https://www.rferl.org Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty is an international news organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries https://www.rferl.org/Content/responsive/RFE/en-US/img/logo.png https://www.rferl.org en Copyright 2026 - RFE/RL, Inc. 60 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:42:26 +0200 Pangea CMS – RFE/RL The principals behind two Moscow-based animated film studios -- one an Iranian man, the other the son of a former Afghan diplomat -- appear to be involved shadowy business interests, and possibly espionage, directly benefiting Iran.   https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-houthis-moscow-cartoons-systema/33708887.html https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-houthis-moscow-cartoons-systema/33708887.html Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:52:48 +0100 IranFeaturesRussiaSystema: Investigating RussiaThe Rundown Stories What do Russia’s GRU, a neo-Nazi veteran of the Ukraine war, and former far-right soccer fans have in common? They’re linked to an ongoing campaign to recruit saboteurs in the US and Europe. RFE/RL’s investigative unit Systema documents those links for the first time. https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-gru-nazi-sabotage-recruitment-telegram/33539661.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-gru-nazi-sabotage-recruitment-telegram/33539661.html Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:05:20 +0200 RussiaFeaturesSystema: Investigating RussiaThe Rundown Headline With almost a million casualties and no end to the war on Ukraine in sight, Russia is using an array of approaches to keep the flow of soldiers to the front from slowing. An RFE/RL investigation reveals details about a new recruitment system that a lawmaker said provides “expendable manpower.” https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recruitment-war-ukraine-mercenaries/33476077.html https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-recruitment-war-ukraine-mercenaries/33476077.html Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:01:00 +0200 Russia Invades UkraineFeaturesRussiaUkraineThe Rundown Headline The Russian military intelligence agency oversaw the recruitment of prisoners into assault units known as “Storm Z”. It also funded the units and collected of information about casualties, RFE/RL's Systema reports in the documentary "The Slaughter Of Ghosts: How Russian Prisoners Fight In Ukraine." https://www.rferl.org/a/rferl-systema-russia-prison-recruitment-ukraine-war/33398262.html https://www.rferl.org/a/rferl-systema-russia-prison-recruitment-ukraine-war/33398262.html Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:01:31 +0200 Systema: Investigating RussiaFeaturesRussiaUkraineRussia Invades UkraineThe Rundown Stories