Today in History, May 28

The Russian Empire and China's Qing Dynasty signed the Treaty of Aigun 156 years ago today, on May 28, 1858. As a result, the Amur region became part of the Russian Empire, and the Ussuri region was recognized as joint territory.

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Tainted oil

How One Village on the Volga Sowed Chaos in Europe’s Oil Market

The hardscrabble village of Nikolayevka emerged as the epicenter of an international oil scandal.
Whale release

Russian Plan to Free Whales Risks Their Survival, Say Scientists

Russian scientists had announced that the captive orcas would be freed by June 10 directly from their holding pens.
U.S. visit

Pompeo Names 3 National Interests U.S. Shares With Russia

President Vladimir Putin had previously expressed a mutual desire to improve battered U.S.-Russian ties.
Legal resolution

Russia to Award $3M to Greenpeace in Settlement

The agreement should end years of legal battles following Russia's seizure of a Dutch-flagged Greenpeace vessel.