russian tourism video

• Celebrities
• Science & Tech
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink
• Home & Garden
• Sports & Fitness
• Travel & Outdoors
• Science & tech
• Conversations

Russia mocked for releasing tourism video that appears to threaten the West

Russia has released a video that has been widely mocked that seemingly mocks the sanctions imposed upon it by the west since Vladimir Putin launched his illegal invasion of the West upon Ukraine.

It has been more than six months since the invasion of Ukraine began and despite the heavy losses their forces have received and the strict sanctions that have been imposed upon them the Russians are still attempting to put on a brave face.

On Friday, the Russian embassy in Spain shared a video on their Twitter account called 'Time to move to Russia.' The off clip, which is just 53 seconds long, features mostly stock footage of Russia but it is the voice-over and the script which is perhaps the most curious element of the entire thing.

The voice which speaks in English but has an almost stereotypical Russian accent starts by saying: "This is Russia." It then goes on to promote its "delicious cuisine, beautiful women, cheap gas, rich history, world-famous literature, unique architecture, fertile soil, cheap electricity and water, ballet, cheap taxi and delivery, traditional values, Christianity, no cancel culture, hospitality, vodka."

Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter

Finally, it mentions its economy which "can withstand thousands of sanctions." It concludes by saying: "Time to move to Russia. Don't delay, winter is coming."

\u201cTime to move to Russia \ud83e\udd0d\ud83d\udc99\u2764\ufe0f\u201d — Rusia en Espa\u00f1a (@Rusia en Espa\u00f1a) 1659072048

We're not sure if they are trying to reference Game of Thrones in that last part or whether it is a further threat to the West given their control of much of Europe's gas supply.

The video has since can viral and those who have seen it couldn't help but mock the corny nature of it, even if it is supposed to be a joke.

\u201cState-controlled Telegram channels won\u2019t stop bragging about this video. Not sure who is the creator. But wow, just watch it. If the Russians didn\u2019t promote it, I\u2019d think this was a satire. Why do they think this could attract foreigners to move to Russia? \u201cWinter is coming.\u201d\u201d — Fatima Tlis (@Fatima Tlis) 1659039425

\u201cwtf this is real lmao\u201d — Mugi is Love Muginismo (Fed account) (@Mugi is Love Muginismo (Fed account)) 1659173037

\u201cthis is russia\u201d — Jen Bones (@Jen Bones) 1659102283

\u201cFascinating sinister self-satire. But the punchline: does \u201cWinter is coming\u201d mean they might stop pumping gas to Europe (or otherwise spread more misery), that in the U.S. liberals are about to make life intolerable for good white Christians, or did they just want to meme it up?\u201d — Kurt Andersen (@Kurt Andersen) 1659182434

\u201cAnd it's not parody \ud83d\ude44\ud83d\ude2f\ud83d\ude0f\u201d — Murielle S./European /\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Murielle S./European /\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1659126447

Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

The Tortured Poets Department - Live updates

Gta 6: live updates as publisher take-two announces layoffs, dismissed juror from trump trial gives brutal first impression of his skin colour, antarctica’s most active volcano churns out actual gold dust, bride disgusted after finding groom's mum breastfeeding him before wedding, ancient monument 'unlike anything seen before' unearthed in france, 'four lads in jeans' meme given a 2024 update, is taylor swift's 'thank you aimee' about kim kardashian, caitlin clark subject to misogynist attacks by ex-nfl star antonio brown, will melania testify against donald trump, lost underwater 'city' discovered in india could rewrite human history, jake paul finally makes key admission about mike tyson fight, joe rogan suggests key bible prophet was actually just high on drugs, ryan gosling and emily blunt’s snl duet is leaving people stunned.

Russia Trolled For Releasing Tourism Video That Mocks West

The video has gone viral, but divided the internet. while some people find it funny, others have attacked russia for invading ukraine..

The promotional video posted on social media by Russia mocks the West.

Russia has released a video that appears to mock the sanctions slapped on it by the western countries for invading Ukraine. The video invites people to move to Russia, which has "delicious cuisine, beautiful women and cheap gas", according to the text supers. The clip has been posted on social media handles of Russian embassies across the world and ends with a message "don't delay.... winter is coming". Russia has faced global condemnation for attacking Ukraine to stop it from joining West-backed military alliance NATO.

Time to move to Russia 🤍💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/4CZL1Nt4Gi — Rusia en España (@EmbajadaRusaES) July 29, 2022

The 53-second clip titled 'Time to move to Russia' begins with a voice which speaks in English and saying, "This is Russia". The video then promotes Russia's "delicious cuisine, beautiful women, cheap gas, rich history, unique architecture, fertile soil, cheap electricity and water, ballet, cheap taxi and delivery, traditional values, hospitality, vodka."

There is no "cancel culture" in Russia and it has a rich history and literature, it further said.

Just before ending, the footage mentions that Russia has a "strong economy that can withstand thousands of sanctions".

The video has gone viral, with thousands of users posting comments.

"Really funny. Appreciate the dark humor," a Facebook user commented. "I'm going to send this video to Europe and their western friends," said another.

Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Many slammed the country for attacking Ukraine. "I was really waiting for the part where they would say this is russia- the country which can attack in the middle of the night, kill 1000s innocent Ukrainian and made millions homeless overnight," said a Facebook user.

It's been more than five months since the Ukraine invasion began and despite the heavy losses their forces have suffered and the strict sanctions, Russian forces are putting on a brave front.

Track Budget 2023 and get Latest News Live on NDTV.com.

Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world .

