A conversation with Dmitry Muratov about independent journalism, a fresh look at the classics with Alexander Arkhangelsky and Alexey Kuznetsov, Alexander Piatigorsky’s rediscovered lectures, Vasily Grossman’s correspondence and a new book by Vladislav Inozemtsev — our roundup of upcoming events in London and online, alongside the latest from Freedom Letters.
Dmitry Muratov and Patrick Forbes: The Price of Truth
At an event organised by Pushkin House, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov will join filmmaker Patrick Forbes, director of the documentary The Price of Truth, to discuss the legacy of Novaya Gazeta and the price of independent journalism.
The conversation will take place in Russian and English, with interpretation, and will be followed by an audience Q&A.
Logan Hall, UCL, 20 Bedford Way, London
Ticketed event.
More info
Alexander Arkhangelsky and Alexey Kuznetsov: Rediscovering the Classics
Why do some books on the school syllabus captivate readers while others remain difficult to connect with — and what changes when we return to them years later? Literary scholar Alexander Arkhangelsky and historian and educator Alexey Kuznetsov will discuss how to read the classics today and how to talk about them with children.
The conversation, hosted by Pereplyot, will centre on Arkhangelsky’s book Just the Classics! An Anti-Textbook of Literature, published by Vidim Books. The book places Russian literature in a global context, drawing connections across stories and eras to offer fresh perspectives on familiar works.
Starts at 19:00 Berlin time / 20:00 Moscow time
Online. Free admission; advance registration required.
More info
Kirill Kobrin Presents Piatigorsky, the Free Philosopher
Idiot Books will host the launch of a new edition of Piatigorsky, the Free Philosopher. Kirill Kobrin will introduce the rediscovered lectures by Alexander Piatigorsky collected in the book, exploring philosophy and philosophers from the Buddha and Zoroaster to Sartre.
Idiot Books, 64A Kensington Church Street, London
Ticketed event.
More info
Anna Krasnikova and Robert Chandler Present Two New Books by Vasily Grossman
Idiot Books will host a conversation with Grossman scholar Anna Krasnikova and translator Robert Chandler.
One of the books being presented is Don’t Worry About Me…, the first scholarly edition of Grossman’s correspondence, containing more than 600 letters.
Idiot Books, 64A Kensington Church Street, London
Free admission; please register in advance by emailing: idiotbookslondon@gmail.com.
More info
Freedom Letters Publishes Vladislav Inozemtsev’s Deathonomics
Freedom Letters has published Deathonomics (Смертономика), a new book by economist Vladislav Inozemtsev examining the economic model that has emerged in Russia during its war against Ukraine.
Inozemtsev explores how military salaries, recruitment bonuses and compensation for death and injury have created financial incentives for joining the war. He examines the competition between regions for recruits, the resulting “market for death” and what this system means for Russia’s economy and future.
Available in Russian in print and ebook formats.
Learn more about the book
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
