What is the capital city of Russia?

Moscow is the capital city of Russia and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. It is home to the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government, as well as many important institutions, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The city has been the capital of Russia since the 12th century, with a brief interlude when St. Petersburg held the title from 1712 until 1918.

St. Petersburg is significant as well, being a major historical city and the former capital, but it is not the current capital. Similarly, Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, and Minsk is the capital of Belarus, neither of which have a political role within Russia. Thus, Moscow is recognized as the definitive capital city.