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BELARUS OPPOSITION

Belarus Presidential Challenger Demands 'Honest Election'

Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has emerged as the biggest challenge in years to President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled since 1994.

Belarus Detains Opposition Campaign Manager Before Tense Presidential Ballot

President Alexander Lukashenko is facing perhaps the biggest challenge to his power since he became leader in 1994.

Russian Activists Detained Heading to Observe Belarus Vote

Three Open Russia members were taken off a bus in the western Pskov region as they travelled to Belarus.

Tens of Thousands Continue to Rally in Fresh Khabarovsk Protest

Fifth consecutive weekend of mass protest in Far East city.

second from the sun

Russia Wants to Return to Venus, Build Reusable Rocket

The head of Roscosmos said studying Venus could help scientists understand how to deal with climate change on Earth.

'chernobyl republic'

Belarus Fuels First Nuclear Plant Ahead of Presidential Poll

Lukashenko hailed the power station as a "breakthrough into the future" but it has drawn controversy from Europe.

keep calm and carry on

Putin Says Russia Wants 'Stable' Belarus Ahead of Poll

The Putin-Lukashenko call took place a week after Belarus detained 33 Russians it described as private mercenaries.

'Blunt-Speaking Folksiness'

Lukashenko: Soviet-Style Autocrat on Europe's Doorstep

In power since 1994, Lukashenko has kept his landlocked homeland largely stuck in a Soviet time warp.

Cyprus Police Question Russian Over Lebanon Disaster

The police spokesman said Igor Grechushkin was not arrested, but asked specific questions relating to the ship's cargo as requested.

'new greatness' case

Court Jails Young Russians for 'Plotting to Overthrow Putin'

The activists' case has sparked protests and allegations of police overreach.

Russian Swimmers Complete Eco-Relay Across Lake Baikal

The swimmers hoped to draw attention to pollution of the world's largest freshwater lake.

cutting corners

WHO Urges Russia to Follow Guidelines on Virus Vaccine

Scientists in the West have raised concerns about the speed of development of Russia's coronavirus vaccines.

MONEY LAUNDERING

French Trial Ordered for Alleged Russian Bitcoin Fraudster

Alexander Vinnik was extradited to France from Greece, where he had been arrested on an American warrant in 2017.

trafficking charges

8 Arrested in Russia's First Surrogacy Probe

The probe was launched after one of the babies born to a surrogate mother was found dead in a flat outside Moscow in January.

disputed sentence

Trump Сalls for New Death Sentence for Boston Marathon Bomber Tsarnaev

A U.S. appeals court overturned the death penalty for Tsarnaev on Friday.

Russia Charges Rapper's Widow With Murder After Finding Dismembered Body

Russian investigators said they found body fragments of Ukrainian rapper Andy Cartwright in a St. Petersburg flat.

mercenaries in minsk

Kremlin Demands Release of Russians Held in Belarus

Belarus accuses the 33 detained Russians of plotting riots ahead of its presidential elections.

lengthy sentence

Russian Court Sentences U.S. Ex-Marine to 9 Years for Police Assault

Russian and U.S. media have speculated that Trevor Reed could become part of a prisoner swap.

pre-election crackdown

High-Profile Washington Analyst Detained in Belarus

Vitali Shkliarov reportedly advised one of strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko's would-be rivals in next month's election.

impending verdict

Russian Prosecutors Demand Nearly 10 Years' Jail for U.S. Ex-Marine

Trevor Reed, a 28-year-old student and former Marine, allegedly attacked police while drunk after attending a party in Moscow.

Russia Vows 'Promising' Virus Vaccines in September

Scientists in the West have raised concerns about the speed of development of Russia's coronavirus vaccines.

Finland Suspects Russian Jets Violated Airspace

Two Sukhoi SU-27 jets "flew in Finnish airspace for about two minutes," the Finnish Defense Ministry said.

Russian Court Fines Kremlin Critic Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation

Film director also convicted for refusing to delete a YouTube investigation into alleged corruption.

Hundreds Evacuated Over Fire in Moscow Women's Jail

About 850 people were reportedly evacuated.

Ukraine Accuses Separatists of Breaching New Ceasefire

The ceasefire had begun just hours before the alleged violation.