India Elections | Read Latest News on Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live on NDTV.com . Get Election Schedule , information on candidates, in-depth ground reports and more - #ElectionsWithNDTV

Watch Live News:

The dos and don'ts of visiting Russia for the first time

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

These top tips can help you make the most of your visit to Russia © MarinaDa / Shutterstock

The world’s largest country beguiles and fascinates with its world-class art, epic landscapes and multifaceted society. You may also find that perseverance  and a sense of humour will go a long way in enriching your first-time Russian travel experience. From the things you absolutely must do before you travel to the things we recommend that you steer clear of once you're there, here are some top tips for avoiding common pitfalls when visiting  Russia .

DO apply for a visa early and register on arrival

Visas must be applied for in advance by all visitors. How you do that varies depending on your nationality and where in Russia you are traveling to. Travelers from many countries, including the UK and US, need to apply in-person at an embassy or consulate and provide biometric data. An e-visa may be an option for passport-holders from 52 countries, which include many EU travelers, as well as those from China, India, Japan, Singapore, and some Middle Eastern countries. However these are temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.  Check with your local Russian embassy or consulate for confirmation, or get up-to-date information here . 

You can apply at the last moment, but it may cost you a fortune. Start the application process at least a month before your trip and consider using a specialist travel agency to arrange visas and make key transport bookings. Every visitor to Russia should have their visa registered within seven days of arrival, excluding weekends and public holidays. The obligation to register is with your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence. Also keep in mind that your visa entry and exit dates will be written according to European calendar convention (day/month/year) as opposed to the American style, so don't get mixed up or over-stay your visa. 

DO check the events calendar

During major holidays – the first week in January (between New Year’s Day and Orthodox Christmas) and the first week or two of May (around Labour Day, or May Day, and Victory Day) – Moscow and St Petersburg empty out. Despite this, both cities are festive during these times, with parades, concerts and other events, but museums and other institutions may have shortened hours or be shut altogether. May to September is the best time to visit St Petersburg but mid-June is when the city is irresistible, with the White Nights revelry at its peak.

DO dress up for a night out

We can’t guarantee you’ll make it past Moscow’s "face control" (the term comes from clubs trying to "save face" by only letting in patrons who meet their image standards) but you can better your chances of getting in to the top clubs by making a sartorial effort – high heels and skirts for women, all black for men. Russians also make an effort when they go to the theater or a posh restaurant – you should do likewise to fit in.

DO learn the Cyrillic alphabet

Making an effort to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet repays tenfold. It will help you decode street and metro signs, maps, timetables and menus, even if you don't know many Russian phrases. While digital tools like the Russian Metro app  and Google Translate make it easier than ever to visit countries where you don't speak or read the language, brushing up beforehand can reduce frustration and endear you to the locals.

Rideshare options such as Taxovichkoff and Yandex Taxi upended the taxi industry in Russia as much as anywhere else. That means less pressure to know the Russian phrases you'd need to hails cabs in the streets, but it still is wise to learn key phrases in case there's a navigation mixup, like the address of your hotel or intersection of your short-term apartment rental. 

DO expect to spend your money

Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world and St Petersburg is not a cheap destination either; wallet-thinning shock is common at many restaurants and hotels. As a foreigner you’ll also find yourself paying more than a Russian for some museums – often as much as 10 times the price Russians pay. If you’re a student, flashing your ID can save you money at museums and other institutions.

You can save on dining out a few different ways. Many restaurants offer "business lunches" that are great value and very filling. Several years ago the trend for " anti-cafes " cropped up in larger Russian cities, and there are still a few where you pay by the minute for coffee, biscuits, and a little wi-fi time. 

Food markets  that blend farmers markets and food halls are popular, and are often found in architecturally significant vintage buildings. You can shop for ingredients to cook yourself or sample cuisines from around the world from dozens of  vendor stalls. Many food markets are less expensive than sit-down restaurants and let you try a wider variety of local and international dishes. 

DON’T ask for a mixer with your vodka

Few traditions in Russia are as sacrosanct as the drinking of vodka , and any foreign notions of drinking it with orange juice or tonic are anathema to your average Russian. If you need something to wash it down, you can chase it with a lemon, a pickle or, perhaps, a separate glass of water. Vodka is drunk in swift shots, not sipped. It’s traditional (and good sense) to eat a little something after each shot, so order some vodka snacks too.

DON’T be disrespectful in a church

Working churches are open to everyone, but as a visitor you should take care not to disturb any devotions or offend sensibilities. There's no face control, but women should cover their heads and bare shoulders when entering a church. In some monasteries and churches it’s also required for a woman to wear a skirt – wraps are usually available at the door. Men should remove their hats in church and not wear shorts.

DON’T take photos of government buildings

Be very careful about photographing stations, official-looking buildings and any type of military-security structure – if in doubt, don’t snap! Travelers have been arrested and fined for such innocent behaviour.

DON’T be surprised if you’re stopped by the police

Although new laws were passed in 2011 that ostensibly reconfigured Russia's police and their interactions with the public, it's still wise to carry a photocopy of your passport, visa and registration – not to mention travel documents that indicate how and when you'll return home – and present them when an officer demands to see your documents. You may also see special tourist police near major attractions like the Red Square , who have special training and language skills to assist travelers.

If you're issued a fine, Russian authorities might expect an "unofficial payment" to expedite their service on the spot, as opposed to handling the matter later at the station. Either way, always ask for an official receipt, and consider carrying the phone number for your country's embassy in case matters get more complicated. 

