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Libya Unity Govt Says Russian Mercenaries Evacuating

UN experts confirmed earlier this month US media reports that a shadowy Russian paramilitary organization had sent its fighters to back Khalifa Haftar...

High-Profile Trial

Russian Prosecutors Demand 18 Years for Ex-US Marine in Spy Trial

Paul Whelan's lawyer Vladimir Zherebenkov told reporters that the prosecutor had requested 18 years "in a harsh regime colony" for his client.

Russian Police to Probe Siberia Street Party

Russians can face up to seven years in prison for violating anti-virus lockdown rules.

Alligator Who Survived Berlin WWII Bombing Dies at 84

When the alligator was brought to Moscow in July 1946, rumors began circulating that he had been part of Adolf Hitler's personal collection.

Russia Expects 'Significant Increase' in May Deaths – Minister

"There will be a significant mortality increase" despite doctors trying to "save the maximum number of patients."

Russia Calls U.S. Leaving Open Skies Treaty a 'Blow' to European Security

The pact is rooted in Cold War efforts to prevent a conflict between the two countries.

U.S. Plane With Donated Ventilators Lands in Russia

"In times of crisis, the United States and Russia must work together," the U.S. Embassy in Moscow said.

'merit to the fatherland'

Putin Bestows Birthday Medal on Loyal Defense Chief

Shoigu, one of Russia's most popular officials, already has a chestful of medals.

calling for action

Russian Activists Urge Probe Over Young Girl's Genital Cutting

Activists say that the practice is rife in the conservative majority-Muslim Northern Caucasus.

U.S. Blocks Russia's UN Text on Mercenaries in Venezuela

Russia called on the Security Council "to unequivocally condemn the attempt of invasion" in Venezuela.

Britain, U.S. Denounce Russia's Role in Libya Conflict

Ambassadors from the three countries clashed during a United Nations video conference.

exercising influence

Russian MMA Star Khabib Urges 'Discipline' Amid Dagestan Virus Outbreak

The coronavirus situation in Nurmagomedov's home region has been described as a "catastrophe" by officials.

optimistic signs

Russian PM Says Growth of New Coronavirus Cases Stopped

Russia on Monday reported under 9,000 virus infections for the first time since the beginning of May.

back to the field

Russian Football League to Restart Despite Rising Infections

The remaining matches will be held without spectators.

Moscow Says No Proof Russian Hackers Spied on Merkel

"Five years have passed. Not a single concrete fact has been provided," Foreign Minister Lavrov said.

Russia Mulls Raising Legal Drinking Age After Deaths Spike

Russia's health minister said the number of alcohol-related deaths has increased during the coronavirus outbreak.

pointing fingers

Merkel Cites 'Hard Evidence' Russian Hackers Targeted Her

"Every day I try to build a better relationship with Russia and ... there is such hard evidence that Russian forces are doing this."

5 Die in 'Nightmare' Fire at Russian Virus Hospital

The incident is one of a string of fires in care facilities and clinics in Russia in recent days.

9 Die in Care Home Fire Outside Moscow

The fire is the second such incident around Moscow in just over a month.

Fire at Moscow Coronavirus Hospital Kills One

It was not clear what started the fire or whether it affected the wing housing coronavirus patients.

Moscow Mayor Extends Anti-Virus Lockdown Until May 31

"It's still too early to open restaurants, theaters and sport facilities," Sobyanin said.

'Historic Revisionism'

Baltics Accuse Russia of Trying to 'Falsify' History on War Anniversary

The Baltic leaders said the Soviet Union had also used military force and repression to subjugate their nations in the Cold War.

Russian Mercenaries Are Fighting in Libya, UN Diplomats Confirm

It was the first time the UN has confirmed claims that the group is supporting military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

2% of Moscow Residents Have Coronavirus: Mayor

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said "the threat is apparently on the rise."

