Russia

Pastor Imprisoned for Smuggling Ammunition
An American pastor has been imprisoned for smuggling hunting ammunition into Russia.

Russian Babies Have Their Mouths Taped Shut by Yekaterinburg Hospital Staff
Russian prosecutors are looking into allegations that the staff of a hospital in Yekaterinburg intentionally gagged babies to keep them from crying.

Catherine The Great - Empress of Russia
Much has been made of Catherine's morality, or rather the lack of it. Taken in the context of the era though, having numerous lovers was more high fashion than low crime.

Iran Stops Cooperating with IAEA, Still Negotiating with Russia
The Iranian government on Sunday announced that it is ending all voluntary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency but it will consider Moscow’s proposal to shift its uranium enrichment operations to Russian territory.

Russia Chechnya Conflict
Russia has always said that its military campaign in Chechnya is part of what Moscow calls "an anti-terrorist operation", and that peaceful Chechen civilians have nothing to fear. The Chechen rebels on the contrary call their struggle as a "war of liberation". They say that Chechnya has never voluntarily joined Russia and has only ever been conquered by military force.

Hope in the Russian Kursk Submarine Tragedy?
In the aftermath of the sinking of the Kursk submarine, it is time for the Russian government to re-evaluate its policies and priorities.

Russia Rolls Out the Big Guns for V-day Parade
It has been 17 years since T-90 battle tanks last rolled across the cobbles of Moscow's Red Square. But today they were back in an unmistakable roar of diesel fumes, trundling past Lenin's tomb and the fantastic domes of St Basil's Cathedral

Big Guns Roll Through Red Square Once More
For the first time since cold war the Kremlin shows off its heavy weaponry, reviving a practice that fell into disuse in the democratic 1990s

Medvedev Sworn in As Russian President
Dmitry Medvedev becomes Russia's new president and third post-Soviet leader during glittering ceremony at the Kremlin

Plus ça Change
Leader: Inauguration ceremony of Russia's third president demonstrates that Putin intends to hold the reins

Russian Moves Inflame Tensions With Georgia
Rapid build-up of troops in Abkhazia threatens Georgia's territorial integrity, Nato warns

Russia's New Rich Help British Luxury Cars Drive Out the Venerable Zil
Love of English style opens up UK's third biggest vehicle market

Russia Accuses Georgia of Plans to Invade Breakaway Region
Tensions between Russia and Georgia increase as Moscow accuses Tbilisi of planning to invade the breakaway republic of Abkhazia

Fears Over Russian Plan for 'gas Opec'
Representatives of world's leading gas producers discuss Russian proposals for greater cooperation

Russia Poised for Alitalia Talks
Berlusconi looks to Putin to rescue troubled airline following Air France-KLM's bid withdrawal

Abramovich Loses Crown As Russia's Billionaires Multiply
Russia now boasts more billionaires than any other country apart from the US, a new survey shows

Former Kgb Defector Claims He Was Poisoned By Russians
Police investigating alleged attempt to kill Oleg Gordievsky who spied on Russia for British intelligence

Missile Defence Deal May Avert Crisis in Us-russia Relations
Moscow's proposals could ease heightened tensions Sunday's summit to focus on 'strategic framework'

Medvedev Warns Against Nato Admission for Russian Neighbours
Nato membership for Ukraine and Georgia could threaten European security and undermine attempts to improve transatlantic relations, the Russian president-elect warned today

Russian Head of British Council Group Arrested
Moscow arrests Russian national with links to the British Council and accuses him of spying

Russia Arrests Two Men in British Council Spying Row
Federal Security Service says president of council's alumnus club was engaged in espionage for foreign oil companies

Anglo-Russian Relations
Ros Taylor details key events before and after the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.

Russia's Priests Told to Carry Guns to Foil Armed Icon-raiders
Unguarded churches close to Moscow offer easy target and rich pickings for criminals

Climate Change May Spark Conflict With Russia, Eu Told
Alert over scramble for control of energy resources in the Arctic

EU Concerned As Russia Cuts Gas to Ukraine
Germany and central Europe brace themselves for cuts in supplies as Medvedev steps up dispute

Putin Urges Russians to Vote
Televised address comes despite almost certain victory for president's chosen successor

Q&A: the Russian Presidential Election
Tom Parfitt on the personalities, the issues and the implications of Russia's presidential election

Russia Shuts University That Displeased Putin
Kremlin accused of mounting unprecedented attack on academic freedom after top Russian university closed

EU Gas Supplies at Risk If Ukraine Does Not Settle Bill With Russia
Gas supplies to the EU could be at risk again next week after a warning from Russia that it would reduce the supply to Ukraine on Monday unless Kiev settled its debts

Monitors to Boycott Russian Election in Row Over Restrictions
Russia and the EU were today embroiled in another major row after the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) said that it would not monitor next month's presidential elections in Russia because of "severe restrictions" placed on it by Moscow.

Russia's Man Says It All
Simon Hoggart: I always enjoy the Whitehall mandarins who speak "British", a dialect of English which is almost comprehensible but manages to obscure nearly every topic it touches

Russia Seeks Extradition of Shipping Magnate in Uk
Oligarch accused of £250m tanker deals fraud· Demand may worsen crisis in diplomatic relations

Russia Seeks Extradition of Shipping Magnate in Uk
Oligarch accused of £250m tanker deals fraud· Demand may worsen crisis in diplomatic relations

Kosova or how Russia will be the loser…
The best choice for Russia would be to close a deal of mutual international recognition for Kosova and Transnistria, and do all it can to keep peace in Europe.

Russia's Most Notorious Mafia Boss Arrested in Moscow
Detectives confirm arrest of man wanted by both US and Britain for alleged involvement in decades of international crime

Russians Arrest Alleged Mafia Boss By Accident
Man on tax charge turns out to be 'The Brainy Don' Mogilevich said to have amassed $100m fortune

Russia's Next President Calls for Crackdown on Official Corruption
Russia's future president, Dmitry Medvedev, yesterday began his election campaign by acknowledging that Russia was in the grip of rampant corruption and what he termed 'legal nihilism'

Russian Collectors' Heirs Want Compensation for Lost Art
Two men who claim to be the rightful owners of some of Europe's most admired paintings - which will go on display in London today - have said they will not make any legal ownership claims but believe they deserve financial compensation

Why Russia always failed in the Middle East
For too long, Russians projected in the Middle East concepts elaborated for the vast Russian / Soviet territory; this cannot work further, as it only damages Russian interests from Mauritania to Oman, and from Syria to Somalia.

UK Could Block Trade Deal for Russia After British Council Row
'KGB tactics' threaten EU partnership agreement· Miliband wades into crisis over staff intimidation

Russia Detains British Council Director
The row between Russia and Britain over the fate of the British Council escalated today when the council confirmed that one of its senior British staff members had been arrested.

British Council Row Escalates As Russia Arrests Director
One of British Council's senior members - the son of Neil Kinnock - arrested in St Petersburg

'Now We Really Have a Crisis' - Russia's Man in London Leaving the Foreign Office Yesterday
Security services harass British Council staff · Kinnock's son held on suspicion of drink-driving

UK Defies Russian Order to Shut British Council Offices
Russia and Britain were last night locked in a standoff over the future of the British Council after Britain defied an order from the Kremlin to close down the council's regional offices

UK Defies Russian Order to Shut Cultural Offices
Russia and Britain locked in standoff over the future of the British Council after Britain defies a Kremlin order to close the Council's regional offices

Russia, Turkey, America, and the Apostate Freemasonic Anglo-French Elite
American Democrats and Republicans should foster a triple American – Russian – Turkish alliance to ensure peace in the world, democracy and secular society in the Middle East, low Oil prices for the entire world, and nation-building process for numerous oppressed African nations.

Russia Gives Go-ahead for £1bn Art Show Loans
Russian government says it will loan paintings from its museums for a major exhibition in London, after Britain fast-tracked legislation to protect art from seizure

Russia Threatens Academy's £1bn Art Show
The Royal Academy in London was last night struggling to save its blockbuster exhibition of Russian and French masterpieces, due to open in only a few weeks, after Russia withdrew its loans of the paintings

Russia Calls Off Major Art Loan As Ties With Uk Worsen
Moscow calls off planned show of art masterpieces at Royal Academy in London as relations chill

Russia Tells British Council to Shut Offices
Kremlin orders British Council to shut down offices outside Moscow within weeks

Russia Orders British Council Offices to Be Shut Down
Cultural mission accused of operating illegally· Minister admits closure linked to Litvinenko affair

Transnistria: Key to EU-Russian Concord and Kosova’s Formal Independence
A EU – Russian compromise around Kosova and Transnistria. Europe getting Russia’s agreement for Kosova’s formal recognition, should consent to Transnistria’s formal independence.

Warships Head to Mediterranean in Russian Show of Strength
Russia has dispatched an 11-ship aircraft carrier group to the Mediterranean Sea as a first step towards re-establishing a naval presence in the region

Russia, Islam, and the West
Allying themselves with Turkey and Iran, Russia and China herald by now the end of the UK – French – US presence in the Middle East.

Q&A: The Russian Electoral System
On Sunday Russia held elections to the State Duma lower house of parliament. Tom Parfitt explains how it worked

Q&A: The Russian Electoral System
On Sunday Russia holds elections to the State Duma lower house of parliament. Tom Parfitt explains how it works

Kosovo's Formal Independence, Europe and Russia
Europe will defeat Russia in Kosovo; or sooner or later Europe will be defeated.

