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UN Aviation Body to Meet Over Belarus Plane Diversion

The ICAO, of which Belarus is a member, said that it was "strongly concerned by the apparent forced landing."

Opposition crackdown

Russian Police Break Up Opposition Meeting

Elected opposition figures had gathered to discuss their strategy ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September.

Russian Euro 2020 Organizers 'Not Afraid' of Coronavirus

St. Petersburg has reopened a hospital for Covid patients, but the city insists it can safely hold seven Euro 2020 matches.

back to normal?

Kremlin Critic Navalny Says Found 'Recipe for Happiness' in Prison

In an update that came as Russia moves to outlaw his movement, Navalny said he has successfully eased out of his hunger strike.

close monitoring

Russia to Measure Radioactivity at Sunk Nuclear Sub

The Komsomolets submersible has been leaking radioactive fuel into the Norwegian Sea for more than 30 years.

tense situation

Ukraine Denounces Russian 'Suppression' of Crimean Tatars

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made the comments on the 77th anniversary of the deportation of the minority group under Joseph Stalin.

territorial claim

Russia Warns West Against Arctic Encroachment Ahead of Talks

"Let me emphasize once again — this is our land and our waters," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.

Vaccine diplomacy

Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Rollout Begins in India

India on Friday started inoculating its population with Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, the jab's developers said.

Putin Vows Response After Ally Probed for Treason in Ukraine

On Thursday, a court in Ukraine placed Medvedchuk on house arrest until July 9.

Russian Oil Giant Rosneft Back in Black as Prices Recover

Russian oil giant Rosneft said Friday that its earnings were back in the black in the first quarter after oil prices recovered following Moscow's production...

Belarusian Drummer Jailed for 6 Years Over Protests

Alexei Sanchuk was charged after his band performed at last year's mass protests demanding the resignation of Alexander Lukashenko.

Russia's Lavrov Calls for Urgent Middle East Quartet Meeting

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday called for an urgent meeting of the Middle East Quartet in order to halt violence between Israel and...

VACCINE DIPLOMACY

Slovakia to Start Sputnik Jabs in June

Slovakia's health minister said Wednesday that the EU member would start offering Russia's Sputnik V vaccine in June.

U.S. Halts Consular Services in Russia After Diplomatic Row

Russia earlier this year banned U.S. diplomatic missions from employing non-Americans, forcing the embassy to reduce its "consular workforce by 75%."

Tense Relations

U.S. Says 'Russia-Based' Group DarkSide Behind Pipeline Hack

President Biden said a Russia-based group was behind the ransomware attack that shut down the largest oil pipeline in the eastern U.S.

Tit-for-Tat Expulsions

Russia Expels Romanian Diplomat in Reciprocal Move

The move comes in response to Bucharest's decision last month to remove Russia's deputy military attache from the country.

Russian Jailed for Spying in Denmark

Moscow called the trial a "witch hunt" and an example of "anti-Russia hysteria."

Russia Urges No 'Escalation of Violence' in Jerusalem

Russia condemned attacks on civilians after violent clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

Biden Says 'Hope and Expectation' for Putin Meeting in June

A summit has not been confirmed but a Putin advisor has said planning is underway.

Kyrgyzstan Says Ceasefire With Tajikistan Holding After Clashes

A spokesman for Kyrgyzstan's national security committee described the border as "quiet, peaceful, calm."

5 Girl Basketball Players Killed in Russian Road Crash

The team was going from the city of Volgograd to a tournament in Cherkessk when the accident happened.

litigated claims

Russia-Brazil Spat Erupts Over Sputnik Vaccine Snub

Brazil refused to import Sputnik V. Russia has threatened to sue the regulator.

Navalny Ally Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison For Reposting Music Video

A Russian court sentenced said Andrei Borovikov on pornography charges for reposting a Rammstein music video on social media.

questions raised

Brazil Says Russian Covid Vaccine Carried Live Cold Virus

Tainted batches of Sputnik V sent to Brazil carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus, according to the country's health regulator.

Putin Says Prague's Accusations Against Russia 'Absurd': Kremlin

Tensions have escalated between the two countries after Prague accused Russian military intelligence earlier this month.