You might also like: How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow    How to plan and pack for the Trans-Siberian Railway    Beyond the Trans-Siberian: travelling Russia's unexplored northwest by train   

This article was originally published in August 2009.

This article was first published October 2019 and updated September 2021

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Aug 30, 2023 • 9 min read

The staggering expanse of Mongolia can make it difficult to decide where to go first. Start your bucket list with these 12 unmissable places to visit.

Aug 3, 2023 • 7 min read

Jul 18, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 3, 2023 • 3 min read

Jul 3, 2023 • 8 min read

Mar 30, 2022 • 4 min read

Feb 17, 2022 • 9 min read

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 24, 2021 • 4 min read

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

• #Saint Petersburg
• #Photospots

The capital city with a thousand options

The city you will fall in love

The popular tourist route with the network of ancient towns north-east of Moscow

• #Golden Ring

Read our articles and discover Russia’s tourist attractions, ways to learn its traditions and culture, top activities and interesting places, world-famous museums and hidden gems, and much more that’ll inspire you to come and see Russia.

These are some of our hand-picked tours and itineraries that will let you get the most out of your trip to Russia. Choose one of ready programs or customize it and create your own trip!

• 9 excursions

• 4 excursions

• 6 excursions

• 3 excursions

Practical information for your trip to Russia

Share the best of Russia on our networks

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, tailor content, and measure advertising. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our Privacy Policy .

Your request has been sent successfully! Our travel expert will contact you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

Home to eleven time zones and a border spanning two continents, Russia, the world's largest country, is truly a world of its own. As a country that has seen the rise and fall of great empires and unions, its history only adds to its distinct identity. With vast and immensely beautiful landscapes in Siberia and the Kamchatka Peninsula, culturally rich heritage sites in the North Caucasus, and pulsating cities such as Moscow, Russia makes for a destination worth a visit for travelers of all kinds.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is known as Russia’s cultural capital, and rightly so. Home to more than 200 museums, such as the spectacular Hermitage, the city’s links to heritage from the past can also be seen in several buildings such as the opulent Catherine Palace and the magnificent Church of Saviour on Spilled Blood. St. Petersburg additionally can be a delightful destination for book lovers, with spots to explore Russian authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky’s legacy. Further, book lovers can visit old bookstores and several libraries in the city, such as the National Library of Russia, are open to the public through pre-arranged tours. A final reason why St. Petersburg is a top destination in Russia is the exciting nightlife of the city, which one can start exploring in and around the Nevsky Prospekt.

The capital city of Moscow is definitely among the top places to visit in Russia, for its variety of experiences on offer: art museums such as the Tretyakov Gallery, high-end restaurants such as the White Rabbit to the impressive ballet culture, most prominently in the Bolshoi Theatre.

While the Red Square is a vital part of the city to see the essentials such as The Kremlin and Lenin’s mausoleum, other places in the city, such as the Izmailovo flea market, are also worth a visit.

Arctic Circle (Murmansk)

The vast Russian territories on the Arctic Circle hangs as the crown of country, marked by Tundra and snow. As the northern edge of the world, this region attracts those looking to go stargazing and, if lucky, to catch the Northern Lights. Head to the largest city in the Arctic circle, Murmansk, from where you can head to villages such as Teriberka close by for views of the vast sky and a boat graveyard, beaches at the northern edge of the world, making for a thoroughly surreal experience.

Murmansk is also home to the Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker, the world’s first nuclear-powered ship turned museum. A visit to a husky farm near the city where one gets to interact with the royal, adorable Huskies in their natural habitat is also recommended.

Capital of Tatarstan region, Kazan is one of the most aesthetically delightful cities in Russia that is home to the Islamic heritage of this part of the country while also incorporating Orthodox Christianity. The highlight of Kazan is thus its heritage architecture, which displays both colorful orthodox Christian churches as well as stunning mosques such as the Khul Sharif mosque.

Other must-see buildings include the Suyumike tower and the Temple of All Religions, an eclectically styled prayer complex where several faiths can go to pray.

Kamchatka Peninsula

A peninsula full of vast volcanoes, stunning natural formations such as Valley of Geysers and a habitat of bears, a visit to Kamchatka is a real immersion into Russia’s natural beauty. There are several trekking and camping tours available inside the numerous bio-reserves located in the valley, making it ideal for those who want to disconnect with the outside world and dive deep into nature.

The city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky can be made a base to further explore the region, where once can sample some of the seafood delicacies such as Kamchatka crabs.

A resort town by the black sea, Sochi is surrounded by stunning snowcapped mountains, which form a backdrop to beaches. Among the most popular summer destinations within Russia, this city, however, this city also makes for an excellent place to try out winter sports activities such as skiing.

Besides lounging around the beaches, the city is a good place to try out adventure sports such as bungee jumping, and one can also head to the SkyPark Sochi for rollercoasters and other adventure activities with stunning views.

Republic of Dagestan

A somewhat offbeat destination in Russia for tourists, the culturally unique and naturally stunning region of Dagestan, which translates to The Land of The Mountains, can be a top choice for those looking to explore the diversity of the world’s largest country. While Dagestan is perceived by many as a dangerous place to visit owing to political movements in the area, visitors to the region attest to the fact that prior planning and taking general safety measures can make for a rewarding experience.

The city of Derbent, with the Caspian Sea on the coast, owing to its old-world charm and stunning mosques, is one prominent place to visit and to explore the heritage and culture of the region.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is a vast region full of villages around the lake that make for excellent summer holidays and comes highly recommended for visitors looking to unwind and relax. The famous trans-Siberian railway route passes through this vast water body, which can be navigated after making a base in the city of Irkutsk.

