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‘The only place nudity was tolerated': stripping off on Soviet beaches

The Guardian

27-05-2025

Entertainment
The Guardian

‘The only place nudity was tolerated': stripping off on Soviet beaches

Nikolay Bakharev was born in Siberia in the late 1940s, when artistic expression was strictly regulated. As the Soviet Union began to unravel in the early 1980s, he traveled to lake beaches, such as Cheryomushki, where workers and families gathered to relax. These beaches were among the few public spaces in the USSR where any form of nudity was tolerated. The intimate, unguarded portraits Bakharev took captured parents embracing their children, couples pressed close and friends drinking in the afternoon light. Cheryomushki is available to purchase through Stanley/Barker All the photographs in this series were taken on the beach. Most were intended for family albums and do not typically involve nudity. However, this particular image stands out for its openness – visible in the gaze, in the act of undressing in a public space, and in the somewhat staged modesty This photo was taken according to the standards of the popular magazine Soviet Photo in the 1970s. We see a representative family of the Soviet era, but at the same time the faces in the photo are somehow catchy and attractive 'Almost any image of a naked body was considered pornography, which was against the law,' says Bakharev of the prevailing mood in the USSR at that time An allusion to classic paintings of mother and child, this is a romanticised image of motherhood set against the backdrop of Soviet reality. The combination of classical composition and the resulting simplicity makes the image poetic and easy to grasp A photo on the theme of 'father and son', one of the storylines for this series. Oddly enough, the emotional energy comes from the child; the image of the father is rather formal This group of young beachgoers seems more interested in the process of photographing than in the result. For them, posing for the camera becomes a form of entertainment, sometimes revealing something greater than the situation itself A shy embrace and a staged kiss still cannot hide the warmth and sincerity of this relationship. There is a curious feeling that the couple has found a private moment – even though they are surrounded by crowds of curious beachgoers This photograph was commissioned for a family album, as a memento of time spent together at the beach. Despite the formal intent, the warmth and intimacy between the couple distinguish it from typical commissioned work. The image invites us to glimpse their relationship and feel a sense of connection to their bond Nikolay Bakharev was orphaned at the age of four. He was placed in state care, where he first encountered photography after stumbling upon a plastic Smena camera Bakharev's camera served as a means of connection. 'There must be a mutual relationship,' he said. 'They need to understand that I am not watching my sitters – it's as if I'm part of the picture. A picture should not be beautiful, but interesting, then you can find beauty. Beauty is in the human relationships that are formed'

Putin's mad push to revive Soviet Union with Stalin statues & Red Army cosplay – as aide insists USSR ‘NEVER broke up'

The Sun

23-05-2025

Politics
The Sun

Putin's mad push to revive Soviet Union with Stalin statues & Red Army cosplay – as aide insists USSR ‘NEVER broke up'