Confirmed Diagnosis

Russian Minister Hospitalized With Coronavirus

Vladimir Yakushev was hospitalized just a day after the prime minister Mikhail Mishustin announced his diagnosis.

pivot from putin

Russia Ditches Putin Mosaic in Army Church

The mosaic was intended to be a paean to Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

conflict avoidance

Iran Must Not Give in to U.S. Provocations, Says Russia

Tehran and Washington have recently traded barbs over a spate of incidents in the sensitive waters of the Gulf.

Russia Extends Entry Ban for Foreigners Over Pandemic

The decree barring foreigners has been extended until Russia has the virus under control.

Prague Official Claims Russians Want to 'Liquidate' Him, Others

Ondrej Kolar confirmed Czech media reports that he had been targeted by Russia for removing a statue of a Soviet war hero.

digital resistance

Russian Opposition Holds Online Protest Against Putin

The YouTube feed experienced serious technical problems and the number of viewers was only around 4,000.

6-Time Short-Track Olympic Champion Viktor Ahn Retires

His success on the rink and camaraderie with President Vladimir Putin made him one of the faces of the 2014 Sochi Games.

Putin and Trump Hail Trust and Cooperation on WWII Anniversary

Russian and U.S. Presidents issue rare joint statement, signalling need to work together for “common goal.”

'president for life'

Kremlin Mulls Date for Post-Virus Vote on Putin's Constitution Reform

The referendum was set to be held on April 22 but postponed due to the growing number of virus cases in Russia.

culture at risk

Russia's Hermitage Museum Calls for State Support as Coronavirus Craters Earnings

The famous museum says it has already lost half of its annual budget.

Russian Opposition Plans Online Coronavirus Lockdown Protest

Organizers plan to press the Kremlin to give financial aid to people struggling under the coronavirus lockdown.

Soyuz Crew Lands Back on Earth Transformed by Pandemic

Footage from the landing site showed recovery crews wearing face masks and rubber gloves.

Putin and Xi Attack Attempts to Blame China for Late Virus Response

Putin and Xi spoke after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration berated China for not sharing data more quickly.

Putin Postpones 75th Victory Day Parade Over Coronavirus

Russian veterans' groups had urged Putin this week to postpone the event over the coronavirus risk to participants.

alternative protection

Russian Clinics Repurpose Snorkels to Fight Coronavirus

Russian hospitals face shortages of protective equipment as they grapple with the pandemic.

Russia, U.S. Should Help Each Other During Pandemic: Kremlin

U.S. President Donald Trump had offered to send ventilators to Russia on Wednesday.

'vicious assault'

Russians Face Trial for Iron-Bar Attack on English Fan

The two have been held in custody since 2018 after being tracked by a joint French-British investigation.

risky celebration

Russian Veterans Urge Putin to Postpone WWII Parade Over Virus

Russia's massive parade with thousands of troops marching through Red Square is still set for May 9.

Alleged Treason

Ukraine Security Service Catches Alleged Russian Spy in Its Ranks

Ukrainian authorities are gearing up to lay charges of state treason and planning terror attacks against the detained man.

Russia Braces for Worst as Coronavirus Spreads to Hinterland

The spread has prompted President Vladimir Putin to warn of "extraordinary" scenarios.

Drawing Boundaries

China Offers Reward for Catching Russian Border Crossers

Provincial authorities said that people who report illegal border crossings will receive a 3,000-yuan reward.

risk of disaster

Kiev Says 'No Open Fire' in Forests of Chernobyl Nuclear Zone

Satellite images showed the fire at its closest point was just 1.5 kilometers from the protective dome over the ruined reactor.

let's make a deal

Putin, Trump Hail OPEC+ Oil Deal: Kremlin

The Kremlin said the two agreed on the "great importance of an agreement in the 'OPEC+' format.

Russia Space Chief Spars With Elon Musk Over Launch Pricing

The head of Russia's space agency accused Elon Musk's SpaceX of predatory pricing for space launches, which is pushing Russia to cut its own prices...

Quarantine Artwork

Russians Battle Confinement Blues With DIY Artwork Challenge

As boredom and restlessness set in under coronavirus quarantine, internet users are posting DIY versions of museum masterpieces.