While there are several villages and spots such as Olkhon Island where you can rent a Dacha and proceed to kayak, boat, or simply lounge around the lake, a recommended place to visit is the Peschanaya Bay, which is a stunning beach-like landscape with slanted rocks to form a backdrop.

Nizhny Novgorod

Marked with history and home to several heritage monuments, Nizhny Novgorod is a top choice for Russian history lovers. Once known as ‘Gorky,’ this city was also considered an important center for the production of military equipment, but these days, the highlight of the city is its architecture.

Places to explore include the city’s Kremlin, with its 13 towers, and the historic Rozhdestvenskaya Street. Other activities to indulge in include watching the sunset over the confluence of the Oka and Volga Rivers, which can be viewed set against the city’s Kremlin.

Vladimir and Suzdal

The two cities of Vladimir and Suzdal, located very close to each other, are part of a cluster among the "Golden Ring" cities around Moscow. While Vladimir was once the capital of the Russian empire, the adjacent Suzdal extends the sense of history and heritage through the numerous churches to be found here. Wooden houses with ornate window panels, large church and monastery complexes, and charming markets delight visitors.

Lena Pillars

Spectacular, awe-inspiring rocks that go up to impressive heights and nicknamed Mountains of Rising Gods among locals form the Lena Pillars Natural Park. A one-of-a-kind landscape that's worth a visit in Russia's Yakutia, Lena Pillars can be accessed from Yakutsk. River cruises around the park offer a spectacular view, but one can also opt for a helicopter or air tour of the area.

A winter wonderland located on the banks of the Kama River, Perm can be a surprising delight for those looking to visit ice caves such as Kungar Ice Caves in the nearby region. In itself, the city also has an impressive ballet scene as well as other cultural activities. Visitors can also take a day trip to the Memorial Complex of Political Repressions, Kuchino, Permsky Krai, also known as the Perm 36 Gulag Museum, which was once a forced labor camp.

Vladivostok

A stunning city in the Far East of Russia, Vladivostok is a port city located close to both China and North Korea. The beauty of this city, marked by mountains and bays, is most prominent in its Golden Horn Bay. Meanwhile, the city's Eagle's Nest Hill is one of the best places to get views of the cityscape.

As a big city, Vladivostok has several notable museums, with the S-56 Submarine Museum, a World War II museum located inside a submarine, being a unique choice for visitors.

Kizhi Island, Karelia

Russia’s wooden architecture is among the many things unique to the county, and the Kizhi Island, located in the Karelia region, is an open-air museum of these detailed and classic structures. Kizhi Island is increasingly becoming a popular site for visitors, with ancient structures such as the Church of Transfiguration as well as an arranged display of rural life. The island, which houses the oldest wooden church in Russia, can be visited from Petrozavodsk and can only be visited for a day trip.

Yekaterinburg

A large industrial city in the Ural Mountains, Yekaterinburg is among Russia’s crucial spots with a significant history in the Russian Revolution: it is where Russia’s last Tsar and his family were executed. Exciting for history and culture enthusiasts, this city is home to a thriving theater and dance scene. Further, Yekaterinburg also houses over 30 interesting museums.

Those in the city can also plan day trips to fascinating spots close to the town, such as the quirky Kirillov’s House in the Kunara village or opt for a nature trip to the mountains.

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

The Top 12 Things to Do in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Travel to Murmansk, the Largest City North of the Arctic Circle

The Top 18 Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia

10 Must-Visit Palaces and Castles in Russia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Astrakhan

Top 12 Things to Do in Kazan, Russia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Omsk

9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

12 Best Free Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Russia

The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

Moscow Metro: The Complete Guide

25 Best Things to Do in Moscow

Top Mexico Destinations

The World's Most Gay-Friendly Beach Cities and Resorts

Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Experience 85 UNIQUE adventures in Russia (VIDEOS)

Russia: 85 adventures

In just one year, our video team journeyed through the vast expanses of Russia, capturing the essence of each region. Dive into their personal experiences and challenges faced during their travels in this detailed interview . 

The outcome? A series of 85 minute-long videos that truly depict the diversity and wonder of our country. From exploring the remote Far Eastern islands and interacting with majestic whales, to kayaking on the tranquil waters of the Volga River. 

We’ve mingled with reindeer herds in the North and uncovered the mysteries of the true Dragon house in the South. Our taste buds were treated to traditional pryanik gingerbread, local cheeses and a plethora of exotic seafood. Venturing through deserts and navigating dense swamps, our adventures were as varied as they were exciting. 

Intrigued? Access the entire collection of videos showcasing Russia's vast landscapes and rich culture here – www.rbth.com/85adventures . 

Dear readers,

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:

• Subscribe to our Telegram channel
• Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter
• Enable push notifications on our website
• Install a VPN service on your computer and/or phone to have access to our website, even if it is blocked in your country

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

• 5 most interesting routes for a road trip in Russia
• We traveled all over Russia and crashed only one snowmobile
• How to enter Russia by land as a tourist in 2023

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

Video Reviews

On this page you can watch videos about our company and get to know us better. You can hear what our customers have to say about Express to Russia in video reviews. You can take a virtual tour of St. Petersburg and get aquainted with major highlights of the 'two capitals' - Moscow and St. Petersburg.

