Russian political parties and candidates are receiving covert state funding through government contracts and subsidies, a report by independent election monitor Golos revealed Thursday. Private companies are more likely win government contracts if they pledge part of their fee to Kremlin-friendly political parties, the report claims.
The Moscow Times: Pro-Kremlin parties receiving covert state funding — report
A pigeon sits on a two-headed eagle statue at Moscow's Alexandrovsky Garden, with one of the Kremlin towers seen in the background, on June 14.