Monitors to Miss Russian Poll After Moscow Fails to Give Visas
OCSE forced to pull out as papers go unprocessed· Decision raises doubts about legitimacy of vote

Sect Members Wait in Russian Cave for World to End
Children among 29 barricaded inside refuge· Believers threaten to blow themselves up

Russian Doomsday Sect Threatens Mass Suicide
More than 30 members of a Christian doomsday cult have barricaded themselves inside a remote cave in central Russia to await the end of the world, local officials said today

Hundreds of Dying Birds Are First Victims of Russian Tanker Leak
Hundreds of dying birds, covered in oil, were washed up close to where a Russian tanker broke up on Sunday in heavy seas

European Election Observer Attacks Russian Poll Rules
Watchdog unhappy with Kremlin's TV coverage· Almost all democratic parties barred from vote

Georgia Blames Russian Spies for Inciting Political Dissent
Tension between Georgia and Russia worsened today as the Georgian president accused Russian spies of whipping-up unrest among the political opposition.

Russia Seeks Its Place in the Sun
World briefing: Toying with military bases in Syria is just part of a bigger, bolder bid by Russia to challenge US regional and global leadership, writes Simon Tisdall.

Bomb on Russian Bus Kills Eight and Injures 56
Eight people were killed and 56 injured in Russia yesterday when a bomb exploded on a bus during rush hour.

Bus Bomb Kills Eight in Russian City of Tolyatti
Eight people were killed and 56 injured in the Russian city of Tolyatti today when a bomb exploded on a passenger bus during rush hour.

Russia Snubs Eu As Foreign Monitors at Elections Limited
Russia is heading for another showdown with the EU after failing to invite international election observers to monitor the country's parliamentary elections in December.

No Paris Trip for Russia's Kissing Policemen
Artwork inspired by Banksy is among 16 banned from show by culture minister.

The Sino-russian Embrace Leaves the Us Out in the Cold
Jonathan Steele: Moscow and Beijing are closer now than in the Communist period. An anxious America is left struggling to be heard.

Bribery, Blackmail and Bond-style Gadgets. What the Fsb Says Britain is Up to in Russia
The head of Russia's FSB spy agency yesterday accused Britain and MI6 of leading a campaign to destabilize the country, and said that British agents were using old-fashioned techniques such as "bribery and blackmail" to recruit Russian citizens.

Great Terror Returns to Haunt Russia As 34 Skeletons Discovered in Cellar
Remains may be victims of Stalin's purges, say police · Rusty pistol also unearthed in aristocratic mansion

Russia Issues Gas Ultimatum to Ukraine
Russia threatened yesterday to cut gas supplies to Ukraine again in a move that appears to reflect its displeasure at the prospect of a new orange government in Kiev.

As Burmese Troops Open Fire at Monks, China and Russia Block Global Sanctions
Monks pledge to intensify action but UN can only agree on watered-down security council statement.

Move Over Tolstoy: Detective Tales of Tsarist Era Take Russia By Storm
Author who spotted a gap in the market sells millions of novels to country's emerging middle class.

Russian Oligarch Halts Auction to Buy Complete Rostropovich Art Collection
· Billionaire pays over £25m to take treasures home · Usmanov coup follows major Arsenal investment

Russia Unveils the 'father of All Bombs'
Russia's military yesterday announced that it had successfully tested a lethal new air-delivered bomb, which it described as the world's most powerful non-nuclear weapon.

UK Jets Scrambled to Intercept Russian Aircraft
Four Tornado F3 fighters launched to head off eight reconnaissance aircraft in second such incident in recent weeks.

Chechen Mafia and Rogue Officials Blamed As Russia Arrests 10 for Journalist's Murder
· Politkovskaya plot begun abroad, says prosecutor· Berezovsky rejects any suggestion of involvement.

UK Oil Firms Cheating Investors, Says Russia
· Miners also accused of exaggerating reserves · Fears of renewed Kremlin attack on resources sector

Bones Found By Russian Builder Finally Solve Riddle of the Missing Romanovs
· Remains are believed to be those of tsar's children· Discovery in clearing is linked to 1918 shootings

Typhoons Scrambled to Intercept Russian Aircraft
In a sign of heightened tension between Russia and Nato, it emerged last night that two RAF Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft were scrambled for the first time to intercept a long-range Russian 'Bear' reconnaissance aircraft over the North Atlantic.

Russia Forces World Service Off Fm Radio
· BBC partner station told to halt broadcasts · Move linked to diplomat row with Britain

Russia Forces World Service Off Fm Radio
· BBC partner station told to halt broadcasts · Move linked to diplomat row with Britain

Russia Seeks Its Place in the Sun
World briefing: Toying with military bases in Syria is just part of a bigger, bolder bid by Russia to challenge US regional and global leadership, writes Simon Tisdall.

Student Arrested Over Russian Neo-nazi 'execution' Video
Russian police arrested a student today for posting a video on the internet which appears to show the execution-style killing by neo-Nazis of two migrant workers.

Revealed: Why Those Russian Submarine Heroics Might Have Looked a Little Familiar
· Underwater footage was borrowed from Titanic· 13-year-old boy spotted scenes shot with models

Georgia Accuses Russia of Bombing Village
· No one hurt but Tbilisi angry at 'act of aggression' · Moscow denies claim as relations dip further.

Georgia Accuses Russia of Air Attack
Georgia today accused its neighbor Russia of an 'act of aggression' after two Russian jet fighters allegedly crossed in to its airspace and dropped a bomb on a village close to its capital Tbilisi.

Russia Plants Flag on North Pole Seabed
Move symbolically stakes claim to billions of dollars worth of oil and gas reserves in Arctic Ocean.

Russia Sends in Firefighters As Greek Minister Says Sorry for Losing the Battle Against 3,000 Forest Fires
Two giant water bombing aircraft from Russia yesterday weighed into the fight against scores of fires raging across Greece as Athens' conservative government, fending off claims of ineptitude, apologized for its handling of the disaster.

Russia Leads Race for North Pole Oil
The Arctic's untapped resources include huge reserves of fuel and minerals. Now Moscow has raised tensions by dispatching an expedition to annex a vast expanse of the ocean.

Russia Accused Over Spanish Spy
Russia's security services appeared to have got embroiled in a fresh row with a European country yesterday after Spain's intelligence service arrested an alleged double agent whom it accused of treason.

How Far Will Russia Go in Defence of Serbia's Rights in Kosovo?
World Briefing: Exactly how far Russia will go in defence of Serbia's rights in Kosovo is a question of pressing importance, now UN security council negotiations to agree conditional independence for the breakaway province have ground to an ignominious halt, writes Simon Tisdall.

Russia Keen to Restore Normal Relations
Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, said yesterday that Moscow wanted to bring its relations with London back to normal following the damaging tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats this week.

Kosovo to Declare Independence Despite Russian Opposition
The government of the contested Balkan province of Kosovo yesterday said it would issue a unilateral declaration of independence within months in exasperation at western capitulation to a Russian veto threat in the UN security council.

Russia Accuses Us Journal of Censorship
Foreign Affairs 'inserted references to cold war' - Editor says minister given chance to make changes

Anglo-Russian Crisis Looms Over Litvinenko Case
The diplomatic row over the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi could see tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats and withdrawal of British cooperation in key areas.

Britain and Russia on the Brink of Diplomatic Crisis
Possibility of expulsions and tit-for-tat reprisals - Miliband weighs options in murder suspect row

Russia Dismisses Kosovo Statehood Without Serb Agreement
Foreign minister indicates UN security council veto unless resolution is supported by 'both sides'

Russia Declassifies Files on Victims of Stalinist Purges
Files on millions of victims of Stalinist repression, including those who perished in the Soviet Union's infamous gulags, have been declassified, Russia's federal security service announced today.

Olympics: Russian Resort Gets Winter Olympics Nod
Politics of sport: The Black Sea resort of Sochi will host the 2014 Winter Olympics after winning an IOC vote last night.

Russia Issues New Missile Defence Threat
Russia warned today that it would position its rockets close to the Polish border and point missiles at US bases in Europe if Washington rebuffed its latest offer of cooperation on missile defence.

BP Retreats From Russia With £400m
BP yesterday caved in to months of pressure from the Kremlin and agreed to sell its stake in the Kovykta gas field to Gazprom, Russia's state-owned gas company.

Bears Starve As Poachers Pillage Russia's Wealth of Salmon
Remote Kamchatka faces ecological meltdown as fish stocks are obliterated.

Cologne and Antiseptic: Russia's Killer Drinks
Study reveals soaring toll among working-age men - Jobless alcoholics turn to cheap substitutes

West 'fearful' of Russia, Says Exasperated Blair
Talks with Putin were frank but fruitless - 'Real issues' will not be resolved easily or soon

Durak: How to Play this Russian Card Game
Ever heard of Durak? No. then, enter, read and learn how to play Durak, the most popular card game in Russia, with this clear explanation of the game and its rules.

Blair Tries to Defuse Tension With Russia Over Us Missiles
On the eve of his 11th and final G8 meeting, the prime minister says Kremlin should not feel threatened by nuclear shield.

Bush Invites Russian Generals to Inspect Pentagon's Central European Project
George Bush intervened yesterday in the worst dispute between Russia and the west since the end of the cold war, offering to cooperate with Vladimir Putin on the Pentagon's missile defence project.