THE SOVIET Union was a brutal regime fronted by dangerous, power-hungry madmen who ruled with a vice-like grip. Sound familiar? Vladimir Putin has never been coy about his Soviet nostalgia - but in recent years has progressed from distant longing to enforcing a full-blown USSR revival programme 13 13 13 13 The despot is painting every part of Russia's society in Soviet colours - from erecting Stalin statues to cosplaying the Red Army. Most alarmingly, his stooges have been sewing doubt that the USSR ever dissolved in the first place. This week, Anton Kobiakov, a Kremlin advisor, insisted that the Soviet Union "still legally exists". Another official chimed in yesterday to say the Kremlin was prepared to act on the "possible illegality" - whatever that could mean. This narrative has festered for some time, but has been intensified since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine used to be part of the USSR, so arguing the power never ceased to exist offers another excuse for its invasion to feed the Russian people. Putin previously called the collapse of the USSR 'the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century" - and is on a mission to restore its might. Statues of Soviet dictators have been springing up across Russia to serve as physical reminders of the glory days - before it call came crashing down in 1991. This week, a life-sized statue of Joseph Stalin appeared in a busy metro station in Moscow - to the horror many modern Russians. Stalin is attributed with causing up to 10million deaths during his reign of terror between 1924 and 1952, and was denounced by a later prime minster, Khrushchev, as a despot and mass murderer. Putin visits Kursk just 35 miles from Ukraine for first time since recapturing territory with waves of suicide missions But being a despot and mass murderer is apparently a green flag in Vlad's book. Earlier this month, a bronze Stalin bust also appeared in a northwestern village, as well as an incendiary monument dedicated to him in a Ukrainian city invaded by Russia. A local Communist Party cheese unveiling the bust said: "It's important for young people and for the older generation to recognise the people who made our country a great power. "Stalin today is a symbol of victory that no one will ever be able to erase from history." 13 13 13 There are now over 100 Stalin replicas lurking around Russia - up from only a handful when Putin took charge. Accompanying the monument in Melitopol, Ukraine, a plaque reads: "To the organizer and inspirer of the victory of the Soviet people over the Nazi invaders, Generalissimo of the Soviet Union Joseph Stalin, from grateful descendants." It's true that USSR forces played a role in defeating the Nazis in World War Two - but Putin has corrupted the history and exploited it for his own gain. On May 9 this year, Moscow hosted a Victory Day parade to celebrate 80 years since the end of WW2, attended by sympathetic leaders from the likes of China, Brazil and Slovakia. 13 During his monologue, Putin harked back to the USSR and claimed it had been the most important force in defeating the Nazis. The Kremlin has lied to its people that Nazism is rising again in Ukraine, and uses that to justify the illegal invasion of its neighbour. Putin is trying to harvest the national spirit whipped up by the remembrance of WW2 and channel it into support for his land grabbing. The Victory Day parade was also a chance for Russia's soldiers to dust-off their Red Army costumes. Thousands of troops marched around Moscow's Red Square to a thunderous brass band, followed by a train of enormous nukes and heavy weaponry trundling through. In the midst of the pomp, a group of young cadets unfurled a giant replica of the Soviet hammer-and-sickle flag - literally putting the ideology in the hands of the next generation. Putin took the mic to claim that "peace and justice are on our side," and that the whole of Russia is united behind the war in Ukraine. He said: "The whole country, society and people support the participants of the special military operation. 13 13 "We are proud of their bravery and determination, of the fortitude that has always brought us only victory." Then, in a deliberate dig at Trump, he declared: 'We won both wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance." Russia expert Stephen Hall told The Sun: "Russia is trying to highlight they're not isolated, that it's business as usual and that they have the capacity to show military force. "But we have to remember that a lot of this is for show, and also that this is the 80th anniversary of a celebration that is very important to Vladimir Putin." BREAKING AWAY Experts have explained that Putin feels he is losing his influence over orbital countries which used to be part of the USSR - hence he is so keen to restore it. Dr Bininachvili, an expert on Central Asia, told The Sun about one of those - Kazakhstan. He said: 'The President has taken a stance opposite Russia, and openly challenges Moscow. "Kazakhstan wants to stay in line with the UN, in line with international law, which is seen as a direct challenge to Moscow. He cited a meeting between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan where both presidents opted to speak in their native tongue - despite both leaders knowing the Russian language. 13 This action sent a strong signal to Moscow, as two of their closest allies and ex-Soviet states put their foot down. Dr. Bininachvili also pointed out all other post-Soviet states, including Russian ally Belarus, refuse to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk as well as the breakaway territories of Georgia. He said: 'It is quite evident that Putin's disastrous war in Ukraine and his aggressive revanchist policies aimed at restoration of Moscow's control over the former Soviet space has left him friendless, but it will take time before ex-Soviet pals turn on him. 'They are very careful not to make a faux pas and prefer to wait until some decisive points are reached on the frontline before they show their cards.'