Russian Athletes Should Face 'Blanket Ban' in Tokyo, Says Whistleblower

Russia is banned for four years from major sporting events over manipulated doping data but its athletes can compete as neutrals.

Russia and Ukraine Hail Peace Efforts Ahead of New Ceasefire

The Russian and Ukrainian Presidents spoke by phone Sunday ahead of a midnight ceasefire.

Russian Election Activists Arrested at Conference

Anti-riot police detained United Democrats activists on terrorism charges.

U.S. Says Photos Show Russian Arms Supplies to Libya Rebels

The Pentagon released satellite photos that it said shows Wagner-supplied military equipment "on the front lines" of the Libyan conflict.

Russia Rejects Space Weapon Claim as 'Propaganda'

U.S. Space Command called the threat against Washington's systems "real, serious and increasing."

Fleeing 'Democracy'

Barred Belarus Opposition Candidate Flees to Moscow

Valery Tsepkalo's spokesman said he fled to Moscow because he "feared for his safety."

snowplow collision

Russia Jails Air Traffic Controllers Over Total Chief Death

The International Transport Workers' Federation called their prosecution a "shocking move."

paid staycation

Russia to Subsidize Tourists on Domestic Vacations – PM

Russians will receive between 5,000 ($70) and 15,000 ($211) rubles depending on the tour, Prime Minister Mishustin said.

Creator of 1980 Moscow Olympic Bear Mascot Dies at 84

The cuddly bear that Viktor Chizhikov designed remains a popular symbol of the Moscow Olympics.

U.S. Blacklists Chechen Leader for Rights Abuses

The designation is tied to alleged torture, extrajudicial killings and other violations that the U.S. said go back more than a decade.

Russian Arctic Mayor Resigns After Virus 'Cover-Up' Claim

Norilsk Mayor Rinat Akhmetchin's resignation came as President Putin boasted that Russia's virus situation is improving.

in with the new

Putin Names New Governor to Far East Region Hit by Protests

Putin said the region's new governor faced "a very demanding, very important" job but did not mention the protests directly.

'Absolutely Confident'

UK 'Confident' Moscow Helped Hackers Target Virus Vaccine

Dominic Raab said the conclusions were based on assessments by Britain's National Cyber Security Centre.

Russian Envoy Denies Moscow Helped Hackers Target Virus Vaccine

The Russian envoy also rejected a separate claim by London that "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election.

GROWING DISCONTENT

Tens of Thousands Stage Anti-Kremlin Protests in Russia's Far East

Sergei Furgal's arrest has sparked unprecedented demonstrations in the city of Khabarovsk.

caucasus clashes

Russia Ready to Mediate Talks Between Armenia, Azerbaijan

President Vladimir Putin and members of Russia's Security Council expressed "extreme concern" over the flare-up in fighting.

Russia Issues Travel Ban to Kremlin Critic Navalny in Slander Probe

Kremlin critics have accused Russian authorities of ramping up repression against opponents in recent weeks.

swift mobilization

Putin Orders Massive Snap Military Drills

The drills will involve 150,000 personnel and hundreds of aircraft and naval vessels to ensure "security in Russia's southwest."

Protests in Khabarovsk

Jailed Russian Governor Asks Supporters to Stop Protests – Lawyer

Protests have erupted nearly every day in the Khabarovsk region and another huge rally has been called for Saturday.

russian disruption

UK Says 'Russian Actors' Likely Tried to Disrupt 2019 Election

The accusation, although not directly aimed at the Kremlin, is likely to worsen already fraught relations between London and Moscow.

harder to breathe

Russian Wildfire Smoke Choking Siberian Cities

Photos of Yugorsk and other cities showed residential buildings fuzzy under a blanket of white smog.

Russian Mercenaries

U.S. Targets Russia Group Over Libya Mines, Sudan Suppression

The U.S. accused the Wagner Group of "demonstrating a total disregard for the safety and security of Libyans."

PIPELINE POLITICS

U.S. Opens Way for Tougher Sanctions on Russia-Germany Gas Pipeline

Putin has said he hopes the Nord Stream 2 project will be completed by early 2021 after delays caused by the U.S. sanctions.