Russia Orders Navalny Group to Suspend Activities

Navalny's office in Moscow said the group will "no longer be able to work" as usual.

persona non grata

Russia Expels Ukrainian Diplomat in Ongoing Spat

The diplomat, who was not named, must leave Russia by the end of April.

Russia Expels Italian Diplomat in a Tit-For-Tat Move: Ministry

Rome said that the Russian expulsion of the Italian diplomat was "unjust".

More Expulsions

Romania to Expel Russian Diplomat in Solidarity with Prague

Romania became the latest European country to expel a Russian diplomat on Monday.

nuclear disaster

Ukraine Marks 35 Years Since Chernobyl Disaster

The fourth reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded on April 26, 1986.

'Mission success!'

Russia Launches New Batch of U.K. Telecom Satellites Into Space

A Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Vostochny cosmodrome in Russia's Far East on Monday.

Baltic States Expel Four Russian Diplomats

The Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said Friday they were expelling a total of four Russian diplomats in solidarity with the Czech Republic...

Putin Announces Non-Working Period in May to Prevent Virus Surge

Putin on Friday backed a proposal to introduce a non-working period in early May to prevent a surge in coronavirus infections.

Russia Begins Drawdown of Troops From Ukraine's Border

Russia on Friday began withdrawing troops that had been running drills near the borders of Ukraine, the defense ministry said.

Navalny's Doctors Urge Him to 'Immediately' End Hunger Strike

Navalny's health has been failing since he declared a hunger strike on March 31 to demand proper medical care for a range of ailments.

goodwill gesture

Putin Offers to Meet Ukraine President in Moscow 'Any Time'

"If President Zelensky wants to start repairing relations, then we of course welcome it," Putin told journalists.

informed decision

Slovakia Expels Three Russian Diplomats — PM

Slovakia's decision comes amid a diplomatic rift between neighboring Czechia and Moscow.

'achievable task'

Putin Says Russia Fulfilling Obligations to Fight Climate Change

"Russia is approaching with complete responsibility its fulfillment of international obligations in this area," Putin told the climate summit.

Kremlin Downplays Pro-Navalny Rallies After Nearly 1,800 Detained

The Kremlin on Thursday downplayed opposition protests in support of Alexei Navalny that saw nearly 1,800 people detained across Russia.

preventive measure

Russian Army Says Killed 'Up to 200 Militants' in Syria Bombing

The fighters were planning attacks ahead of presidential polls next month, Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Russia Probes YouTube for 'Abusing' Dominant Position – Regulator

The move comes as Russia ramps up pressure on foreign tech platforms.

'caught red-handed'

Russia, Ukraine Expel Diplomats as Tensions Soar

The detention of a Ukrainian consul in St. Petersburg comes at a time of global concern of a repeat of Moscow's 2014 aggression.

Russia to Close Parts of Black Sea for 6 Months

The move was swiftly condemned by Ukraine and the EU.

act of solidarity

Poland Expels Three Russian Diplomats Over 'Hostile Actions'

Poland's move is the latest show of support for the U.S. after Britain summoned the Russian ambassador earlier in the day.

speedy expansion

Russia's Yandex to Launch Rapid Delivery in France

The "Russian Google" is also gearing up to start operations in London.

UK Summons Russian Ambassador Over 'Malign Activity'

The move comes just hours after fresh sanctions and the expulsion of Russian diplomats were announced by the U.S.

dismissive attitude

Russian Intelligence Calls U.S. Cyber Attack Claims 'Nonsense'

"Reading this nonsense is an occupation of little interest," the SVR said of the U.S. executive order.

Armenia Says Wants More Russian Troops on Its Soil

"The Armenian-Russian military alliance is pivotal for ensuring Armenia's security," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

Simmering conflict

Growing Russia-Ukraine Tensions: A Timeline

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, have intensified dramatically since the start of the year.

Biden Warns Putin on Ukraine, Proposes U.S.-Russia Summit

In a phone call, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to ease mounting tensions with Ukraine.

Gross negligence

Russia Detains 2 After Huge St. Petersburg Fire

Investigators said that building management "knew for a fact" that the premises could not be operated.