Russia Has Nothing to Fear Over Missile Shield, Bush Says
Russia should not fear a missile shield in Eastern Europe, George Bush said today in his latest bid to placate Vladimir Putin, who has threatened to aim missiles at western countries in retaliation.

Russian Ban on Body Parts Exports Hits Drug Testing Firm
The Russian government has cited fears of bioterrorism for a sudden decision to ban the export of body parts and human tissues.

The New Cold War: Russia's Missiles to Target Europe
Kremlin warning on eve of G8 as gulf widens over US defence shield plans.

Russian Minister Hits Out at Uk
Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, yesterday accused Britain of using the Litvinenko case to wage a political campaign and said the affair had damaged relations between London and Moscow.

New Russian Missile 'can Break Any Missile Shield'
Russia today tested a new missile that it claimed could penetrate any missile shield. Mark Tran reports.

Russian Missile Test Adds to Arms Race Fears
Russia yesterday threatened a new cold war-style arms race with the United States by announcing that it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of penetrating American defenses.

Senior Uk Diplomat Beaten Up After Campaign of Russian Harassment
Siberian assault follows bid to intimidate envoy - Livingstone plea to mayor of Moscow on gay parades

From Russia With Hate: Senior Diplomat Becomes Latest Briton to Fall Foul of Thugs
Siberia assault follows harassment of ambassador - Livingstone plea to mayor of Moscow on gay parades

Press Repression in Russia and Turkey Growing
Bleak reports on press freedom in Russia and Turkey were given to a meeting yesterday. By Alan Rusbridger.

EU Voices Concern Over Russian Opposition Arrests
Chess grandmaster and opposition leader stopped from boarding plane as he travelled to rally against Putin regime.

'Don't Try to Divide Us,' Eu Warns Russia As Summit Ends in Disarray
The summit between the European Union and Russia ended in acrimonious disaster yesterday with no new deals signed and a stark warning to Russia that it should not try to divide the EU bloc.

EU-Russia Summit in Danger of Unravelling
Germany's hopes of striking a new grand bargain between Russia and Europe that would lock both into a close embrace for years to come have been dashed ahead of a crucial summit.

Russia to Build Atomic Plant for Burmese Junta
Deal is likely to worsen US ties with Moscow - UN inspection agency says it has not been informed

Russia Accused of Unleashing Cyberwar to Disable Estonia
A three-week wave of massive cyber-attacks on the small Baltic country of Estonia, the first known incidence of such an assault on a state, is causing alarm.

Russian Capital's Architectural Gems Bulldozed
1,000 historic buildings destroyed, experts warn - Ghettos for rich replace city's unique heritage

Travelling 'dj' Cons Russian Press
For months Rustam Dzhumaliyev, 23, hitched across Russia, posing as a DJ from Los Angeles who was trying to get into the record books by traversing the country from east to west. But the hoax collapsed last week when Dzhumaliyev was exposed as a fugitive robber from a village near Vladivostok.

Russians Braced for Ruling Elite to 'fiddle' Parliamentary Election
Almost half of Russia's voters expect that the parliamentary election this year will be falsified by the ruling elite and defy the will of the people, a new poll indicates.

EU Protests Over Russian Attacks on Ambassadors
Dispute over Estonian monuments widens - Summit threatened after assaults by Putin loyalists

Poles Demand Missile Shield Against Russia
European nations increase pressure on Americans - Czech Republic want legal guarantee over bases

17 Russians Die in Chechen Military Helicopter Crash
Russian officials say there were no survivors after a troop-carrying helicopter was shot down in the deadliest single attack for over a year by Chechen insurgents.

Russia Up in Arms After Estonians Remove Statue of Soviet Soldier
Russia threatened yesterday to sever diplomatic relations with Estonia after a statue to a Red Army Soviet soldier was removed from the capital, Tallinn, following rioting in which one man died.

Russia Mourns Rostropovich: Cellist, Conductor, Campaigner
Musician dies at 80 after long fight with cancer - Putin leads tributes for artist exiled under Stalin

Russia Enraged As Estonia Takes Down Soviet War Memorial
Tallin statue removed following major protests in which one person died.

Russian Soldiers Jump Bail in Chechen Massacre Case
Three special forces servicemen who were being prosecuted for massacring a group of Chechen civilians in one of Russia's highest profile criminal trials have gone on the run days before proceedings were expected to draw to a close.

Diplomatic Rift As Russia Says: Give Us Berezovsky
Relations between London and Moscow threatened to plummet to a post-cold war low yesterday amid renewed Russian demands for action against Boris Berezovsky over the tycoon's claim that he is plotting to overthrow Vladimir Putin.

Hand Over Berezovsky, Russia Tells Uk
The Russian prosecutor general today asked Britain to hand over Boris Berezovsky for prosecution.

Berlin's Jews Face Split After Dispute Over Russian Influx
Traditionalists' disquiet prompts breakaway - Accusation of Stalinism levelled at newcomers

UK Police Investigate Tycoon's Russian Coup Claims
Scotland Yard launches inquiry into Russian multi-millionaire Boris Berezovsky after he disclosed to the Guardian that he was plotting a "revolution" to overthrow President Putin.

Police Probe Exile's Claims About Russian 'revolution'
Police in Britain and Russia launched inquiries into the multimillionaire Boris Berezovsky after he disclosed he was plotting to overthrow President Vladimir Putin.

From Russia, With Love for the More Exclusive Side of London Life
In our final report on Russia's growing financial muscle at home and abroad, we look at the influx of the super-rich into Britain and how they are making an impression on the capital.

'I Am Plotting a New Russian Revolution'
London exile Berezovsky says force necessary to bring down President Putin.

Russia's Power Play in Europe
In the second of three reports looking at Russia's growing financial muscle at home and abroad, we focus on Gazprom, its biggest company, and to many in the west a tool of the Kremlin's expansionist ambitions.

Russia Has 2.3m Alcoholics
Russians' consumption of alcohol has tripled since the fall of the Soviet Union, with the average person now knocking back the equivalent of 34 litres of vodka a year, new figures show.

Russia Threatening New Cold War Over Missile Defence
Kremlin accuses US of deception on east European interceptor bases.

Russia and Poland in Bitter Row Over Nationality of Auschwitz's Victims
Shadow of Hitler-Stalin pact across exhibition - Anger at Estonia's plan to raze Red Army memorial

Russia's Rival to Us Satnav on the Horizon
It has been the source of frustration, enlightenment and missed turnings for millions of drivers across the world.

UK Man Feared Among Russian Mine Blast Dead
A British consultant is feared to be among the 97 victims of Russia's worst mining accident in a decade, it was reported today.

Russian Mine Blast Kills 71
At least 71 Russian coal miners were killed today in a methane gas explosion, and fears were growing for those still trapped underground.

Russia Tightens Grip on Eu Energy Supply
Putin signs deal for oil pipeline to Greece - Concerns increased over dependency on Moscow

Russia Joins West in Turning Sanctions Screw on Iran
Russia joined the west in stepping up the pressure on Iran yesterday over its suspect nuclear programme by agreeing to tighten UN sanctions on the Islamic regime, a day after announcing a delay in the supply of nuclear fuel to it.

Russian Wealth Gap: 53 Billionaires But Poor Worse-off
Petro-dollars fail to trickle down to pensioners, jobless and government workers.

A Decaying Russia
Russia is a country in decay! It survives today on the infrastructure that was set-up during the heyday of communism and before glasnost was liberally sprinkled around.

Russia Displays Looted German Treasure
Exhibition fails to end row over ownership of stolen artefacts.

Russian Party Cries Foul After Being Excluded From Election
Voters went to the polls in 14 of Russia's 86 regions yesterday amid claims that some opposition parties were deliberately marginalised from the elections.

Did He Jump or Was He Pushed? Russian Journalists Fear Worst After Another Death
Safety fears heightened by mystery plunge of man known for damaging scoops.

Russian Journalist 'sacked' for Speaking About Police Brutality
A Russian journalist was sacked from a state-controlled radio station because she gave an interview to independent media about police brutality at an anti-Kremlin opposition march, it was claimed today.

Russian Generals Put Old Foe Back Into Their Sights
Russia is to replace its military doctrine with a more hawkish version that boldly identifies Nato and the west as its greatest danger.

Russian Journalist Who Angered Country's Military Falls to Death
Colleagues scorn claims of suicide from flat window - He exposed failure of new intercontinental missile

The Russian Mentality
In Russia, whether it is a simple task of having a washing machine installed at home or a rather more complex matter of drilling for oil offshore in -35 degree temperatures the amount of paperwork and bureaucracy that hounds the proceedings is immense.

Prosecutors Target Russian Clinic Testing British Firm's Mmr Vaccine
Russian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into a clinic after unsubstantiated allegations that a vaccine made by the British drugs company GlaxoSmithKline has had disturbing side effects in a clinical trial.

Russia Hits Back Over Us Claim of Retreat From Democracy
Putin ready to fix election, intelligence chief claims - Senate testimony stirs fears of new arms race

Russian Women Tourists Shot Dead on Beach in Thailand
Detectives were yesterday investigating the murder of two young Russian women tourists whose bodies were found slumped in deckchairs at a beach resort in Thailand.

Interview: Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska
Oleg Deripaska talks money, Moscow and his friend Abramovich.

