Democracy is not made by economic, cultural or historical determinants. Democrats make democracy.

Dmitry Medvedev's announcement that President Vladimir Putin would be his choice for prime minister if he became president should have surprised no one.

The recent interview in Kommersant with Oleg Shvartsman, head of the little-known FinansGroup, caused quite a storm.

Long before Guus Hiddink took over Russia's national team midway through 2006 he was considered a lucky coach after quickly turning mediocre teams into formidable opponents.

Liverpool and Real Madrid secured berths in the Champions League last 16 with emphatic wins in their final group matches Tuesday.

Shashliks, kebabs and khachapuri may be the most widely known dishes of Caucasus cuisine but, in the colder months, a rather more unusual delicacy takes its place at the table.

The Etazh chain has been expanding at quite the clip of late. The ever-increasing number of these urbane cafes has been providing city dwellers with standardized minimalist interiors plus menus with all the familiar favorites -- a bit of Italian, a dash of Japanese and even a touch of Mexican -- all at reasonable prices.

A day trip can be a spiritual journey to another place and time.

Shashliks, kebabs and khachapuri may be the most widely known dishes of Caucasus cuisine but, in the colder months, a rather more unusual delicacy takes its place at the table.

President Vladimir Putin will travel to Minsk on Thursday to discuss steps to create a single state from Russia and Belarus amid speculation that he could head the unified country after his second term ends in May.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that Dmitry Medvedev, named by President Vladimir Putin as his preferred successor, was ""of another generation"" of Russian leaders, USA Today reported Wednesday.

Australia -- A senior Australian lawmaker who was once handcuffed in his underpants to a pole during a drunken night in a Russian strip club said Wednesday that he had learned from the experience: ""Always wear clean underwear.""

Russia on Wednesday implemented its moratorium on participating in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe but is ready for talks in reviving it, the Foreign Ministry said. The treaty places limits on the number of conventional weapons that can be deployed west of the Ural Mountains. President Vladimir Putin called for the suspension because NATO countries have not ratified a revised version of the treaty, which originally was signed in 1990. Russia ""is prepared for continuing a results-oriented dialogue on the CFE during its suspension,"" a ministry statement said. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe urged Russia to reconsider the moratorium. ""The loss of the [treaty's] system of limitations, information and verification would be detrimental to all and could have security implications for all of Europe,"" said Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, the OSCE chairman.

President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to respond swiftly to a proposal that he become prime minister after the presidential election, First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said Wednesday.