Russia Space Chief Blasts U.S. for Omitting Gagarin in Post

"A**holes. Superpowers do not behave that way," Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin wrote.

MILITARY PRESENCE

Kremlin Says Not Moving Toward War With Ukraine

In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists controlling two regions in the country's east.

'OUR COMMON REGION'

Ukraine-Russia Crisis Must be Resolved Peacefully – Erdogan

Erdogan said Turkey aims "to ensure the Black Sea remains a sea of peace and cooperation."

criminal inquiry

Russian Agents Raid Home of Investigative Journalist

"What is happening now to Roman Anin is a story of revenge," his colleagues said.

unwelcome visitors

Navalny Supporters Jailed For Penal Colony Protest

The supporters had gathered outside the colony on Tuesday to demand access to the jailed Kremlin critic.

widening options

Germany's Bavaria Plans to Buy Sputnik V Vaccine

The southern state will receive 2.5 million doses of the vaccine once it is approved by EU regulators.

'symmetrical measure'

Russia Warns Could Block Zoom If It Prohibits Government Use

The U.S. platform could be replaced by Russia's Sferum video-conferencing system, officials say.

Russian Director Pulls Film From Festival Over Navalny Nomination

He denounced the award given to Navalny's "journalistic project that one can consider a political act but can in no way be judged through the lens" of...

Russia Hails 'Successful' Start to Talks to Save Iran Nuclear Deal

Russia said talks aimed at salvaging an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme got off to a "successful" start on Tuesday.

Navalny Says Continuing Hunger Strike Despite Cough, Fever

Navalny went on a hunger strike last week after complaining of inadequate medical treatment.

'bitter consequences'

Ukraine Denies Killing of Child in Attack on Separatists

Russian investigators accuse Ukraine of violating legislation aiming to protect civilians in times of war.

early negotiations

Austria in Talks to Buy 1M Sputnik V Doses

Austria launched the talks to buy Russia's coronavirus vaccine despite it not yet being approved by EU regulators.

production pact

Chinese Firm to Make 60M Doses of Russia's Sputnik Vaccine

The amount of vaccine produced will be enough to vaccinate some 30 million people, Sputnik V's backers said.

Armenia PM to Resign Ahead of Snap Election to Defuse Crisis

Political unrest erupted in the Caucasus country after Pashinyan signed a Russian-brokered ceasefire with Azerbaijan.

high-profile hack

'Russian Hackers' Again Target German MPs — Report

Hackers used phishing emails to access the computers of federal and regional lawmakers.

deadly flare-up

Ukraine Says 4 Soldiers Killed in Separatist Shelling

16 Ukrainian servicemen have now been killed since fresh fighting broke out in February.

Climate Emergency

Russia Sees Record High Average Temperatures in 2020: Institute

Russia in 2020 saw record high average temperatures and a record drop of summer ice cover on its Arctic maritime route

Navalny in 'Strong' Pain, Team Fears for His Life: Lawyer

"Everyone is afraid for his life and health," lawyer Olga Mikhailova said in remarks on Dozhd television.

To Infinity and Beyond

Russia Launches More UK Telecom Satellites into Space

The Soyuz-2.1b rocket with British communication satellites launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome on Thursday morning.

constitutional reforms

Russian Deputies Back Law to Prolong Putin's Rule

The bill officially resets the number of terms served by current and former presidents.

French Police Seek Russian Consulate Employee Over Bike Thefts

A Russian citizen is suspected of selling dozens of stolen bikes while on the job.

‘Absolutely necessary’

Norway Blocks Sale of Rolls-Royce Engine Maker to Russian Group

NATO member warns sale would have strengthened Russia’s military capacity and would be contrary to Norway’s security interests.

Empire Strikes Back

Kremlin Critic Navalny Says Prison Like Being a 'Stormtrooper'

Alexei Navalny compared his daily routine in prison to that of a stormtrooper in Star Wars in an Instagram post on Monday.

Indian Firm to Make 200M Doses of Russia's Sputnik V

The deal marks the second agreement between Sputnik V's developer and Indian drug manufacturers in a week.

Russia Puts 38 Foreign Satellites Into Orbit

The launch was twice postponed from Saturday due to technical issues.