Wildlife Puts Russian Games on Thin Ice
Winter Olympics at Sochi fall foul of WWF - Bobsleigh run would harm bears, campaigners claim

Russian Army Sold Recruits for Sex, Rights Group Claims
Russia's scandal-prone military was gripped by allegations yesterday that cash-strapped senior officers had forced young conscripts to work as male prostitutes.

Big Rise in Russian Military Spending Raises Fears of New Challenge to West
Moscow anxious over US missile defence plans - Hawkish minister outlines $189bn hardware revamp

Russian Veto Will Be Key
Yesterday's unveiling of the Kosovo independence plan sets the scene for months of diplomatic clashes at the United Nations between Russia and the west.

Patient Exposes 'gagging of Babies' in Russian Hospital
Russian prosecutors are investigating claims that hospital staff gagged babies with tape because they were fed up with hearing them cry.

Russian 'smuggled Weapons-grade Uranium'
The safety of Russia's vast nuclear arsenal was called into question today after Georgia announced it had arrested a man trying to sell weapons-grade uranium hidden under his jacket.

Russian Jailed for Trying to Sell Weapons-grade Uranium for $1m
The safety of Russia's vast nuclear arsenal was called into question yesterday after Georgia said it had arrested a man trying to sell weapons-grade uranium hidden under his jacket.

Rich Russians Ditch Vodka for 'aspirational Drinks'
Russia's long and boozy love affair with vodka appears to be drawing to an end, with figures showing that newly affluent Russians prefer to drink other types of alcohol.

Time Runs Out for Russians in Ice Chess Contest
Chess: The British team for the first Anglo-Russian Ice Chess Challenge match did not inspire confidence.

Russia Risks Losing Eu Contracts for Energy Supply
Stern warning for Moscow on future disruptions - Renewables could replace dependence on oil and gas.

Russian Billionaire Arrested in Alpine 'prostitution' Inquiry
Exclusive skiing resort shocked by police raid - No clear link found with sex ring, prosecution says

Global Warming Blamed As Russian Winter Fails to Materialise
The brick grotto where Moscow zoo's bears live was today finally devoid of snuffling. After weeks of insomnia caused by the record mild winter in Russia, the six bears that live in the craggy enclosure have at last nodded off. Russia's famous winters may have scuttled the invasion plans of both Napoleon Bonaparte and Hitler but this year the winter has spectacularly failed to materialise in Moscow.

Merkel Hits Out at Russian Oil Pipeline Closure
German chancellor joins EU in attacking Russia over its closure of pipeline supplying oil to Europe.

Russia Should Be Allowed to Escape the Cliches of Its Past
Britain has long cast Russia as a corrupt and destabilising state - because it disturbed the established imperial order. By Hywel Williams

$20bn Gas Project Seized By Russia
Russia seizes control of world's biggest liquefied gas project - Shell forced to give up controlling stake after pressure from Kremlin

Detectives Fly to Russia to Question Businessmen
Trio were among last to see Litvinenko alive - Lugovoi expected to talk to Scotland Yard

Revealed: Litvinenko's Russian 'blackmail Plot'
Poison victim 'had intelligence files' - FBI probe KGB agent over new claims

Baysarov Shooting: a Different Tale of Revenge From Russia
Tom Parfitt on the gunning down of a security services officer on a busy Moscow street.

Aides Claim Former Russian Pm Was Poisoned
Doctors believe the former Russian prime minister Yegor Gaidar, who fell badly ill after attending a conference in Ireland, has been deliberately poisoned, his spokesman said today.

Cold War Shadow Disrupts Russia Talks
An EU-Russia summit in Helsinki opened in disarray today after Poland blocked the start of talks on a new wide-ranging pact, taking in energy and human rights.

Russia Bans Thousands of Foreign Traders
Hundreds of thousands of people in Russia will lose their jobs after President Vladimir Putin approved plans to ban foreigners from trading at street stalls and markets.

Corrupt Bureaucrats Cost Russia £125bn a Year, Prosecutor Says
· Scale of backhanders close to state's entire revenues · Police discover 28,000 graft cases in eight months

Russia: Police Accused of Obstructing Arrest of Potential Suspect in Politkovskaya Murder
Police officers in a Siberian town are alleged to be obstructing the arrest of a former major on their force who is wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the Guardian has been told.

From Russia With Hate
An extreme nationalist movement is gearing up to march in Moscow in defiance of an official ban, writes Tom Parfitt.

Russia Set to Double Gas Prices for Georgia
Russia is likely to more than double the price of natural gas to Georgia in a fresh sign of disintegrating relations with the former Soviet state.

The Russians Are Coming - and Bringing the Threat of Scandal to the City
· Controversy over Rosneft fails to deter investors · Many in City are worried by the rush to float

Russia Opposes Draft Un Resolution on Iran
International attempts to forge a united front in the nuclear standoff with Iran today suffered a setback as Russia declared its opposition to current UN proposals.

EU and Russia - a Meeting of Minds?
EU leaders meet Vladimir Putin at an informal summit in chilly Finland today - and with energy security and Russia's behaviour in former Soviet states under scrutiny, diplomats are nervous. Nicholas Watt reports from Lahti.

Bureaucracy Forces Foreign Aid Groups to Stop Work in Russia
Scores of foreign humanitarian aid groups and charities which failed to meet a deadline for registration under a controversial new law must suspend their work in Russia from today.

Chess: Saga Ends in Russian Triumph
Millions watched on the internet as the world title was finally won by Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnick.

Georgians in Russia Live in Fear After Crackdown, Says Envoy
Georgia's ambassador to Moscow yesterday struck out at the Kremlin, saying Georgians living in Russia were 'hiding at home in fear' after a Kremlin-backed campaign of intimidation.

Russia: Don't Threaten Iran Over Nuclear Issue
Issuing ultimatums is counterproductive, Russia and China said today as key foreign ministers met in London to discuss Iran's refusal to suspend nuclear enrichment.

Struggle for Control of Resources is Backdrop to Tension in Russia and Africa
The struggle to wrest control of resources from western companies is the backdrop to tension in Russia and Africa.

Russia Escalates Georgia Row Despite Release of 'spies'
· Moscow cuts trade links vital for smaller neighbour · Putin warns Bush not to intervene in dispute

Georgia Releases Russian Officers
Four Russian officers at the centre of a tense diplomatic standoff between Russia and Georgia were today on their way back to Moscow in an attempt to defuse the crisis.

Russian Oil Grab 'puts Western Supplies at Risk'
A former government adviser has warned it is "only a matter of time" before BP or Shell faces a bid from a Russian state-owned group such as Gazprom which could threaten western oil supplies.

Russia Denies Ulterior Motives Over Sakhalin
A senior Russian official has hit back at western accusations that Moscow is deliberately raising environmental obstacles against Shell and other foreign companies as part of a political mission to seize back control of energy reserves.

The Buddhist Russian State of Kalmykia
Chess: Lawrence Booth on chess and Buddhism in the European state of Kalmykia

Mitsubishi Eyes Russia As New Plant’s Home
News from Russia’s business and tourist capital, St. Petersburg, say that Japanese auto maker Mitsubishi has had some of its top executives visiting the mentioned location. This was in fact backed up and confirmed by one of the major Mitsubishi distributors in Russia. The distributor said that the company is indeed planning on building an assembly plant in St. Petersburg.

Ford On Pace To Double Russian Sales
Ford Motor Company, pacing double sales in the Russian territory, has premiered a number of vehicles for its Russian customers. Said move is expected to intensify Ford’s standing as the leader in Russian automobile market.

Ding-dong Averted As Russia's Sacred Bells Head Home From Us
Seventeen Russian bells which hang in a Harvard University tower are destined to return to their spiritual home near Moscow after nearly 80 years in exile.

Hundreds of Chechens Forced to Flee Russian Town As Restaurant Brawl Erupts Into Race Riot
· Xenophobic groups use fight to urge ethnic attacks · Minorities targeted in internet campaign

Shoppers Threaten to Topple Father of Russian Literature
· Glitzy mall may replace fabled Pushkin square · Intelligentsia takes on business elite over plan

Russian Jet Crashes With 170 on Board
Up to 170 people are feared to have been killed when a Russian passenger jet crashed in Ukraine today.

Russian Spurns Most Coveted Maths Award
In a snub to the international maths community, a winner of the discipline's most coveted prize yesterday refused the award.

170 Die As Russian Plane is Struck By Lightning
· 45 children killed in third major accident this year · Crash raises questions over 'flying cigar'

Russia Complicates Ceasefire Consensus
Russia dramatically intervened in the struggle to reach a UN deal on Lebanon last night, tabling a proposal for a 72-hour humanitarian ceasefire on the grounds the crisis was too desperate to wait on more wrangling between the US and France.

The $250 M Ford Russian Investment
The Ford Motor Company has decided on investing $250 million for production of new cars and vehicles in Russia. Ford would be investing the amount on the production and assembly of the Ford Mondeo and the Ford Maverick.

Russian Gets 13-year Sentence for Passing Secrets to Mi6
· Retired officer prosecuted for treason in closed trial · Post-cold war espionage 'exposed dozens of agents'

Moscow Blames Lonely Planet for Image Problems
Moscow officials have launched an attack on Lonely Planet, saying the backpackers' guide presents an image of the city that is at least 15 years out of date.

