal , who was later poisoned with a nerve agent in the United Kingdom. The British government  blamed  Moscow for the poisoning.

Andrea Mitchell is chief Washington correspondent and chief foreign affairs correspondent for NBC News.

Zoë Richards is the evening politics reporter for NBC News.

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter based in London, UK.

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