Story perspectives

Ultranationalist Oligarch to Teach Controversial Empire Course at MSU

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Konstantin Malofeev, a controversial ultranationalist oligarch and Kremlin ally, will teach history at Moscow State University.
He finances Russia’s war in Ukraine and promotes a vision of Russia as an empire.
His course, “The History of Empire,” aims to instill his ideology in future Russian elites.
Malofeev has supported far-right movements, been linked to unlawful deportations of Ukrainian children, and faced sanctions and bans from various roles.

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Story summary

Konstantin Malofeev, a controversial ultranationalist oligarch and Kremlin ally, will teach history at Moscow State University.
He finances Russia’s war in Ukraine and promotes a vision of Russia as an empire.
His course, “The History of Empire,” aims to instill his ideology in future Russian elites.
Malofeev has supported far-right movements, been linked to unlawful deportations of Ukrainian children, and faced sanctions and bans from various roles.