St.Petersburg Highlights

Peter and Paul Fortress

The Hermitage

Yusupov Palace

Pushkin (Catherine Palace, Tsarskoye Selo)

Rivers and Canals

Russian Museum

St. Isaac's Cathedral

Nevsky Prospekt

The Church on Spilled Blood

Moscow Highlights

Tretyakov Gallery

Novodevichy Convent

St. Basil's Cathedral

Two travellers from South Africa

Travelers from Canada

A traveler from Ireland

Travelers from USA

Friends from Spain

A family from the USA

A traveler from UK

The traveler from Italy

A family from USA

A family from Mexico

A couple from the USA

Two young ladies from Australia

Two travellers from Brazil

A couple from Singapore

A small group from USA

A group from South Africa

Two travellers from Australia

A group from USA

A group from Spain

Two travellers from Thailand

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

A new trend in Russian tourism. Locals have had enough

I n response to various blockades and sanctions, Russians are exploring other tourist destinations. While Thailand is gaining popularity, residents and tourists from other countries find the surge of Russian tourists bothersome.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which started in February 2022, has led to considerable isolation of Russia by Europe, particularly the countries bordering the Russian Federation. Even those Russians who do not support the war face challenges when attempting to enter many European countries for tourism, business, or cultural exchanges.

It's unsurprising that Russian citizens are diversifying their travel destinations in the backdrop of these blockades - not only for leisure but also for establishing businesses. Thailand has emerged as a favored destination.

Although Thailand largely depends on tourism for its GDP, the sudden influx of Russians has been distinctly noticeable . In the first six months of 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport recorded 791,574 Russian arrivals.

On Phuket, the country's largest island, over a million Russian citizens have arrived this year alone . Even the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, visited to settle "Russian affairs." The number of Russians visiting Thailand soared by around 1000 percent. The tourist season in Thailand is just commencing, and it is estimated that up to 400,000 Russians will visit the country monthly until January.

A new favorite among Russian tourists and businessmen irks the locals

The sudden flood of Russians into Thailand hasn't sat well with the locals. They are resentful of increasing prices, adjusted for the economical capabilities of the new group of tourists, as well as a surge in crime and discourtesy. Real estate prices have spiked, and for many individuals linked with Russian organized crime, Thailand appears to be a sanctuary.

Granted, some Russians are starting businesses. However, they often establish companies catering exclusively to Russians, which brings about a sense of discrimination against the native population in their own homeland.

Let's not forget that many such businesses are outright illegal. Unlicensed hair salons, unauthorized Russian taxis, and Russian sex workers have become a part of Thailand's reality.

The locals realize that the influx of Russian tourists might diminish their country's reputation, heavily reliant on tourism, especially in the eyes of Europeans. Hence, efforts are being made to attract tourists from countries that do not harbor a solid aversion to Russians.

Tourists from Kazakhstan, India, China, or Taiwan may soon enjoy the privilege of visa-free entry for visits lasting less than 90 days.

Thailand's Russian invasion: Phuket overrun by Putin's tourists

Tourist died after glass bridge shattered. This could have been prevented

Alleged Russian chemical attack raises concerns in Ukraine conflict

Exclusive: Russia tightens officials' travel rules due to fears over secrets, sources say

• Medium Text

• FSB pressing for tighter travel rules, say sources
• Push comes amid Ukraine war, crisis in Russia-West ties
• Rules vary across Russian government departments
• Russia fears officials could get trapped or extradited
• Foreign travel especially tough for state secret holders

'FRIENDLY' COUNTRY BAN

Coming soon: Get the latest news and expert analysis about the state of the global economy with Reuters Econ World. Sign up here.

Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Gareth Jones

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

Dutch privacy watchdog recommends government organisations stop using Facebook

The Dutch privacy watchdog AP on Friday said it was recommending that government organizations should stop using Facebook as long as it is unclear what happens with personal data of users of the government's Facebook pages.

A cargo ship from Russia earlier detained in Germany on suspicion of breaching sanctions is now free to leave the port of Rostock, the Stralsund main customs office confirmed on Friday without providing any further details.

Chilling video shows fire erupting out of a Russian tank after an exploding Ukrainian drone flew into its open hatch

• Ukraine flew an exploding drone into a Russian tank's open hatch, a new video shows.
• It's not the first time operators have flown UAVs with such precision.
• Drones continue to terrorize both sides of the front lines, even killing high-value targets. 

A new chilling video shows a Ukrainian drone flying directly into the open command hatch of one Russia's main battle tanks before exploding and, apparently, setting off the ammo inside.

It's the latest example of how operators on both sides are flying unmanned aerial vehicles with astonishing precision and lethality , destroying everything from individual soldiers to expensive, high-value targets like top tanks.

The video was originally posted on Telegram on April 11 by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and, later, shared on X. In it, Ukrainian first-person view drones conduct several successful strikes on Russian systems and vehicles, including what experts identified as a Russian T-90M tank, a weapon Putin has called "the world's best tank."

Video of Ukrainian SSO FPV strikes on a Russian T-90M tank and Desertcross ATVs. I cropped the video to avoid strikes on individual soldiers. 15/ https://t.co/UaZmDK7nXP pic.twitter.com/x1TNpIbHb7 — Rob Lee (@RALee85) April 15, 2024

In one particular portion of the footage, the drone flies towards the tank, navigates carefully through what appears to be a cage built on top of it and down into the tank's open hatch.

The footage then cuts to a surveillance drone 's perspective of an explosion inside the tank from a likely ammunition cook off.

Related stories

"FPV drone operators of the 8th Separate Regiment of the SSO inflicted significant losses on the enemy in the Donetsk direction," the Ukraine's Special Operations Forces said on Telegram.