Russia Reignites Feud With Japan By Investing £350m in Disputed Islands
· Snub from Moscow stirs 500-year-old conflict · Dispute prevented signing of second world war treaty

Russia Reignites Feud With Japan By Investing £350m in Disputed Islands
· Snub from Moscow stirs 500-year-old conflict · Dispute prevented signing of second world war treaty

Russia Bids to Seize Khodorkovsky Home
Russian authorities are planning to seize the family home of the jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, according to his wife.

Russian Prosecutors Move to Seize Oil Tycoon's Family Home
Russian authorities are planning to seize the family home of the jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, says his wife.

Russia Clamps Down on Dissent Ahead of G8
· Protester claims 200 held as Bush and Putin meet · Demonstrations expected today in St Petersburg

Russia's Rush for Gas Widens Gap Between Growing Wealth and Vanishing Tradition
In the far north, Vladimir Putin's plan to exploit Europe's energy hunger is opening a social divide.

At Least 122 Dead in Russian Air Crash
· Airbus 310 skids on runway and hits buildings · President Putin declares day of mourning

Russia Forces Us-funded Radio Services Off the Air
Two radio news services funded by the US government that broadcast across Russia and were often critical of the Kremlin have been largely taken off the air.

Cradle of Winemaking Refuses to Be Crushed By Russian Ban
The Georgian wine industry, thought to be the world's oldest, is reeling from Russia's blanket ban on exports of its wine to the country, which has traditionally bought 90% of its production.

Russian Tv Contest Selects Would-be Mps
In a country where state power can make you rich and famous, there is only one television competition prize guaranteed to get Russia's youth voting: a seat in parliament.

Oil-rich Russia Makes Rouble Convertible
The rouble is riding high on Moscow's burgeoning status as an energy superpower, and it's about to be unleashed on the world.

Russia Rejects 40 Foreign Ngos
Russian authorities have refused to grant legal status to 40 foreign non-governmental organisations which submitted paperwork to the justice ministry under stringent new legislation that requires them to re-register by October 18.

Russians Suffer Wine Drought
Russian wine lovers are facing a parched summer after a bureaucratic foul-up has left shelves empty in off-licences across the country.

Russian Drinkers Thirst for Foreign Wines
Russian wine lovers are facing a parched summer after a bureaucratic foul-up that has left shelves empty in off-licences across the country.

The Rise of the Russian Racists
St Petersburg police have snared a gang connected to a slew of race murders just before the city hosts the G8 summit. But it isn't an end to the problems, says Tom Parfitt.

New Nissan Manufacturing Plant In Russia Finalized
The Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. would be going ahead with its plans on building a new manufacturing plant in Russia, specifically in St. Petersburg. This new assembly and manufacturing plant would cost the company a whopping $200 million. The company foresees that come the year 2009, this plant would be functional and fully operational.

Hand of John the Baptist in Russia
John the Baptist's right hand, which Christians think baptised Jesus Christ, has returned to Russia for the first time in 89 years.

Russia Tells Ukraine to Stay Out of Nato
· Parliament warns of 'negative consequences' · Protests force US troops in Crimea to stay in barracks.

Roman Rebuilds His Russian Empire
Helped by his political clout, Chelsea's billionaire owner is buying a steel firm back home, and perhaps the UK's Corus, writes Oliver Morgan.

Russian 'sour Grapes' Embargo Leaves Georgian Wine Makers Counting the Cost
In the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia locals are smarting at Moscow's decision to ban all imports of wine from the country.

Arcelor Merges With Russian Steel Group in Final Snub to Mittal's €25bn Bid
· Putin backs biggest foreign commercial deal · Worries over valuations and lack of transparency

Russian Police Target Far Right
An elite undercover police unit is to be formed in St Petersburg to try to stop racist attacks on foreign students.

Many Russians So Rich They Need £100 Note
The latest sign of Russia's wealth explosion, the 5,000 rouble (£100) banknote, is to be unveiled by the central bank today.

The Russian Bear is Back - and This Time It's Gas-powered
· Petrodollars give Putin weight on world stage · America is 'nervous and angry', say observers

Russian Go-ahead for World Trek
A former paratrooper from Hull yesterday won his appeal against deportation from Russia, a month after he was arrested for illegally entering the country.

First Wine, Now Russia Bans Georgia's Water
Borjomi, with its relieving mix of minerals and salts, has been banned from Russian shops and restaurants - the latest victim in a trade war between the small Caucasus state and its giant neighbour.

Russia is Blackmailing Europe Over Energy, Says Cheney
· Putin using oil and gas to 'bully' neighbours · Kremlin dismisses speech as 'incomprehensible'

'Russia Has Left the Western Orbit'
Missile deals with the 'axis of evil' are just the latest sign that Moscow is sick of kowtowing to the US and Europe, writes Tom Parfitt.

Two Gypsies Shot As Russian Race Attacks Continue
Police in Russia are investigating the murder of two Gypsies in the latest of a spate of violent attacks on foreigners and people from ethnic minorities.

Russia Ready to Buck the Trend
Russian MPs are considering banning the word dollar from official speech in a crude attempt to boost confidence in the rouble.

Russia Bans Imports of Alcohol From Neighbours
Russia has launched a 'wine war' on Georgia and Moldova in the latest sign of political sour grapes in the former Soviet Union.

Student Dies in Russia's Latest Racist Attack
An African student was shot dead in St Petersburg with a hunting rifle emblazoned with a swastika early yesterday in an apparently planned racist attack that has horrified Russia.

Migrant Workers Hammer Out Russian Revolution Paid for With Petrodollars
Landmarks are being demolished to make way for mayor's romantic vision of capital.

Girl Aged Nine Stabbed in Face As Russian Race Tension Spreads
A nine-year-old mixed-race girl has been beaten and stabbed in the face and neck in St Petersburg, officials said yesterday, only four days after a teenager was acquitted of the murder of another nine-year-old girl, from Tajikistan, in the city two years ago.

Russian Fury at Jailing of Man for Killing Speeding Politician
· Dead governor's driver was exceeding 90mph · Car owners rally behind convicted motorist

Color Revolutions Fade in Russia's Shadow
Alexander Lukashenko is going to unusual lengths to ensure the "right" result in Sunday's presidential election in Belarus. His anticipated triumph may mark a glum turning point for pro-democracy movements in the former Soviet sphere. By Simon Tisdall

Russia Casts Doubt on Postmortem Results As Serbs Argue Over Funeral Arrangements
· Belgrade may host his funeral but not state burial · Son demands protection for exiled family's return

Russian Student 'forced to Behead Man' in Kidnap Plot
· Court told film made to discredit witness · Discovery of headless corpses backed up story

Iran and Russia Reach Tenuous Deal on Nuclear Programmes
Iran and Russia signalled agreement yesterday on a joint uranium enrichment project aimed at reducing suspicions that Tehran is bent on building a nuclear bomb.

Russian Paper Closes After Publishing Cartoons
A second Russian newspaper has closed down after publishing the Danish cartoons of the prophet Muhammad that sparked worldwide demonstrations. By Julia Day.

Russia and Iran Hold Uranium Enrichment Talks
Iranian officials were today in Moscow for talks on Russia's offer to enrich uranium for Iranian use - a scenario that could dispel the crisis over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Russia Under Pressure to Guarantee Gas Supplies
· G7 ministers urge Moscow to ratify energy charter · Agreement could open up country to foreign oil firms

Russian Horror Flick Hopes to Challenge Hollywood
In a sign of the resurgence of the once mighty Russian film industry, a homegrown fantasy blockbuster will go on general release this week in America - a country once renowned for its resistance to all things Russian.

Russians Are Big Fans of English Hooligans
Moscow football thugs copy violent tactics - and shun the chav look.

Iran Threatens to Abandon Russian Compromise
A senior official in Tehran today threatened the abandonment of a Russian proposal aimed at mollifying concerns about Iran's uranium enrichment ambitions.

Russia's Gazprom Considers Bid for British Gas Owner Centrica
· Move by state-owned outfit alarms government · Takeover would give it 12m British gas customers

Russian Officer Hired Out Troops for Slave Labour
· Rocket commander fined and banned for three years · Concern grows over abuse and beating of conscripts

Georgian Leaders Turn Up the Heat on Russia As Gas Supplies Are Restored After Freezing Week
· Government distributes kerosene and firewood · Politicians accuse Moscow of targeting energy system

Russia 'seizes British Fake Rock Spies'
Former Kremlin security chief tells TV show two agents are in custody and talking to officials.

Russian Mps Briefed on British Spy Ring Allegations
The Russian parliament is to discuss spying allegations against four British diplomats who had allegedly channelled funds to NGOs in Russia.

Russia Reopens Gas Row By Accusing Ukraine of Syphoning Eu Supply
· Yushchenko and Putin discuss energy dispute · Beleaguered Kiev leader tries to regain popularity

Georgian Leader Attacks Russia After Gas Blasts
· Three explosions across border cut supplies · Kremlin accused of sabotage and blackmail

Russia in Grip of New Cold War
The schools are shut, traffic has ebbed and life has taken a more cautious pace over the sheet ice. There is little you can do but shuffle on, tape up your windows and buy a thicker hat. Temperatures in Moscow yesterday plunged to -28C.

Russia Urges Caution As Lobbying Begins on Iran's Nuclear Ambition
British, French and German diplomats began an intensive round of worldwide lobbying yesterday to try to maximise a vote on Iran in Vienna early next month over its suspect nuclear weapons programme.

