Michael Idov

Michael Idov is a contributing editor at New York Magazine and has covered Russia for The New Republic. His debut novel, Ground Up, has just been released.

articles/2010/06/11/russia-cedes-to-mikhalkov-withdraws-award-for-poland/idov-russian-update_106350_zhomqg

Russia Withdraws Its Olive Branch to Poland

Instead of giving a prestigious humanitarian award to a Polish film director as planned, the Kremlin has decided to skip the award this year altogether. An insider tells Michael Idov why Russian cinematic legend Nikita Mikhalkov is behind the reversal.

Michael Idov

articles/2010/06/08/russia-to-award-prize-to-polish-katyn-director-andrzej-wajda/idov-russian-award_105576_wlmwcj

The Kremlin's Amazing PR Turnaround

The Daily Beast has learned exclusively that Russia’s most prestigious award will go to Polish director Andrzej Wajda—whose film about the Katyn massacre was originally banned from Russian cinemas.

Michael Idov

Russia's Terror Panic Attack

Kremlin-approved media coverage of Moscow's subway bombings is engulfing the city in paranoia. Michael Idov on why the Twitter-journalism that helped save Tehran won't work in Russia.

Michael Idov

Russia's Amazing Drugs and Hookers Scandal

A top journalist caught on tape with a pile of cocaine and a party girl named Moomoo, an opposition activist filmed handing over a bribe—Michael Idov on the smear campaign that has Moscow abuzz.

Michael Idov

Russia's Olympic Choke Job

The Russian Olympic machine broke down in Vancouver, leaving Moscow in a state of despair. Michael Idov on the demise of a sporting superpower.

Michael Idov

Michael Idov

Russia Withdraws Its Olive Branch to Poland

The Kremlin's Amazing PR Turnaround

Russia's Terror Panic Attack

Russia's Amazing Drugs and Hookers Scandal

Russia's Olympic Choke Job

Your Move, Mr. Putin

Obama's Russia Problem