The SSO claimed to have successfully eliminated a T-90, a T-72, and two other vehicles, as well as carried out individual attacks on Russian soldiers in trenches.

These kinds of high-precision kills are not new for Ukraine. Back in November 2023, a Ukrainian service member from the UAV unit known as the Magyar Birds with the 59th Motorized Brigade shared footage of a number of exploding FPV drones flying into the open hatches of Russian vehicles.

In that video, the voiceover says that "if a direct hit isn't working, then the mastery and experience of the pilot becomes most important," per a translation.

Drone operators have become invaluable assets for both sides of the war, as well as prime targets. In some cases, operators have been documented using their drones to target each other , hoping to take out their enemy's capabilities for flying the UAVs that have dramatically complicated battlefield maneuver and combat operations.

The recent attack on the apparent T-90M is another notable loss for the Russian army.

Back in January, Ukraine called the claim that it is "the world's best tank" into question after one of its US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles was able to overwhelm one with chain gun fire during combat in Stepove, a village outside Avdiivka in northeastern Ukraine.

In the video footage from the battle, the Bradley can be seen engaging in an intense fight with the T-90M, wrecking it with fire from its M242 25mm Bushmaster chain gun. After the modern main battle tank spins out of control and catches on fire, its crew abandons it, and Ukraine sends in an FPV drone to finish the job.

Watch: DIY exploding drones are changing the game in Ukraine war

• Main content

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow ramping up pressure on Ukrainian forces; major missile attack kills eight in Dnipropetrovsk

Follow our Ukraine war live page for all the latest developments and analysis of the conflict. Listen to a Sky News Daily podcast episode on the notion of the UK putting troops on the ground in Ukraine as you scroll.

Friday 19 April 2024 14:10, UK

• Two detained after hammer attack on Navalny aide
• Moscow ramping up pressure on Ukrainian forces
• Major Russian missile attack kills eight
• Kremlin responds to US shift on aid to Ukraine
• Analysis: Russia is exploiting Ukraine's lack of air defences
• Mark Stone: Ukraine funding vote is a curious twist in America's political chaos
• The big picture: What's happening with the war this week?
• Your questions answered: How long will it take for any aid to turn the tide militarily?
• Live reporting by Samuel Osborne

The head of the European Union's executive branch has visited Finland's border with Russia to assess the security situation there.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Finland's decision to close its border crossings with Russia over a surge in migrants was a security matter for the whole 27-member bloc to consider.

"We all know how Putin and his allies instrumentalize migrants to test our defenses and to try to destabilise us," she said.

"Now Putin is focusing on Finland, and this is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO."

Finland shares a 832-mile (1,430km) land border with Russia.

"This is not just about the security of Finland, but it is about the security of the European Union. We are in this together," Ms von der Leyen said after visiting the border in Lappeenranta with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

"We should be more Finnish when it comes to security."

Finland joined NATO in April 2023 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a major blow to President Putin.

Slovaks angered at their government's refusal to give military aid to Ukraine have raised nearly €2m (£1.7m) in a drive to help supply ammunition to Kyiv.

Although ammo supplies are a pressing need for Ukraine after two years of war, Slovakia has refused to join a plan led by the Czech government to buy hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds for Ukraine.

"When I heard about the Czech government's initiative, I was very pleased to hear that all ways are being sought to help Ukraine defend itself against the [Russian] aggressor, because there is no other way," said Otto Simko, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor and journalist who helped spearhead the Slovak crowdfunding campaign.

In a video posted on the crowdfunders' YouTube page he said Russia needed to be expelled from Ukraine so "peace can be spoken of on terms that suit Ukrainian independence".

Slovakia halted state military aid to Kyiv last year, arguing the conflict did not have a military solution.

It is "imperative" Ukraine gets more resources immediately to help it fight off Russia's invasion, the US secretary of state has said after a meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) major democracies.

"It needs more air defences, it needs more munitions, it needs more artillery - allies and partners including the G7 countries are committed to delivering on that," Antony Blinken added.

Mr Blinken went on to say that if China wants better relations with Europe it cannot continue helping Russia while it attacks Ukraine, adding that Beijing was the primary contributor to Russia's defence industrial base.

He made the remarks after Kyiv's foreign minister said the G7 had identified "specific steps" needed to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Kyiv's foreign minister has said.

Dmytro Kuleba also warned Europe would be engulfed by war if Russia triumphed in its invasion.

"We identified specific steps which Western partners will make to help Ukraine," Mr Kuleba told reporters on the Italian island of Capri, where G7 foreign ministers are meeting.

He said the West had the capacity "to provide Ukraine with all necessary resources as soon as possible to save Europe from a larger war."

Meanwhile, Italian foreign minister Antonio Tajani said the G7 was looking to see if it could use frozen Russian assets held in the West and not just the interest from the funds.

Mr Tajani said there was an established legal basis for using the interest from the frozen funds, but experts were now looking to see if the capital itself could be used to help Ukraine.

The West has frozen some $300bn (£241bn) of sovereign Russian assets, which the UK and US want to be used to pay for the Ukraine war effort - though European Union member states have questioned the legality of such a move.

A Polish man has been arrested over allegations of being ready to help Russia's military intelligence in an alleged plot to assassinate Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Polish prosecutors said.

The man, identified only as Pawel K, was accused of being prepared to pass airport security information to Russian agents and was arrested in Poland on Wednesday, the office of Poland's National Prosecutor said in a statement.

The man was seeking contact with Russians directly involved in the war in Ukraine and was expected to pass on detailed information about the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport in south-eastern Poland, near the border with Ukraine, it said.