Inmate Found Dead After Siberian Prison Riot: Official

An inmate was found dead Saturday after a riot and a blaze swept through a Russian prison under a coronavirus lockdown in eastern Siberia.

Riot, Fire Break Out at Siberian Prison

Russia's penal service said inmates at the No 15 penal colony in Angarsk "attacked a guard."

Coronavirus Diplomacy

Putin Speaks With Trump on Coronavirus, Oil

The presidents discussed the latest efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and maintain stability in global energy markets.

'Defiled Symbol'

Russia Opens Probe After Prague Removes Soviet Statue

Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a probe into "defiling symbols of Russia's military glory."

Smolensk Anniversary

Poland Marks 2010 Air Crash in Russia That Killed President

"It was a moment when time stopped," Poland's prime minister tweeted.

Moscow Stretched 'to Limit' by Virus Cases: Official

The number in Moscow's hospitals has doubled since last week.

seeking justice

Russian Investigators Probe Wartime Nazi Massacres

The investigation was opened following findings in historical archives about killings in several locations in southern Russia.

no laughing matter

Russia Opens Criminal Probe Against Satirist Over Virus Video

Blogger Alexander Thorn said he was mocking a conspiracy theory about the coronavirus originating in a Russian lab.

searching for solutions

Russia Ready to Start Testing Coronavirus Vaccines on Humans in June

Tests are currently underway on mice, rabbits and other animals to determine the most promising prototype by April 30.

Putin Says 'Optimism and Sense of Humor' Will Help Johnson Recover

Johnson was moved to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms "worsened."

international inquiry

UN Refrains From Directly Blaming Russia for Syria Hospital Attacks

Human Rights Watch called the UN's report "deeply disappointing."

U.S. Labels Russian Far-Right Group as Foreign Terrorist Organization

It is the first time the U.S. has targeted white supremacists with the designation.

CORONAVIRUS COSTS

Russia’s Inflation Picks Up After Ruble Crash

Price rises are an early sign of the impact of the coronavirus on the Russian economy.

released radiation

Radiation Spike as Forest Fire Hits Chernobyl Nuclear Zone

Kiev has mobilized two planes, a helicopter and around 100 firefighters to fight the blaze.

Two Dead in Gas Explosion Outside Moscow

The gas explosion took place during a quarantine.

Orthodox Motorcade in Moscow Wards Off Virus With Holy Icon and Prayers

A live broadcast showed Patriarch Kirill's escorted van with tinted windows driving a main highway around Moscow.

Putin Says Russia Ready to Cooperate on Cutting Oil Production

The world's biggest oil producers will discuss a record round of production cuts by video conference Monday.

Controversial Soviet-Era Statue Removed in Prague

While Konev is regarded as a hero in Russia, many Czechs see him as a symbol of Soviet-era oppression.

Russia Restricts Grain Exports Amid Pandemic

Russia is the world's top wheat exporter.

Kremlin Denies Putin Spoke to Saudi Crown Prince

"No, there was no conversation," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax.

Trump Says Expects Russians, Saudis to Cut 10M Barrels Oil

The Kremlin denied that Putin spoke with the Saudi crown prince.

ANTI-CRISIS MEASURES

Russia Reserves $18Bln to Counter Coronavirus Crisis

The finance ministry has reserved the funds to fight the spread of the virus and carry out anti-crisis measures.

Social Distancing

Putin Working Remotely After Meeting Infected Doctor, Kremlin Says

The Russian president has also stopped shaking hands with others, the Kremlin said.

Russian Plane Heads to U.S. With Supplies for Virus Fight

Russia previously sent medical aid to Italy as part of a humanitarian effort that analysts said carried geopolitical overtones.

vulnerable population

Campaigners Urge Russia to Release Prisoners as Coronavirus Spreads

More than half a million people are held in Russia's notoriously crowded prisons.

doctor becomes patient

Russia's Top Coronavirus Doctor Who Met Putin Tests Positive

The Kremlin said Putin takes regular coronavirus tests and there was no reason to worry about his health.

