Yulia Latynina

Yulia Latynina (1966-) is a famous Russian journalist, well-known (and infamous in certain circles) for her outspoken opposition to the Russian government, somewhat jaded version of classical liberal political views and aptitude for accessible and competent economical analysis (as she is primarily an economic journalist).

She also writes books, which generally feature Crapsack Worlds (which are often either modern Russia or clearly based on it, or so many people tend to interpret it), consequent Black and Gray Morality, Magnificent Bastards, Xanatos Gambits and the far cynical side on the Sliding Scale of Idealism vs. Cynicism.

Aside from standalone stories and novels, Latynina is primarily known for three of her long novel cycles:
 * The Veyan Empire (or the Empire of Weia, or whatever), basically a deconstruction of (or homage to?) It's Hard To Be A God, mixed with a historical treatise and medieval Chinese novels. Basically Social Science Fiction.
 * To Hunt An Elk (aka the Oligarch Saga), about a successful businessman in modern Russia. Definite case of Black and Gray Morality, as he is, well, an oligarch who explicitly dabbles in extralegal activities, but he's generally kind enough to his allies and definitely has some moral standards, while his enemies are usually much more nasty.
 * The Caucasian Cycle, in a similar vein, about a pious Chechen Anti Hero who fights both terrorists and corrupt Russian bureaucrats (honestly never really read that one, so if anyone has anything to add...).