Russian MPs Back Bill to Hold Polls Over 3 Days

Critics said elections held over several days would be more difficult to monitor and easier to rig.

Russia Military Says Virus Vaccine Is Tested and Safe

The Defense Ministry did not say whether the vaccine was in fact effective.

songs on-demand

Spotify Expands to Russia and Eastern Europe

"We welcome fans and artists in growing music markets like Russia, where streaming is being widely adopted," Spotify said.

Russia Seeks Hefty Jail Terms For Activists in 'New Greatness' Case

Investigators say the group were plotting to overthrow the Russian government. Critics say the prosecution is politically motivated.

plague outbreak

Teenage Boy Dies of Plague in Mongolia

A handful of recent cases prompted an eastern Siberian region of Russia to test rodents for the bubonic plague.

Smoldering Conflict

Kremlin Urges 'Restraint' After Armenia-Azerbaijan Clashes

Russia is also "ready to provide mediation efforts" after the latest flare-up.

suppressed opposition

Belarus Bars Jailed Lukashenko Rival From Contesting Vote

Viktor Babaryko was jailed in the run-up to the vote on suspicion of financial crimes.

Environmental Damage

Arctic Spill Fuels Calls for Shakeup at Russian Mining Giant

Aluminum producer Rusal, which owns 28% in Norilsk Nickel, said it was "seriously concerned" over the recent accidents.

de-escalation tactics

Kremlin Envoy in Far East as More Protest Governor's Arrest

Observers said the protests were the first such rallies in the region in recent decades.

controversial change

Moscow Says Turkey's Hagia Sophia Move an 'Internal Affair'

The Russian Orthodox Church meanwhile has expressed dismay at Turkey's decision.

regional unrest

New Russia Protest Over Governor's Arrest

The local government meanwhile denounced the "provocative slogans" and urged people to show "common sense."

Giant Protests in Russia's Far East After Popular Governor's Arrest

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through the eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk on Saturday.

New Figures Suggest Russia’s Coronavirus Death Toll Underreported

Deaths from the coronavirus in May were at least twice as high as those previously announced.

Freedom of Expression

Russia Fines LGBT Аctivist for 'Gay Propaganda' Drawings

The case of Yulia Tsvetkova has prompted international condemnation and protests in Russia.

GOVERNOR ACCUSED

Court Orders Detainment of Russian Governor Ahead of Murder Trial

Sergei Furgal was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of ordering the murder of several businessmen 15 years ago.

Kazakhstan Denies China's Claim of New Deadly Virus

Beijing has warned of a disease with "a mortality rate far higher than Covid-19."

HUMANITARIAN AID

Moscow Push to Reduce UN Cross-Border Aid to Syria Fails

Washington warned that keeping only one border crossing open would cut off 1.3 million people north of Aleppo from aid.

Russian Mining Giant Disputes $2Bln Arctic Oil Spill Fine

Nornickel said it would cover the cleanup costs, but is contesting the Russian authorities’ numbers.

Lithuania Bans Russia's RT Television Channels

The ban echoes a move by neighbor Latvia, after finding a key RT figure is on an EU sanctions list.

Freedom of Speech

Russia Tells U.S. to 'Mind Own Business' Over Media Freedom

Rebecca Ross, the spokeswoman for the U.S. embassy, expressed concern about a clampdown on journalists in Russia.

Russia Seeks 15 Years Jail for Gulag Historian

Yury Dmitriyev is the head of leading rights group Memorial's branch in Karelia in northwestern Russia.

Russia Will Impose Counter-Sanctions on U.K. – Kremlin

London earlier blacklisted Russian officials for their alleged involvement in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

U.K. Designates 25 Russian Individuals in New Rights Sanctions

Britain on Monday identified 49 individuals and organizations to be sanctioned under a new regime targeting people who violate human rights, 25 of them...

Russian Orthodox Leader Warns Turkey Over Hagia Sophia Move

Turkey's top court is debating whether one of the architectural wonders of the world can be redesignated as a mosque.

Chechen Dissident Shot Dead in Austria

Austrian police have arrested two Russian suspects.

Defense Lawyers Allowed to Examine MH17 Wreckage

Lawyers for one of the suspects said they wanted to probe alternative theories for the plane's downing.

