About

My name is Maria Kolomychenko, and I am an investigative journalist and experienced researcher from Russia, specializing in telecommunications, IT, and cybersecurity. Throughout my career, I have grown from a technology reporter to a deputy editor-in-chief, working at the Moscow bureau of Reuters, the largest independent Russian outlet Meduza, and the international TV channel RTVI.

My expertise lies in uncovering the complex intersections of technology and politics. I am skilled in OSINT, data analysis, and building trusted sources. I have been nominated five times for the Redkollegia Award — the most prestigious professional journalism prize in Russia, established to support independent reporting.

I have conducted and published more than 100 major investigations, shedding light on critical issues such as the Kremlin’s development of an IT system to monitor state employees’ voting behavior, ties between Russian lawmakers and hacker groups, and the covert strategies of Russian tech giants to circumvent sanctions while expanding internationally. One of my proudest achievements was breaking the story of the Kremlin’s plan for a “sovereign Runet” in 2018, months before the corresponding legislation became public. Within the Russian media community, I am also recognized as the journalist who first uncovered the “Mikhailov case”, a major spy scandal between Russia and the United States that surfaced in 2017.

In recent years, I have expanded into research through collaborations with respected international think tanks. This transition has further deepened my expertise and sharpened my analytical skills, fueling my passion for continued research. One of my favorite projects was a paper that examined how Russia’s telecommunications sector adapted to sanctions — paradoxically reinforcing its push for a sovereign internet.

If you have any questions about my investigations or research, are interested in collaborating, or just want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.