Russian Orphanages Spending Less Than a Penny a Day on Each Child
An investigation by the Russian general prosecutor's office into violations of the law in state orphanages has found some institutions allocate as little as 30 kopecks (0.6p) a day for each child's care.

Ukraine Mps Vote to Sack Cabinet Over Gas Deal With Russia
Opposition MPs in Ukraine issued a rebuke to President Viktor Yushchenko yesterday by voting to sack his cabinet over last week's deal to end the "gas war" with Russia.

'Russia's Curse' Casts Pall Over Orthodox Holiday
Putin vows to find a cure for blight of alcohol that claims 500,000 lives a year.

Ex-PM to Challenge Gas Price Deal With Russia
Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Timoshenko yesterday said she would challenge in court the deal which this week ended Ukraine's gas price dispute with Russia.

Russia and Ukraine Hail Gas Deal
Russia and Ukraine ended their dispute over gas prices with a face-saving deal yesterday amid fears it might be only a temporary solution.

Russia and Ukraine Agree Gas Deal
Russia today agreed to resume gas shipments to Ukraine following a night of talks between officials from the two countries.

Russia Ups the Ante As Gas Talks Resume
· Minister suggests further price rise for Ukraine · EU supply restored amid Kiev's denials of theft

Russia Restores Full Eu Gas Supplies
Gazprom, the Russian gas monopoly, restored full natural gas supplies to Europe today as Ukrainian and Russian energy officials resumed talks over their pricing dispute.

Russia Steps Back From Brink With Ukraine and Restores Gas Supplies to Europe
Russia's image as a reliable international energy supplier became increasingly tarnished yesterday as a stand-off with Ukraine over gas prices disrupted supplies to Europe.

Russian Gas Row Reignites Nuclear Debate
A Russian gas supply crisis last night triggered warnings that UK householders will face further significant price increases during 2006.

Russia Turns Off Supplies to Ukraine in Payment Row, and Eu Feels the Chill
· Germany and Hungary feel first knock-on effects · Kremlin says Kiev must pay fuel's market price

Ukraine and Russia Go to Brink Over Huge Gas Price Rise
· Kiev faces quadrupling of cost as subsidy withdrawn · Threats from both sides ahead of January deadline

Russian Town Stockpiles Water As Industrial Spill From China Raises Fear of Deadly Contamination
Residents of a city in Russia's far east were hoarding saucepans and bottles of water last night, as deadly toxins from a factory explosion in China flowed into the city, raising fears of contamination.

Chinese Toxic Spill Flows Into Russian City
Authorities in the far east of Russia today appealed for calm as a toxic spill from China flowed into the city of Khabarovsk.

Bulgakov Classic to Enthral Russia
The streets are expected to be deserted tonight at 8.55 when millions switch on their televisions for the first Russian screen adaptation of a surreal 1930s novel that features a gun-slinging cat and the devil as a magician.

Russia Threatens to Cut Off Ukraine's Gas Supply
Russia drastically raised the price for vital winter fuel supplies to neighbouring Ukraine yesterday, hours after threatening to cut off the country's gas if a deal was not reached by January 1.

Schröder Faces Growing Scandal Over Job With Russian Gas Giant
Germany's former chancellor Gerhard Schröder is at the centre of damaging allegations of sleaze over his decision to accept a lucrative job with Russia's biggest company.

Dam to Shield Russia From Factory's Toxic Slick
China may build a temporary dam to prevent a toxic slick from reaching Russian waters, a government spokesman said yesterday as the human and diplomatic fall-out from one of the country's worst pollution scandals gathered pace.

The Trail of Russia's New Enemy Within
The film is shaky, its pixillated frames jarring as it scans across the contents of the makeshift ...

Toxic Slick Heads Towards Russia
Russian officials have urged residents not to panic as a slick of toxic river water heads towards the far eastern city of Khabarovsk, but ecologists say the impact will be catastrophic.

Poland Risks Russia's Wrath With Soviet Nuclear Attack Map
· Defence chief reveals old Warsaw Pact plans · UK spared as European cities faced destruction

Russia Tries to Curb Aid Agencies
Western aid and civil society groups said yesterday they faced being closed down after Russia's parliament passed a bill restricting foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Russian Thanksgiving Dinner – Mystery Ingredients
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner in Russia. What could be easier?

'Racist' Russian Tv Advert Investigated
Russian prosecutors are investigating a TV advert produced by a Kremlin-linked political party which suggests that dark-skinned Caucasians should be purged from Moscow's streets.

Playing Chess in Russia – The Agony of Victory
Russians and chess, the two just go together. To bad I didn't know how to play.

Russian Tells of Air Crash Grief That Led to Killing
· Father 'showed photos of dead family to controller' · Relatives of victims rally in support of Kaloyev

Russian Romance – I Love You
The Russian language is no an easy one to learn. This can lead to problems in the romance department.

World Series In Russia – Huh? What?
Time for the World Series and baseball in Siberia.

Population Dip in Russia Blamed on Alcoholism and Poverty
Russia's population has shrunk to 143 million, with the federal statistics agency announcing that the country had seen a decline of 506,400 since January.

Russian Forces End Rebel Siege
Officials in Nalchik today say security forces stormed police station held by militants and freed hostages.

Gun Battle Leaves 85 Dead in Russia
Senior government officials in the southern Russian town of Nalchik today said security forces had stormed a police station and shop held by militants and freed seven hostages. The head of the regional government, Gennady Gubin, said all extremist activity had been put down after more...

Rebels Take Fight to New Front in Russia
· Up to 60 die as militants attack peaceful spa town · Standoff with police after Islamists take hostages

Russia halts rocket launches after European satellite failure
Russia's beleaguered space industry suffered another setback yesterday when officials suspended launches of a rocket system that had been used at the weekend in a failed attempt to put a European polar monitoring satellite into orbit.

Golden curtain divides old and new Russia
Moscow's rich keep their children under lock and key as fears of social unrest grow.

Russian secret meeting in Britain
Diary: President Putin attended a cabinet security committee meeting at Downing Street yesterday. It's almost certainly the first time someone so influential in Russian politics has attended such a secret meeting in Britain - unless one were to count Harold Wilson.

Jailed Russian Billionaire on Hunger Strike
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the jailed Russian billionaire, announced last night that he was going on hunger strike in protest at his business associate being moved into an isolation cell.

Russia and China Rattle Sabres With Joint War Games
Russia and China launched their first joint military exercise yesterday in a show of force calculated to dissuade the US from presuming a dominant role in global security.

Impostors Prosper in Russian Exam Scam
A new breed of double agent is subverting Russia's exam system: the surrogate student who's paid to sit your test.

Kremlin Gives Thanks to Britons Who Saved Russian Submarine
The Kremlin expressed its gratitude yesterday to a team of Britons who helped to rescue seven Russian sailors from their tiny submarine near the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Russia Battles to Rescue Trapped Sub
Crew reported to be 'OK' as British and US aid arrives.

International Mission to Save Russian Submarine
An international rescue operation has been launched today to save the crew of a Russian mini-submarine trapped almost 200 metres down on the sea floor of the Pacific Ocean with only enough oxygen to last for 24 hours. The Russian navy has sent nine ships to help raise the stricken...

Russians Retreat in Face of Hostility
The number of Russians returning to their homeland is increasing for the first time since the mass emigration that followed the fall of the Soviet Union, some fleeing a tide of anti-Russian sentiment stirred by pro-western revolutions across the country's former empire.

Cost of Bribes Soars As Russia's Millionaire Bureaucrats Rake in Profits
More than $300bn (£171bn) will be paid in bribes in Russia this year, almost 10 times as much as in 2001, according to a survey.

After 50 Years, Russia Finally Gets Its Own Zhivago
Filming draws to a close on a television adaptation of Doctor Zhivago, the first acted and directed by Russians.

Maria's Story - A disabled girl in Russia
This is the remarkable true story of Maria, a young pretty disabled mother begging on the streets of Moscow.

Russians Blame Chechen for Us Editor's Murder
Russian prosecutors say the murder of an American journalist, Paul Klebnikov, shot dead in Moscow last year, was ordered by a Chechen separatist angered by the reporter's negative portrayal of him - and have declared the case closed. By Nick Paton Walsh.

Prosecutors Warn Russian Oligarchs
One of Russia's top investigators has warned that other leading business figures will face the same criminal prosecutions as the oil billionaire and Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, jailed last week for nine years for tax evasion and fraud.

Russian Oligarch Jailed for Nine Years
President George Bush last night widened the rift with Russia when he revealed his concerns about the trial of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the oil billionaire who was sentenced to nine years' jail yesterday for fraud and tax evasion.

Russian Lake is Left High and Dry
One day residents of the tiny Russian village of Bolotnikovo, several hundred kilometres east of Moscow, were fishing in their picturesque lake. The next they were staring at the crater left when it suddenly disappeared.

Bizarre Trial of Russian Billionaire Draws to Close As Guilt is Delayed
Prosecution of oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky drew close to its finale in bizarre scenes as judge concluded he had "acted as part of a criminal group" but deferred passing a guilty verdict.

Russia Says 'spies' Work in Foreign Ngos
The Russian security service claimed yesterday to have discovered spies working for the British, US, Saudi and Kuwaiti governments who were operating under the cover of non-governmental organisations.

Russia Accuses 'spies' Working in Foreign Ngos
The Russian security service claimed yesterday to have discovered spies working for the British, US, Saudi and Kuwaiti governments who were operating under the cover of non-governmental organisations.