Russian footballer crowned greatest goalkeeper ever

Russia Today

19-05-2025

Sport
Russia Today

Russian footballer crowned greatest goalkeeper ever

Soviet footballing legend Lev Yashin has been named the greatest goalkeeper in the sport's history by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS). Yashin leads the organization's latest all-time ranking, ahead of Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer. The updated ranking, announced Friday, also includes Iker Casillas, Gordon Banks, Petr Cech, Dino Zoff, Sepp Maier, Ricardo Zamora, and Oliver Kahn. Yashin, who played his entire club career for Dynamo Moscow, remains the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d'Or – a prestigious annual award presented by the magazine France Football since 1956 to the best football player in the world. He received the honor in 1963. Yashin earned 74 caps for the USSR national team, winning the 1956 Olympic gold medal and the 1960 European Championship. Yashin was previously named the best goalkeeper of the 20th century by IFFHS and was included on the FIFA World Cup All-Time Team. The Soviet legend was born in 1929 in Moscow into a working-class family – his parents were factory laborers. From early childhood, Yashin was immersed in sport, laying the foundation for an extraordinary career. He spent an unmatched 22 seasons with Dynamo Moscow, winning the USSR Championship five times and lifting the Soviet Cup on three occasions. His farewell match took place on May 27, 1971, at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium in front of over 100,000 fans. He played a total of 358 matches for Dynamo, setting a club record with 178 clean sheets. He is widely credited for having helped redefine the role of goalkeeper in football. Yashin passed away on March 20, 1990, in Moscow at the age of 60.

