Russian for Wonks: The Geopolitics of Summer Camp
For many Russian children, summer camp is a cherished rite of passage—an escape from school routines into a world of bonfires, games, and shared songs….
Read MoreIn Translation
In Translation is a project that brings primary source documents to you in translation. Most documents presented here are speeches or political platforms from Russia, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet countries. Most are translated from Russian. Wherever possible, side-by-side translations are presented with the original text for easy comparison.
Russian for Wonks: Demographics and Childbirth
Russian demographics have been a major policy issue for the Russian state since its formation in 1991. It has also been well covered in both…
Russian, US Top Diplomats Meet: In Side-by-Side Translation
Both Russia and the US are testing the waters for a possible meeting between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Today, on…
Renting in Russia: Language, Legalities, and Culture
The word for “landlord” in Russian is actually the same as the word for “host” – . Renting in Russia, whether apartments or rooms, comes…
Putin’s New Year Message to Russians in Translation
While Americans gather around TV screens to watch a ball drop on Times Square to bring in the New Year, Russians gather around to watch…
Russian MiniLessons: Подтасовка результатов выборов – Rigging Elections
The following bilingual Russian MiniLesson is meant to build your vocabulary by providing Russian phrases within English text. Hover over the bold Russian to reveal…
Russian MiniLessons: Холодная война – The Cold War
The following bilingual Russian MiniLesson is meant to build your vocabulary by providing Russian phrases within English text. Hover over the bold Russian to reveal…
The Dacha in Modern Russian History and Legislation
The Russian word “дача” is often translated into English as “summer residence” or “cottage,” but the best translation is simply a transliteration to English: “dacha.”…
2020 Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly in Side-by-Side Translation
Vladimir Putin’s annual Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly of 2020 may go down in history as one of Russia’s most important. In the address,…
Vladimir Putin’s 2019 News Conference in Side-by-Side Translation
The following is the official video, transcript, and official translation for Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference as given on December 19, 2019. Note that the…
Vladimir Putin’s 2019 News Conference in Side-by-Side Translation (Pt. 2)
The following is the second of a two part resource presenting the official video, transcript, and official translation for Vladimir Putin’s annual news conference as…
Zelensky’s New Year Message to Ukrainians in Translation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian, gave a rather long and unusual New Year address to Ukrainians this year. The message focused on patriotism…
Putin’s New Year Message to Russians in Translation
While Americans gather around TV screens to watch a ball drop on Times Square to bring in the New Year, Russians gather around to watch…
Voice of Ukraine: Campaign Platform in English
Voice is a Ukrainian political party established by Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, the lead singer of Okean Elzi, one of the most popular Ukrainian rock bands in…
Volodymyr Zelensky – Campaign Platform in English
In March of 2019, Volodymyr Zelensky did what many thought would be impossible. In the presidential election that month, it looked like Ukraine would see…
Putin and Pompeo Meet
This issue presents Russian news broadcasts on issues of policy and politics with full transcripts and full side-by-side translations. It is aimed at providing vocabulary…
Major Forum Held on Implementation of National Projects
This resource looks at Russian news broadcasts and presents each with rhetorical and contextual analysis as well as a brief vocabulary list aimed at intermediate-level…
International Summit On Municipal Infrastructure
This resource looks at Russian news broadcasts and presents each with rhetorical and contextual analysis as well as a brief vocabulary list aimed at intermediate-level…
Sergey Lavrov on US-Russia Relations
This resource looks at Russian news broadcasts and presents each with rhetorical and contextual analysis as well as a brief vocabulary list aimed at intermediate-level…
Apartments in Russia: 1917 – Present
When the Soviets took over Russia, it was a mostly rural, agricultural country. Most Russians lived in smaller villages and towns in traditional housing units….