The airport is under the control of US troops and serves as a gateway for international military and humanitarian supplies for Ukraine.

If convicted, the man could face up to eight years in prison, the statement said.

It said the arrest was the result of close cooperation with the prosecutors and security services of Ukraine, who tipped them off and provided crucial evidence.

The Kremlin has declined to comment.

It comes after German prosecutors said two German-Russian men had been arrested on suspicion of espionage (see 8.44 post yesterday).

One of them is accused of agreeing to carry out attacks on potential targets including US military facilities in the hopes of sabotaging aid for Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited troops near the frontline in the east of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president joined a paratroopers' medical platoon in the Donetsk region.

"Today - Donetsk region. Visited our defenders who are under treatment," he said on Telegram.

Mr Zelenskyy said he talked with the soldiers and gave them awards, adding: "Thank you for your service and protection of Ukraine! Our country is proud to have such soldiers."

Two people have been detained in Poland on suspicion of a hammer attack on the top aide of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Lithuania's president has announced.

Leonid Volkov suffered from hammer blows in the attack on 12 March outside his home in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital.

Lithuanian counterintelligence has said the attack was the work of Russian special services and the Kremlin has declined to comment.

President Gitanas Nauseda said the suspects would be transferred to Lithuania.

Mr Volkov had blamed Vladimir Putin for the attack and he thanked Lithuanian police for working "energetically and persistently" over the past month on this case.

"I am very glad that this work has been effective", he tweeted. "Well, we'll find out the details soon. Can't wait to find out!"

Navalny, Mr Putin's most prominent critic, died in a Russian arctic prison in February - his followers believe he was killed by the authorities, which the Kremlin denies.

These pictures show the aftermath of a major Russian missile attack which killed at least eight people and injured over 25 more in the central Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine (see 8.08 post).

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack damaged multiple storeys of a residential building and a train station in the regional capital Dnipro.

A Russian oil and gas company has equipped key facilities at its refineries with anti-drone nets, the RIA news agency has reported.

It comes after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries in Russia.

RIA cited the head of the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, saying the company, Bashneft, was in talks with Russia's defence ministry about boosting the security of its refineries.

Ukraine has said it shot down a Russian strategic bomber "for the first time".

The Russian defence ministry claimed the Tu-22M3 bomber had crashed in Russia's southern Stavropol region, hundreds of miles from Ukrainian-controlled territory, as it returned to base after carrying out a combat mission.

It said the crash appeared to have been caused by a technical malfunction.

But Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk said Kyiv had "destroyed" the bomber, which is capable of carrying long-range missiles.

"For the first time, anti-aircraft missile units of the Air Force, in cooperation with the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, destroyed a Tu-22M3 long-range strategic bomber, a carrier of Kh-22 cruise missiles used by Russian terrorists to attack peaceful Ukrainian cities," Commander Oleshchuk said.

The Russian regional governor said the bomber's four pilots had ejected but one had died and a rescue operation was ongoing for the fourth.

It comes after Russia conducted a major missile attack on the central Dnipropetrovsk region earlier today, which killed at least eight and injured 25.

Russian air defence units intercepted 25 airborne targets early this morning over the southern Belgorod region, the region's governor said.

Vyacheslav Gladkov said the main target was the city of Belgorod, but there were no injuries.

Several private homes and other buildings were damaged and a small fire in a storage area was quickly extinguished.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

• Newsletters

Latest Live Coverage

European leaders call for calm after reported Israeli retaliation against Iran

Live Broadcast

Watch Euronews live stream

Germany arrests two men accused of spying for Russia as US nears Ukraine aid deal

The latest developments from the war in Ukraine.

Two German-Russian men have been arrested in Germany on suspicion of espionage, prosecutors said Thursday. 

One is accused of agreeing to carry out attacks on potential targets including US military facilities in hopes of sabotaging aid for Ukraine

The two, identified only as Dieter S. and Alexander J. in line with German privacy rules, were arrested Wednesday in the Bavarian city of Bayreuth, according to federal prosecutors.

They said Dieter S. had been discussing possible acts of sabotage in Germany with a person linked to Russian intelligence since October. 

The main aim was to undermine military support given by Germany to Ukraine, with Berlin a key European ally for Kyiv.

The suspect declared himself willing to carry out bombing and arson attacks on infrastructure used by the military and industrial sites in Germany, prosecutors said in a statement. 

He is said to have gathered information on potential targets, including US military facilities.

Alexander J. allegedly helped him to do so starting in March at the latest, while Dieter S. scouted out some of the sites, took photos and videos of military goods and passed the information to his intelligence contact.

A judge on Wednesday ordered that Dieter S. be kept in custody pending a possible indictment. Alexander J. was due to make a closed-door court appearance on Thursday.

Dieter S. also faces separate accusations of belonging to an armed unit of pro-Russian separatist forces in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine between December 2014 and September 2016.

Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of weapons to Ukraine after the United States since Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than two years ago. The US has a large military presence in Germany.

US lawmakers close in on Ukraine funding package

Joe Biden said Wednesday he strongly supports a proposal from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

The US president's move offers crucial bipartisan support for the struggling effort to approve $95 billion in funding for the three US allies.

The step forward came as Ukraine's prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, visited Washington, DC in an attempt to shore up support. 

In an interview with the BBC, he warned that should Ukraine lose, "there will be many conflicts, many such kinds of wars, and in the end of the day, it could lead to the Third World War".

Johnson notified lawmakers on Wednesday that he would forge ahead despite growing anger on his party's right flank. Shortly after he released the aid proposals, the Democratic president offered his emphatic support.

