Anna Smolchenko

Correspondent for AFP in Moscow.

Comedian Zelensky wins Ukraine presidency in landslide

Article Oleksandr Savochenko & Anna Smolchenko - 21 Apr 2019

Volodymyr Zelensky, whose only previous political role was playing the president in a TV show, trounced incumbent Petro Poroshenko

Russia loses contact with Angolan satellite

Article Anna Smolchenko - 27 Dec 2017

The incident involving the Russian-made Angosat-1 followed a similar one in November when Russia lost contact with a weather satellite

Thousands march over death of Putin critic

Article Anna Smolchenko - 1 Mar 2015

Tens of thousands of people marched in central Moscow on Sunday to honour slain opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was gunned down near the Kremlin.

Russia’s falling stock market faces new sanctions

Article Anna Smolchenko - 27 Jan 2015

A day after a US ratings agency downgraded ?Russia to "junk" status, the country's index fell by 3%. Russia could also face new sanctions.

Russia prepares to cut Ukraine’s gas after talks fail

Article Anna Smolchenko & Dmitry Zaks - 16 Jun 2014

Europe could face gas supply disruptions after Ukraine failed to broker an 11th-hour deal with Russia.

Russians brave cold in bid to oust Putin

Article Anna Smolchenko - 4 Feb 2012

Tens of thousands of Russians are set to march through Moscow, braving freezing temperatures to challenge Vladimir Putin's grip on power.

Russia rocked by renewed mass anti-Putin rally

Article Anna Smolchenko - 25 Dec 2011

Russia came to terms with its second mass opposition rally within a month which was even bigger and more sharply critical of strongman Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin panel urges new polls, firing of election chief

Article Anna Smolchenko - 24 Dec 2011

In a damning statement, the Kremlin's rights panel has called for the resignation of Russia's election chief and snap parliamentary elections.

Medvedev wants new term, but won’t compete with Putin

Article Anna Smolchenko - 20 Jun 2011

President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday added to the uncertainty surrounding Russia's 2012 presidential polls, saying he wanted a second term.

Flying donkey’ shocks Russian holidaymakers

Article Anna Smolchenko - 21 Jul 2010

A donkey attached to a parasail and sent soaring above the beaches of southern Russia has stunned holidaymakers and prompted a police enquiry.

Press Releases

Special Reports

WiMSA shines a light on the future of women in mining

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Men in mining must begin to take it upon themselves to support the development of women in the industry

Special Reports

Department of Public Works and Infrastructure reveals second gender-based violence advocacy artwork

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

The men and boys of South Africa are important role players in this mission to ensure that women are respected, protected and treated equally

Special Reports

Empowering the voice of women in leadership to enable full participation in their roles in leadership and decision making

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Sibanye-Stillwater has 13% female representation in its workforce and is actively working to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Special Reports

Surviving the tobacco ban

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

Nicotine is given as the ‘likely’ reason for lower Covid-19 infection rates but authorities still stress the health risk of smoking

Special Reports

Smokers hold thumbs for cigarette ban to be lifted

special reports - 7 Aug 2020

SATTA is worried about the impact of the ban on its own members activities and how the ban is helping black marketeers to make millions of rands illegally

Special Reports

Covid-19: Outlook on the economy, politics and labour

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

Old Mutual had experts unpack the effects of the pandemic and provide practical tips on how to deal with the financial impact of job losses and salary cuts

Special Reports

Opt-in to Popia

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

All business owners should take note: there is a lot of work ahead to ensure compliance with the POPI Act that has just come into effect

Special Reports

Capital Legacy talks life

special reports - 5 Aug 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic is revealing how few people actually sort their affairs to the benefit of their loved ones they leave behind when they pass on