PESSIMISTIC OUTLOOK

Russia's Top Envoy in UK Brands Diplomatic Ties 'Nearly Dead'

Ambassador Andrei Kelin also criticised Britain's decision to bolster its nuclear stockpile.

Putin Pilots Bumpy All-Terrain Rig on Siberian Holiday

Putin routinely appears on state television participating in outdoor pursuits to project the image of a healthy and robust leader.

EMERGENCY CONSULTATIONS

Russia's U.S. Envoy Returns to Moscow After 'Killer' Row

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington are at a new low.

illegal services

U.S. Sentences Russian, North Macedonian in Cyber Fraud Case

Both convicts were members of the "Infraud Organization," a marketplace for stolen personal data.

Indian Drugmaker to Produce 200M Doses of Russia's Sputnik V

Sputnik V's developer said the agreement "will help widen access to the vaccine on a global scale."

illegal shipment

Mexico Seizes 'Fake' Sputnik Vaccines Bound for Honduras

Sputnik V developers say the fake batch was "possibly aimed at discrediting" the vaccine.

Russia's Washington Envoy to Return to Moscow Saturday – Embassy

Russia's Embassy in Washington warned that bilateral ties were on the brink of "collapse."

STRAINED RELATIONS

Russia Recalls Washington Envoy After Biden Comments

U.S. President Joe Biden said in an interview that Russia would "pay a price" for meddling in U.S. elections and agreed that Putin is a "killer."

'duty to protect'

Russia Bans Insults Against WWII Veterans

The move follows a court ruling that found opposition leader Alexei Navalny guilty of defaming a veteran.

Russia Deploys Giant Space Telescope in Lake Baikal

Russian scientists on Saturday launched one of the world's biggest underwater space telescopes

Sputnik V in Eastern Europe: Propaganda Tool or Godsend?

Sputnik V's spread has led EU chief Charles Michel to say vaccines should not be used for propaganda purposes.

steady business

Russia's Arms Sales in 2020 'Successful' Despite Pandemic

The figures make arms sales one of the country's only industries to come out unscathed from the pandemic.

Russia Says Foiled 'Terror' Attack in North Caucasus

A militant suspect planning a terror attack in Dagestan was killed during the operation.

Russia Says Twitter Not Removing 'Banned' Information

Roskomnadzor says Twitter failed to comply with the request to delete child pornography, pro-drug and suicide content.

Russian Miner Nornickel Pays Record $2Bln Fine for Arctic Oil Spill

Vladimir Potanin, the company's main shareholder, recently said that Norilsk Nickel had "learnt an important lesson" from the catastrophe.

Russian Retailer Launches Facial Recognition Payments

The scheme is backed by Visa and Sberbank, and will be rolled out to 3,000 stores by the end of the year.

Vaccine Diplomacy

EU Medical Official Warns of Sputnik Jab 'Russian Roulette'

Last week the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) launched a rolling review of the Sputnik V vaccine.

U.S. Accuses Russia of Blocking 'Accountability' Over Syria’s Chemical Weapons

The new U.S. envoy to the United Nations took aim at Russia for defending Bashar al-Assad's regime despite its use of chemical weapons.

Russia Demands Explanation From Facebook Over Blocked Accounts

Facebook disabled over 500 accounts allegedly used in the campaign against pro-Navalny protesters.

Hashtag hijacking

Facebook Derails Russian Effort to Mislead Pro-Navalny Protesters

The tech giant said it had discovered a deceptive campaign on Instagram aimed at suppressing turnout at rallies.

Austrian Ex-Minister Who Danced With Putin Gets Rosneft Nomination

Austria's former foreign minister has been nominated to the Rosneft board as an independent director.

Navalny Says 'Everything Fine' in Message From Jail

Navalny said he was not aware of what was happening in the world and has not yet managed to get any books from the jail library.

EU Says Bloc Will Not Lift Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine

European Council chief Charles Michel is on a two-day visit to Ukraine.

As Oil Prices Rally, Familiar Russia-Saudi Tensions Set to Rise

The OPEC+ oil cartel is set for a fresh showdown over its post-pandemic strategy to balance prices and production.