EU and Russia to Sign Cooperation Pact
The EU and Russia have moved closer to the creation of a single market with an agreement covering the economy and external security, the Russian foreign ministry said today.

Soviet Flags Fly As Russia Remembers
Conjuring up a massive display of military might and discipline reminiscent of the Brezhnev era, President Vladimir Putin hosted more than 50 world leaders for a tribute to those involved in a war that claimed more than 27 million Soviet lives.

Russian Victory Festivities Open Old Wounds in Europe
60th anniversary of Nazis' defeat is hit by boycotts and bitterness.

Russian Youth Group Vows to Name Fascists in Schools
A youth activist group reportedly founded by the Kremlin is to name and shame "fascists and their sympathisers" in schools and workplaces, raising fears of ideological witch-hunts reminiscent of Russia's turbulent past.

Russian Regions Vote to Unite
Three remote Russian regions have voted to unite, creating the first of many of 'super-regions' apparently planned by the Kremlin, this one bigger than western Europe.

Ukraine Pm Cancels Visit to Russia
The prime minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, cancelled her first official trip to Moscow yesterday after Russian prosecutors said she was "still on the wanted list" in connection with bribery charges.

Russians Accused of Sheltering War Crimes Suspects
Bosnian Serbs who allegedly took part in the Srebrenica massacre are being protected by Russia's secret services, say intelligence sources.

Chechen Rebel Leader Killed in Russian Assault
Death of former president Aslan Maskhadov ends hope of a negotiated settlement to end the 10-year conflict with Russia.

Russians 'kill' Chechen Leader
The Russian military today said it had killed the Chechen rebel leader, Aslan Maskhadov, one of its most wanted men, in a "special operation".

Communists Poised to Win Moldovan Poll - and Reject Russia
Moldova voted in a parliamentary election yesterday that looked set to make the impoverished European country the latest former Soviet Union state to shun ties with Moscow through the ballot box.

Russian Deal Will Send Nuclear Fuel to Iran Soon
Russia and Iran signed a long-awaited agreement yesterday which paves the way for the delivery within weeks of nuclear fuel to a regime which Washington claims is seeking an atomic bomb and sponsors terrorism.

Russia Ordered to Pay for Chechen Deaths
Russia faced fines and sharp censure over its Chechen conflict yesterday as the European court of human rights found Moscow guilty of killing civilians and bluntly ordered it to pay compensation of more than €135,000 (£93,000).

Bush Warns Russian Leader to Respect Democratic Values
US president acknowledges ties with Russia have weakened.

Ukraine Protest No Longer About Us or Russian Candidate
The Ukrainian protest is no longer about the US or Russian candidate. It is about ending 12 years of misrule.

Yukos Bosses Flee Russia
The crisis at the Yukos oil company deepened today after all its senior executives fled Russia to avoid arrest.

Ukraine Crisis Threatens Rift Between Us and Russia
Ukraine's political crisis deepened last night after three days of street protests and political drama threatened to cause a diplomatic rift between Russia and the US.

One Hundred Russian Mail Order Brides Attend Postmark Paradise Premier
As Postmark Paradise continues to gather momentum and garner critical acclaim worldwide, the name Natalia Nazarova becomes synonymous with the true American presence of Russian mail order brides...

Russia Calls Time on Street Boozers
Nick Paton Walsh: It is a staple part of Moscow street life. Russians drink beer like Westerners drink de luxe coffee: in parks, on the street, on the Metro. But not for much longer.

Russian Boom Lifts Bp Profits
Booming Russian oil production helps BP to report 11% increase in its third-quarter output. Booming Russian oil production helped BP to report yesterday an 11% increase in its third-quarter output and put it on track for full-year profits of about £9bn.

EU Pays to Stem Russia's Sewage
Brussels funds St Petersburg clean-up to cut Baltic pollution after Putin declines to help.

Russia Braces for Tough New Terror Laws
Sweeping counter-terrorism laws were debated in the Russian parliament yesterday, including proposals that would allow the country to declare itself at war and impose tight restrictions on travel and the media. Under the plans, Russian television and radio journalists would not be allowed...

Russians Hold Mass Anti-terror Protests
Tens of thousands of Russians today gathered outside the Kremlin to demonstrate against terrorism, responding to government calls for solidarity following recent attacks in which more than 400 people were killed. Waving flags and banners, the crowd stood still and silent for a moment...

Koizumi Risks New Spat With Russia
The Japanese prime minister risked causing a diplomatic incident with Moscow yesterday by taking a boat trip to inspect islands that have been at the centre of a territorial dispute since the second world war. Despite warnings that the trip would sour relations, Junichiro Koizumi boarded...

400 Taken Hostage at Russian School
Up to 400 people, including 200 schoolchildren, were today taken hostage in a school in southern Russia. The attackers threatened to blow up the buildings should the security forces attempt to intervene, according to Reuters. The Russian security service, the FSB, confirmed that between...

Russian Super-rich Turn Back the Clock in Palatial Fashion
Tired of being remarkable just for their wealth, Russia's super rich want to buy aristocratic class - and a development on the outskirts of St Petersburg offers just that. There the elite of the country's cultural capital can buy houses built to resemble famous palaces, such as Versailles...

Russia on Alert After Double Jet Crash
Vladimir Putin last night ordered security services to begin an investigation after one passenger plane with 42 people on board crashed and another aircraft carrying 52 went missing within minutes of each other after taking off from Moscow.

Interbrew Expands in Beer-thirsty Russia
Interbrew, the Belgian group which this month is expected to become the world's largest brewer, yesterday took full control of Russia's second biggest beer group for €530m (£356m) in shares. By buying out its joint venture partner - family controlled SUN Group - Interbrew, maker...

Kremlin Soothes Bp Over Trading in Russia
Lord Browne, the BP chief executive, has sought personal assurances from the Kremlin that his investments in Russia through TNK-BP will not be hit by the Yukos affair. He now believes the problems facing Russia's biggest oil group are largely political - and particular to that company -...

Editor Murdered in Russia
Another prominent foreign journalist has been killed in Moscow eight days after the American investigative reporter Paul Klebnikov was murdered outside his office. Pail Peloyan, the editor of the magazine Armenian Lane, was found on the hard shoulder of Moscow's large ring road with...

Russians Jailed Over Chechen Rebel Killing
The supreme court in Qatar jailed two Russian intelligence agents for life yesterday for the murder of Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, a former Chechen president and rebel leader. Judge Ibrahim al-Nisf said the men were "acting on the orders of the Russian leadership", an accusation which the...

No Love Lost on Russia's Rich
One of Russia's most powerful oligarchs - linked recently with the possible purchase of Manchester City and previously Arsenal football club - yesterday expressed his frustration at being "unloved" in his home country. Talking in a swish leather and glass bar at the top of Interros...

'Vegas of the East' Cleans Up Image
It is known as the Las Vegas of the east. A decadent neon playground, a city boasting the world's greatest number of billionaires and where money can buy any pleasure; chemical or carnal. But now Moscow, keen to bolster its image as an international centre for business and tourism, is...

Russia's Super Rich Start to Come Clean As Tax Police Dig Deep
Russia's top earner took home a 95.4bn roubles (£1.8bn) last year, but is keeping his identity secret, no doubt mindful of the apparent backlash against the wealthy. Tax ministry officials said it was the first time a Russian had declared an income of more than $1bn. Income tax at...

Slow Start to 'show Trial' of Russian Oil Chief
Russia's richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, went on trial yesterday for tax evasion and fraud in what Kremlin critics dismissed as the first stage of a "show trial". The former boss of the Yukos oil company was handcuffed to a prison guard and rushed into the Meshchansky court in Moscow...

Open Trial for Russia's Richest Man
The trial of Russia's richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, for fraud and tax evasion will start a week today before a panel of three judges in an open court. A pre-trial hearing yesterday also ruled that the oil billionaire, whose arrest Kremlin critics have said was prompted by his...

Fresh Terror Fears As Bomb Kills Nine in Russian Market
At least nine people were killed and 37 wounded yesterday by an explosion in a crowded market in the southern town of Samara, raising fears of another summer bombing campaign in Russia. Police said the blast was caused by about a kilogram of plastic explosives placed in a small gap...

Russia's Poorest Face Huge Cuts in Benefits
System supporting veterans, disabled people and pensioners to be swept away as Moscow reforms aim to cap compensation.

Over 100 Russian Mail Order Brides to Gather
Over 100 Russian Mail Order Brides will assemble for the Premiere screening of the Award Winning US Independent film, "POSTMARK PARADISE"...

Fate of Russia's Lost Art Treasure Revealed After 60-year Cover-up
According to evidence disclosed today in Guardian Weekend, Peter the Great's 18th century Amber Room, a missing art treasure valued at £150m, was inadvertently destroyed by Russian troops during the collapse of Nazi Germany.

Latvia Risks Russian Ire After Mps Vote to Open Kgb Records
Latvia has escalated tensions with Moscow by deciding to open its old KGB files. The decision, taken in a parliamentary vote late on Wednesday night, will further fuel an already furious dispute over the alleged Latvian mistreatment of thousands of ethnic Russians who live in the...

Russia's Dream Gone West
Poverty and corporate corruption show capitalism is not working in this former communist state. Now Europe must help.