Putin Mocks U.S. Embassy Rainbow Flag

"Let them celebrate. They've shown a certain something about the people who work there," he said with a smile.

post-plebiscite address

Putin Thanks Russians for 'Support and Trust' After Vote

He made no mention of the fact that the changes also reset his constitutional term limit.

Final Vote Result Shows Big Majority for Putin Reforms

With all votes counted, the Central Elections Commission said 77.92% had backed the reforms, with turnout of about 65%.

Putin Slams New U.S. Sanctions Aimed at 'Suffocating' Syria

The sanctions aim to force Syrian President Assad to accept calls for a ceasefire, elections and political transition.

blocked broadcaster

Latvia Bans Russia's RT 'Propaganda' Channels

The bans are permanent unless RT fires its head who is under international sanctions.

absentee ballot

Russian Cosmonaut Votes on Putin's Reforms From ISS

Russia's space agency said Anatoly Ivanishin is the first man to have voted online from orbit.

Russian Arctic Sets 'Fantastical' Heat Records: Weather Chief

The head of Russia's weather service says climate change and a change in atmospheric circulation are to blame.

appeal to the people

Putin Urges Russians to Back 'Stability, Security, Prosperity' in Vote

He made no mention of a controversial amendment that could allow him to stay in power until 2036.

Exit Poll Shows Russians Strongly Backing Constitution Reforms

Some 76% of respondents voted for the package of amendments that would allow Putin to run again in 2024.

Waste 'Violations'

Russian Mining Giant Admits Waste 'Violations' at Arctic Plant

Journalists claimed the factory deliberately funneled the wastewater into wildlife areas.

Dangerous Maneuver

U.S. Intercepts Russian Warplanes off Alaska

This was the fourth time this month that U.S. planes have intercepted Russian aircraft near Alaska.

Russia Spies Aided Taliban Attacks, U.S. Intel Says – NYT

A Russian unit offered the Taliban incentives for targeting a U.S.-led coalition, states the report.

ENTENTE CORDIALE

Macron 'Confident' of Progress in Russia Ties

Putin and the French president are pursuing a policy of rapprochement.

Oil Firm Says Russian Mercenaries Enter Key Libya Field

Moscow denies any involvement in the presence of Russian mercenaries in the conflict.

Orenburg Become Fourth Russian Football Club With Positive Virus Tests

The Russian Premier League resumed on June 19 but was immediately disrupted by the coronavirus.

Russia Plans Tourist Space Walks in 2023

Energia space corporation aims to take two tourists to the International Space Station.

U.S. Ex-Marine Whelan Will Not Appeal Russian Espionage Verdict: Agencies

Paul Whelan hopes to be exchanged with Russians convicted in the United States in a prisoner swap, his lawyer said.

Defense Lawyers Want Wider Probe of MH17 Theories

Defense lawyers for a Russian suspect on trial over the downing of flight MH17 called Monday for more investigation of alternative theories including that...

wwii remembrance

Putin Hails Russian War Dead at Giant New Army Cathedral

The ceremony marked the 79th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.

Prosecutors Seek 6-Year Jail Term for Russian Director

Serebrennikov's embezzlement trial has attracted international attention and high-profile calls for his release.

cross-border laundering

N.Zealand Freezes Assets of Alleged Russian Cyber Criminal

Police said Alexander Vinnik had likely victimized "thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people globally."

coronavirus scandal

Dynamo's Trip to Krasnodar Postponed After 3 Players Test Positive for Virus

The match is part of the already troubled first round of fixtures since the pandemic shut down the league for three months.

Lenin Statue Unveiled in Western Germany After Legal Battle

A divisive new monument to Soviet leader Lenin was unveiled in Germany on Saturday.

4 Suspects Face Charges in Dijon Ethnic Unrest Blamed on Chechens

Dijon was rocked by three nights of violence last weekend sparked by an assault on a 16-year-old Chechen boy.

'selfless feat'

Putin Hails Russian 'Hero Doctors' Who Died From Virus

He said the medics' work was on par with "the valiant service" of medics during World War I and World War II.

violence abroad

Kadyrov Backs Chechens Involved in Unrest in France

He said the members of Dijon's Chechen community "united together ... to face death-sowing drug dealers."