Soviet footballer crowned greatest goalkeeper ever

Russia Today

18-05-2025

Sport
Russia Today

Soviet footballer crowned greatest goalkeeper ever

Geek Vibes Nation

13-05-2025

Entertainment
Geek Vibes Nation

The 10 Best War Games You Need To Try

Developers of shooters strive to make their games as realistic as possible. They focus on even the smallest sounds to make players feel like they're right in the middle of the action — whether taking aim as a sniper or working behind the lines as a technician. This list of top war games includes a variety of gameplay mechanics and storylines. If you're drawn to intense, immersive experiences, you'll find military titles that transport you to World War II or the Middle Ages. Each one will put your reflexes and decision-making skills to the test in high-pressure situations. Hearts of Iron IV – a global strategy game about World War II Hearts of Iron IV is a strategy game set during World War II and part of the acclaimed Hearts of Iron series. It lets you take control of any nation between 1936 and 1948 — from global powers like the USA, USSR, and Germany to smaller countries with their own unique challenges. As the leader of your chosen nation, you'll need to make crucial political decisions, strengthen your economy, and build a powerful military to gain the upper hand. The experience becomes even more dynamic when you team up with friends to form alliances and reshape the course of history together. Rule the Waves 3 – naval fleet simulator Rule the Waves 3 is a naval strategy game that spans the period from the 1890s to the 1950s, allowing players to explore key phases in maritime history — from the rise of dreadnoughts to the advent of submarines and aircraft carriers. You can design your own warships, tailor them to specific tactical needs, and choose from various classes, weapons, and technologies. But creating a powerful fleet is just the beginning — success also depends on staying alert during combat, as rough seas and poor visibility can easily undermine even the most carefully planned operations. Arma 3 — a tactical shooter with a huge open world Arma 3 is a tactical military shooter and the third instalment in the Arma series, known for its focus on realism in combat. It lets players take control of a wide range of vehicles — from armoured transports to tanks and helicopters — in diverse mission scenarios. To succeed in operations, players must think about realistic ballistics, environmental physics, and enemy behaviour. This level of detail makes each mission feel unique and requires strong strategic thinking. For those who enjoy full immersion, Arma 3 also lets players create custom scenarios and large-scale campaigns. If you're looking for a different kind of experience, Richard Casino free chip offers an exciting world where strategy and choices matter too. Whether you're planning your next move on the battlefield or trying your luck at the casino, every decision plays a part in your success. Squad is a realistic multiplayer shooter Squad is a first-person multiplayer shooter released in 2020 that emphasises teamwork and coordination. Players are divided into teams made up of smaller squads, each led by a commander responsible for issuing orders and guiding strategy. Before entering combat, each player selects a role — such as sapper, machine gunner, medic, sniper, grenadier, rifleman, or even an unarmed support role. Once the classes are chosen, the team sets out to complete its mission. A wide range of military vehicles enhances realism and gameplay depth, including tanks, helicopters, armoured personnel carriers, and cargo transport trucks — all of which contribute to dynamic, large-scale operations. Europa Universalis IV — a strategy game about world wars and diplomacy Europa Universalis IV is a grand strategy game released in 2013 and still actively supported with updates and expansions. Set between 1444 and 1821, it allows players to take control of any nation and guide it through centuries of political intrigue, colonisation, trade wars, religious upheavals, and empire-building. The game encourages creative approaches to history, letting you reshape the world map and forge alternate timelines. With a wide array of expansions, Europa Universalis IV continues to evolve, introducing fresh mechanics, historical events, and strategic depth to keep gameplay engaging. Cold Waters — underwater warfare in the style of The Hunt for Red October Cold Waters is a tactical submarine combat simulator where you take command of a U.S. submarine during the Cold War era. Your missions include intercepting enemy convoys, conducting covert reconnaissance, and engaging hostile ships in tense underwater battles. Players face realistic confrontations with the Soviet fleet, requiring careful attention to acoustics, depth, and speed. Mastering advanced weapons systems, electronic warfare tools, missiles, and torpedoes is essential for survival and mission success. Sid Meier's Civilization V — the development of civilisation through war Sid Meier's Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a civilisation and leads it through thousands of years of development: from the first settlements to space flight. To achieve greatness, you must research technologies, develop your economy, build cities, command armies, negotiate diplomatic agreements, and fight for cultural influence. Victory can be achieved in various ways: militarily, scientifically, diplomatically, and culturally. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord — medieval warfare In the strategic simulator Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, all the action takes place in the fictional world of Calradia, inspired by the early Middle Ages. The gamer must create their own hero and go from being an unknown mercenary to a powerful ruler. In battle, you can command an army, participate in castle sieges, and fight in open terrain using various types of weapons and combat tactics. The outcome of the battle changes the economy and politics of the world. This War of Mine – war through the eyes of civilians In the single-player survival simulator This War of Mine, war is not shown through the prism of heroic battles, but from the perspective of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city. The gameplay, inspired by real events, forces you to face hunger, disease and a lack of resources. You will have to scavenge for food at night, fearing encounters with looters and soldiers ready to kill the player. The game requires maximum concentration and the ability to make desperate decisions for your own survival. Total War: WARHAMMER II – epic battles in a fantasy world Total War: WARHAMMER II is a hybrid strategy game that combines turn-based empire management with large-scale real-time tactical battles. Set in the richly detailed Warhammer universe, players can choose from several unique races, each offering a different play style. You'll command armies in massive battles, strategise across continents, conquer territories, and manage resources to strengthen your faction. Overview of the Best Military Games Title Genre Platforms Key Features Hearts of Iron IV Global strategy Windows, macOS, Linux Historical accuracy, country management, diplomacy Rule the Waves 3 Strategy, simulator Windows Naval battles, ship design Arma 3 Tactical shooter Windows Realism, large maps, mod support Squad Multiplayer shooter Windows Teamwork, large-scale battles, realistic combat systems Europa Universalis IV Global strategy Windows, macOS, Linux Empire management, economy, diplomacy, warfare Cold Waters Simulator Windows Submarine combat, stealth tactics, Cold War setting Sid Meier's Civilization V Turn-based strategy Windows, macOS, Linux Technological progress, diplomacy, multiple victory types Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord RPG, strategy Windows Medieval warfare, open world, tactical command This War of Mine Survival simulator Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox Civilian perspective, moral dilemmas, survival gameplay Total War: WARHAMMER II Global strategy Windows, macOS, Linux Fantasy setting, empire building, real-time battles Final Thoughts War games impress not only with their action-packed gameplay but also with immersive sound design—some titles sound stunning even without headphones. These games let you experience the battlefield as a commander, soldier, or strategist. Every choice shapes the outcome of the war, creating a personalised and intense gaming experience. To make the most of it, check your setup—whether you play with a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad, smooth controls will elevate your experience. If you love global strategy and management, Hearts of Iron IV and Europa Universalis IV are solid choices. These games balance warfare with governance. Tactical shooter fans should dive into Arma 3 or Squad, which emphasise realism, teamwork, and battlefield tactics. For those who prefer tension and stealth, Cold Waters brings the challenge of underwater warfare to life. If you want a powerful narrative, This War of Mine shows war from the perspective of civilians and challenges you with tough moral decisions. And for fans of fantasy and epic battles, Total War: WARHAMMER II offers massive conflicts and empire-building in a unique setting. Each of these titles tells its own story of war—through strategy, cooperation, moral trials, or fantasy warfare.