Russian Author's Son Killed 'by Schoolboy Kidnappers'
The 13-year-old son of Russia's best-selling fantasy writer has been murdered in a bungled kidnapping allegedly involving some of his school friends. Ivan Belyanin was abducted on his way home from school in the southern town of Astrakhan on Wednesday. His body was found the next day...

Chechen Gets Life for Killing 127 Russian Soldiers
A Chechen man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 127 Russian soldiers travelling in a helicopter which he shot down with a shoulder-fired missile as it prepared to land in the Chechen capital, Grozny. Doku Dzhantemirov, 27, from Grozny, was found guilty of murder,...

Chechen Who Killed 127 Russians Jailed
A Chechen man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 127 Russian soldiers travelling in a helicopter which he shot down with a shoulder-fired missile as it prepared to land in the Chechen capital, Grozny. Doku Dzhantemirov, 27, from Grozny,was found guilty of murder,...

Russian Army Hit By Suicides
Nearly 80 Russian soldiers have killed themselves so far this year, defence sources said.

Olympic luxury for Russian elite
Russia's delegation to the 2004 Olympics will live in an exclusive floating village, moored metres off the Greek capital, with each room costing at least €10,000.

Russia Dumps Its Children on the Streets
Poverty forces families to abandon record numbers of 'social orphans' to a hopeless life of drugs and begging.

Russian City Wages War on Rats
Russia's cultural capital, St Petersburg, has warned its residents not to approach any slow-moving, woozy rats over the next few weeks. The pests - which are rampant in a third of the city's homes - may be laden with poison as St Petersburg embarks on a drive to rid itself of the vermin...

Ample Alyona Shakes Up Russian Pageant
With her generous form Alyona Pisklova is an unlikely poster girl for Russia, a country which prides itself on its rather skeletal Slavic body. But she became the runaway favourite to enter the Miss Universe contest when it was decided to drop the traditional selection jury and rely on...

Hope Fades for Workers Trapped in Russian Mine
The death toll from one of the worst accidents to hit Russia's mining industry in years rose to 42 yesterday as hopes dwindled that five miners trapped underground would be found alive.

Battle to Save 30 Miners Grips Russia
Rescue bid continues after explosion kills 22.

Russia Finds Home for Floating Reactor
Russia named the location for the world's first floating nuclear power station yesterday. A stretch of land on its northern coast will become home to a project that for years seemed to be no more than a far-fetched dream. The local government in the polar region of Archangel said...

Russian Found Guilty of Treason
A Russian researcher employed by a respected western thinktank was convicted of high treason last night after the jury at a Moscow court ruled he had sold Russian submarine and missile secrets to the CIA. Igor Sutyagin, a researcher for the Institute of USA and Canada Studies, was found...

Russia gets set for military TV
Russia is to introduce a military TV channel in an effort to improve its image and reduce the number of people trying to avoid conscription.

Skinheads thrive as nationalist tide rises in Russia
Abdul Wase was yards from his home when nine skinheads set on him in the underpass, beating him with bottles and metal bars and cracking his head open on a fence. He lay in a coma for six days in hospital before dying last Wednesday.

US Says Russia Need Not Fear Bigger Nato
Russia was told it had nothing to fear from an expanded Nato yesterday as the former Soviet Baltic republics and members of the Warsaw Pact raised their flags at the headquarters of the Atlantic alliance. Colin Powell, the US secretary of state, insisted there was no need for "heightened...

Russia - Watch This Space
It may be a shadow of its cold war self, but it would be a mistake for the west to assume that Russia is a spent force.

Corus Deal Leaves Russian Out in Cold
Corus brushed aside an approach yesterday from its second biggest shareholder and secured a 10-year deal with a Brazilian miner to supply iron ore.

Russia Says Nato is Ignoring Afghan Opium Trade
Russia's defence minister said Afghanistan was now producing nine times the quantity of drugs it did under the Taliban.

BP Raises Stakes in Its Russian Energy Gamble
BP could obtain 20% of its global oil and gas production this year from Russia as it pushes ahead with a heavier than expected capital expenditure. About $1.3bn (£720m) has been earmarked for investment by the 50%-owned TNK-BP venture, which is hoping to ramp up output by 12%...

Russia No Longer a Game of Business Roulette
Sceptics who refused to believe that Russia was a new power in the commercial world were sent packing in 2003.

Suspected Suicide Bomb Kills at Least 40 in Russia
Russian authorities are convinced that a suspected suicide bomb which killed at least 40 people and injured 140 others is connected with Chechnya.

Russian Oil Magnate Fears Taint of Further Charges
Prosecutors primed to defy international campaign to free tycoon. The imprisoned billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky may soon face a battery of further charges brought by Russian prosecuting authorities trying to fend off a growing international campaign to free him, his chief defence lawyer said yesterday.

James Meek: Our Faces in Russia's Mirror
Of course Putin's crackdown on the oligarchs is causing panic in the west. I hope nothing too unpleasant happens to Mikhail Khodorkovsky, believed by many to be Russia's richest man, while he is in prison. I do not think it will. He has some of the most powerful organisations in the world on his side.

Russian Prosecutors Put Abramovich in Their Sights
New inquiry to begin as Yukos chief quits. Russia's richest man, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who has languished in a remand cell since his arrest nine days ago, moved to protect his oil company, Yukos, and personal fortune yesterday by resigning as its chief executive.

Arrest Opens Way for Russian State to Renationalise Yukos
Yukos faces being effectively renationalised by the Russian government if its chief executive, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, is convicted of fraud. Khodorkovsky's one-third stake in the oil giant could be forfeited to the government if he is convicted of conspiring in fraud with Platon Lebedev,...

Kremlin Seizes Assets As State Power Returns to Russia
Raid on oil giant sparks panic in financial markets. The Russian government sent shockwaves through the international financial community last night when it took the unprecedented step of freezing shares in the country's largest oil company.

Clean-up for Russian Arctic
A $30m (£17.7m) plan to find new ways of cleaning up the polluted Russian Arctic - and to open the way for $40bn of commercial investment - was announced by international agencies in London yesterday. Experts backed by Acops, the advisory committee on the protection of the sea - set...

BP Tries to Heal Rift With Russians
Lord Browne, the chief executive of BP, admitted yesterday that a past bust-up between his company and his new Russian co-investors in TNK-BP had left a residue of distrust between the two sides.

Russian Tycoon Goes Free
The former Russian media mogul Vladimir Gusinsky, accused of money laundering and fraud in Russia, was yesterday told he was a free man after a Greek court rejected a controversial extradition request. The appeals court ruled that Mr Gusinsky - one of the Russian oligarchs who made a...

Exxon eyes Russian oil
ExxonMobil, the world's largest oil group, should seal a deal to take a substantial stake in the newly-merged YukosSibneft, Russia's largest oil and gas company, within months, analysts said yesterday.

ExxonMobil rumours abound as Russian oil firms merge
Yukos and Sibneft today completed a $45bn (£26.9bn) merger to create Russia's biggest company amid reports that US oil giant ExxonMobil was in talks to acquire a stake in the new group.

Russian media warned under strict new law
Two Russian news magazines, the first victims of a draconian election media law, have received warnings from the press ministry about their coverage of voting in Moscow.

It's Europe's lungs and home to many rare species. But to Russia it's £100bn of wood
A plan by the Kremlin which would allow Moscow to sell off the 843m hectares of Russia's forests to private logging companies has raised fears of an ecological disaster.

Russian Mafia Tries to Cash in on Lost Rubens
Germany urges Kremlin to step in as criminals try to sell back masterpiece plundered in last days of second world war.

Bomb wrecks Russian security service base
At least three people died and 25 were injured yesterday when a lorry bomb exploded at the headquarters of the Russian security service, the FSB, miles from the borders of the war-torn separatist republic of Chechnya.

Extradition Case Becomes Disaster for Russia
Chechen envoy turns tables on accusers in London.

Six killed by Russian train bomb
Six people were killed and at least 30 wounded, seven critically, when two bombs exploded under a commuter train in southern Russia yesterday, apparently as part of the Chechen rebel campaign.

Minister blames carelessness for Russian submarine disaster
The Russian defence minister, Sergei Ivanov, blamed "frivolous" Russian carelessness yesterday for the death of nine crew members after their nuclear submarine sank off the coast of north-west Russia.

BP Bill for Russian Asset Grab Hits $8bn
BP yesterday upped its controversial investment in Russian oil and gas to almost $8bn by agreeing to pay an extra $1.35bn to its chosen merger partner for a stake in another oil company. In a complex series of deals BP is paying a total of $7.7bn (£4.8bn) to gain access to reserves...

Russia gives BP the black gold go-ahead
Britain's biggest firm is about to complete its $6bn oil deal. The stakes - and risks - are huge. Oil group BP yesterday put its merger with TNK firmly on track for completion next month after it won approval from the Russian competition authorities for the ground-breaking $6.15bn (£3.9bn) deal.

US jets to fly at Russian air show
It used to be US spy satellites that circled above the once top-secret Soviet air base, but this week F-15 fighter jets and a B-52 bomber will slice through the skies over Zhukovsky airfield during the Moscow international air show, which opened yesterday.

Russian couple try to sell baby daughter
A young couple have stunned Russia by trying to sell their daughter for $1,000 so they could buy a new house. In an incident betraying the poverty and desperation in which many Russians live in the regions outside of Moscow, Sergei Pivovarov, 29, and Olga Kemerova, 30, were arrested by police on Wednesday night.