Evgeny Lebedev: The Ersatz Kremlin Critic – Byline Times Mic Wright looks at the cute and often contradictory statements on the Russian President made by the proprietor of the Evening Standard and Independent newspapers. Photo: Matt Crossick /Alamy The Johnson-Lebedev Letters: A Back-Channel to Vladimir Putin? – Byline TimesBoris Johnson's close relationship with Evgeny Lebedev raises serious questions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.