Russians Face up to 5 Years in Jail for Spreading False Coronavirus News

The new law also foresees punishment for harming a person's health through spreading false information.

SANCTIONS RETREAT

Russia’s Rosneft Exits Venezuela

State-backed oil giant to halt activities in Venezuela after being hit by U.S. sanctions, but Russian government remains key partner.

learn from the pros

Surviving Quarantine: 5 Tips From a Russian Cosmonaut

Veteran Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin says being quarantined can be something "to enjoy."

apocalypse supplies

Buckwheat and Condoms: 5 Things Russians Are Buying in Pandemic

Russians, long used to financial and political crises, are reacting to the coronavirus by bulk-buying the essentials for life in isolation.

economic relief

Putin Calls for Sanctions 'Moratorium' at G20 Summit

"At the end of the day, it's a question of life and death," he said.

Moscow to Shut Cafes, Shops in 'Unprecedented' Virus Measure

Starting Saturday, most non-essential services will be closed for a week in the capital.

Russia to Ground All International Flights Over Coronavirus

There will be an exception for special flights evacuating Russian citizens from abroad.

evacuation orders

Quake Hits Off Russia's Kuril Islands, Prompting Tsunami Alert

Residents sought higher ground as the 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit offshore near the islands.

Professional Negligence

Russian Medical Specialist Suspected of Working While Infected

At least 11 people who came into contact with the woman are suspected of having contracted COVID-19.

Coronavirus Confinement

Moscow Elderly Told to Stay Home or Escape to Countryside

Those who comply with the rules will be compensated with a total of 4,000 rubles ($50).

quarantine culture

Russian Theater's Solution to Virus: An Audience of One

One of the oldest theaters in Russia is one of the most innovative in everything it does.

Moscow Workers Race to Finish 'Chinese-Inspired' Virus Hospital

The hospital is expected to receive its first patients as early as April.

CORONAVIRUS FALLOUT

Russia Props Up Ruble, Oil Producers

The Central Bank will increase sales of foreign currency reserves and compensate oil producers.

Man of the people

Putin Says He's 'Not a Tsar' After 20 Years in Power

Putin dismissed all comparisons between his reign and that of an imperial ruler, stating that the wishes of the Russian people are his top priority.

Russia's Virus Cases Jump 29% Amid Crackdown

Most of the new cases tested positive after recently flying in from European countries.

Russian Writer, Political Activist Eduard Limonov Dies

Limonov was a controversial figure who founded a radical nationalist party.

View from above

Virus Situation in Russia 'Under Control,' Putin Says

The Kremlin has denied reports that Putin was preparing an address to the nation about the coronavirus.

Russia Employs AI and Video Surveillance Against Coronavirus Disruption

Coronavirus? Sberbank’s got an app for that.

HEAVY TURBULENCE

Russian Airlines Face Coronavirus Bankruptcy, Government Warns

Industry could lose $1.3 billion by the end of the year, federal air agency says.

Putin Ally to Sue U.S. for $50Bln Over 'Wrongful Persecution'

Yevgeny Prigozhin made the announcement after the U.S. Justice Department dropped charges against his company Concord.

against the clock

Russia Starts Testing Potential Coronavirus Vaccine

A laboratory at a state biotech institute says it plans to present the most promising prototypes in June.

U.S. Drops Case Against Russian Firm Accused of 2016 Election Meddling

Special Counsel Robert Mueller had said the company funded disinformation, memes and fake news to influence the election.

COLLECTIVE CURE

Belarussian Leader Proposes 'Tractor' Therapy For Coronavirus

"The fields heal everyone," Alexander Lukashenko says.

Russia's Top Court Approves Putin Reform Plan to Stay President Until 2036

The amendment gives Putin the option to serve two further terms.

Russia Lifts House Arrest of LGBT Activist Facing Pornography Charges

Yulia Tsvetkova was charged for posting drawings of vaginas on a body-positive social media page.