“The House must pass the package this week, and the Senate should quickly follow,” Biden said. “I will sign this into law immediately to send a message to the world: We stand with our friends, and we won’t let Iran or Russia succeed.”

After agonising for days over how to proceed on the package, Johnson pushed ahead on a plan to hold votes on three funding packages – to provide about $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and $8 billion to allies in the Indo-Pacific – as well as several other foreign policy proposals contained in a fourth bill. 

The plan roughly matches the amounts that the Senate has already approved.

The bulk of the money for Ukraine would go to purchasing weapons and ammunition from US defence manufacturers. 

Johnson is also proposing that $9 billion of economic assistance for Kyiv be structured as forgivable loans, along with greater oversight on military aid.

The decision to support Ukraine at all has angered populist conservatives in the House, giving new impetus to a threat to remove him from the speaker’s office.

Swedish minister warns Russia risking 'environmental havoc' in Baltic Sea

The Swedish foreign minister has said that Russian oil shipping in the Baltic Sea carries major environmental risks, and that the Kremlin is indifferent to the potential consequences.

In an interview with The Guardian, Tobias Billström warned that Russian ships using the Baltic to transport oil are often uninsured, old and not seaworthy.

“The fact that they are transporting oil, which fuels Russian aggression against Ukraine is bad enough," he told the paper. "But even worse is the fact that Russia doesn’t care one bit, apparently, about the fact that these ships could cause major environmental havoc in seas."

The sweeping Western sanctions imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine have apparently failed to damage the country's war economy particularly deeply. 

Russia is now thought to be preparing to resupply its army with tens or even hundreds of thousands of troops in preparation for a major new offensive.  

You might also like

Ukrainian president signs controversial law to boost conscription, zelenskyy tells mep delegation that eu solidarity is vital for morale, two years on, can we truly afford to forget ukraine.

Iran launches hundreds of missiles, drones in first direct attack on Israel

Israel says, with help from US, UK and other forces, it intercepted vast majority of 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran.

Iran has launched hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel, in an unprecedented attack that came as a response to an Israeli  raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria two weeks ago.

The overnight escalation came more than six months into Israel’s devastating war on the Gaza Strip , which has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians and pushed the besieged territory to the brink of famine. The war has driven up tensions in the region, spreading to fronts with Lebanon and Syria and drawing long-range fire at Israeli targets from as far away as Yemen and Iraq.

The Israeli military said on Sunday the Iranian salvo consisted of more than 300 “killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles”, but that 99 percent were intercepted with help from forces from France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Keep reading

‘serious escalation’: world reacts to iran’s drone, missile raids on israel, jordan, lebanon, iraq reopen airspace closed over iran’s attacks on israel, ‘true promise’: why and how did iran launch a historic attack on israel.

The launches, which the army said came from Iran, as well as from Iraq and Yemen, set off air raid sirens in cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv, with explosions heard as air defences intercepted the projectiles.

Medics said a girl in southern Israel was wounded by shrapnel from an intercepted drone, while the military said “a small number of hits were identified, including at [an Israeli military] base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure”.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack , saying it launched the drones and missiles under Operation True Promise as part of the punishment for “the Zionist entity’s crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Syria” on April 1.

The raid in Damascus killed 13 people, including two senior generals in the IRGC’s elite Quds Force.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack.

With the missiles and drone attack, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said it now deemed the matter “concluded” and warned Israel of a “considerably more severe” response should the “Israeli regime make another mistake”.

It also warned the US to stay out of the conflict.

Fears of a wider escalation

Before the Iranian attack, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon announced temporarily closing their airspace, while Syria also put on high alert its Russian-made Pantsir ground-to-air defence systems around Damascus and major bases, according to the Reuters news agency.

Earlier on Saturday, Iranian armed forces seized a container ship linked to Israel near the Strait of Hormuz.

Western countries condemned Iran’s missile and drone assault, including the US, the UK, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Mexico, the Netherlands and Norway. Egypt and Saudi Arabia called for restraint, while the UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session to discuss the matter at Israel’s request.

US President Joe Biden cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach house to meet his national security team at the White House on Saturday afternoon. He also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late on Saturday, reaffirming Washington’s “ironclad commitment” to its ally’s security.

Biden said he told Netanyahu that “Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel”.

Netanyahu, in a brief post on X, said Israel will achieve victory.

“We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win,” he added.

The Pentagon meanwhile reported that defence chief Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart “to discuss urgent regional threats … and made clear that Israel could count on full US support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies”.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned Iran’s attack, saying he was “deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation”.

Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said on the Telegram social media app that in addition to a letter from Israel, the UNSC had received one from Iran asserting its attack was within the UN Charter framework governing the right to self-defence.

“The latter warns that if Israel responds, Iran will respond in a more powerful and decisive manner,” Polyanskiy said.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on all parties to “exercise calm and restraint”, describing the situation as the “latest spillover of the Gaza conflict”. It said it was deeply concerned by the escalation and said Israel’s war on Gaza “must end now”.

Analysts described Iran’s attack on Israel as carefully calibrated to prevent further escalation.

“What the Iranians are trying to do is to come up with a measured, calculated attack in order to regain deterrence and not to be seen as weak in front of their own proxies,” said Hassan Barari, professor of international relations at the University of Qatar.

However, he expressed worry that the attack could worsen the situation in Gaza.

“I know some right-wing politicians in the government will see this as an opportunity because the world’s attention has shifted onto Iran-Israel and then they can do something probably horrendous in Gaza,” he said.