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Articles by AFP
'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.
no transit
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.
deep concern
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.
a warm welcome
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.
tête-à-tête
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.
no filter
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.
Cut!
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...
Iran Deal
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.
Carrying On
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.
Leaving Office
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
Locked Up
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.
side hustle
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.
Vaccine deal
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.
soyuz launch
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.
WEEKEND BREAK
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.
Vaccine Deal
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.
'last resort'
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.
Watching you
Russia Deploys Giant Space Telescope in Lake Baikal
Russian scientists on Saturday launched one of the world's biggest underwater space telescopes
news
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.
foiled plot
Russia Says Foiled 'Terror' Attack in North Caucasus
A militant suspect planning a terror attack in Dagestan was killed during the operation.
zero-tolerance
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.
Settling up
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.
Smile, please
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.
FIRST ADDRESS
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.
proof required
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.
NEW MOVES
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.
Prison cuisine
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.
PRO-UKraine
EU Says Bloc Will Not Lift Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine
European Council chief Charles Michel is on a two-day visit to Ukraine.
news
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.
Delivery for EU
Slovakia Receives First Shipment of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine
Shipment arrived Monday afternoon and the country's prime minister said he would sidestep EU approval rules to start using the vaccines.
VACCINE DIPLOMACY
Struggling Czech Republic Turns to Russian Jabs After EU Delays
President Milos Zeman said he personally requested a batch of Russia's Sputnik V vaccines in a letter to Vladimir Putin.
ARCTIC WATCH
Russia Launches its First Arctic Monitoring Satellite
The 'Arktika' space system is designed to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic region.
CONTROVERSIAL ELECTION
Moscow Mayor Scraps Vote on Soviet Secret Police Chief Statue
Sergei Sobyanin said the statue election was "increasingly turning into a confrontation between people holding different views."
firm stance
Biden Says U.S. Will 'Never' Accept 'Aggressive' Russia's Crimea Annexation
Biden's statement marked the seventh anniversary of the Russian invasion of the peninsula.
UNKNOWN LOCATION
Alexei Navalny Moved From Jail – Lawyer
Kremlin critic's team say they have received no information about where he is being taken.
Espionage Suspect
German Man Charged for Spying at Bundestag for Russians — Prosecutors
A German man is facing espionage charges for passing PDF files with the floor plans of parliamentary properties to Russian secret services.
video surveillance
Moscow To Expand Metro Facial Recognition Network
Cameras that recognize faces and track fast movements will be installed across the city's metro system.
Pointing Fingers
Russia's Lavrov Slams West for Pandemic 'Selfishness'
Lavrov accused Western countries of having a "desire to take advantage of the pandemic to punish 'undesirable' governments."
failed sprint
Russian Fugitive Nabbed in Bali After Dramatic Escape
Andrey Kovalenko's dash for freedom came as officials readied to deport him back to Russia on an Interpol warrant.
RUNNING SCARED
U.S. Says 18 Western Companies Have Pulled Out of Nord Stream 2
Biden pledges more cooperative approach with Germany over controversial Gazprom pipeline.
Exposed Espionage
Swede Charged With Spying for Russia
A Swedish tech consultant has been charged with espionage for allegedly selling information about truckmaker Scania and Volvo Cars to Russia.
charity initiative
Russia Starts Giving Coronavirus Vaccine To Homeless
Russian homelessness NGO has launched vaccination initiatives in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
fatal accident
3 Dead in Russian Mining Giant's Arctic Accident
Three workers died during repair works at a processing plant owned by Norilsk Nickel.
Bird Flu
Russia Detects First Case of H5N8 Avian Flu in Humans
Russian scientists have already informed the World Health Organization about the case.
CoviVac
Russia Says Registers Third Coronavirus Vaccine
Moscow promised to introduce the new jab to the population by March.
CLEARED FOR DEPARTURE
Russian Flights to Egypt's Sinai to Resume Five Years After Deadly Jet Attack
An Egyptian official said Russia will resume flights to Egypt's Red Sea resorts in March after the lifting of 2015 ban.
contentious remarks
Latvia Bans Russian TV Host Over Hitler Remarks
Pro-Kremlin spin doctor Vladimir Solovyov called Hitler "a very brave man" during a live broadcast.
Prosecuted opponent
Lukashenko Rival in Court as Belarus Sees New Crackdown
Former presidential hopeful Viktor Babaryko stands accused of corruption and money laundering.
illegal crossing
Turkey Detains Russian IS Suspect at Syria Border
Five Russian nationals were arrested during an attempted escape to neighboring Syria.
'brazen attacks'
Belarusian Police Mount Raids on Journalists, Activists
The searches were part of a probe into mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.
Virus Evolution
Russian Scientists Probe Prehistoric Viruses Dug From Permafrost
The Siberia-based lab leading the study also developed Russia's second coronavirus vaccine.
security enhancement
Iran, Russia Start Joint Naval Drill in Indian Ocean
Joint exercises will include a drill simulating ship abduction and fighting fires.
$30 Billion
Russian Magnate Potanin Breaks Wealth Record Despite Pollution Fine
Russia's richest man Vladimir Potanin has set a new wealth record with his fortune passing the $30 billion threshold.
world's first
Kazakhstan To Roll Out First Locally Produced Sputnik Vaccine
Kazakhstan's Karaganda Pharmaceutical Complex has been granted a production certificate for Russia's coronavirus vaccine.
'SEVERAL similarities'
French Cyber Agency Reveals Suspected Russian Hacks
Several blue-chip organizations hacked between 2017-2020, French officials say.
'I'm retired'
Arrested Billionaire Banker Tinkov Switches Focus to Cancer Foundation
The Tinkoff Bank founder said he no longer has “the motivation to do business.”
island manhunt
Bali Police Hunt Russian Wanted by Interpol
Andrei Kovalenko escaped from a detention center after receiving a visit from a Russian female friend.
'POTENTIAL OPPONENTS'
Putin Accuses West of Using Navalny to 'Contain' Russia
The Russian president suggested the wave of protests recently held across the country had been fed from abroad.
PRODUCTION DEAL
Russia Gives Serbia Green Light to Manufacture Sputnik V Vaccine
Serbia received its first batch of Russian vaccines in January, and now has "preliminary approval" to produce them itself.
EARNINGS CALL
Rosneft Posts 80% Profit Slump in Pandemic-Hit 2020
Oil giant managed to remain in the black for the year, while some foreign competitors posted losses.
Fighting Outbreak
2 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed in Clashes with Separatists
The deaths took place during the worst recent outbreak of fighting in the long-simmering conflict.
PROPORTIONATE RESPONSE
Russia Warns Will Respond if EU Imposes New Sanctions
EU members are set to debate whether the levy new sanctions against Russia later this month.
vaccine diplomacy
Ukraine Bans Coronavirus Vaccines From 'Aggressor' Russia
The Ukrainian government banned the registration of Russian vaccines despite its failure to source Western-made jabs.
ESCALATING FINES
Russia Fines Radio Free Europe $150K Under 'Foreign Agent' Law
Russia's communications regulator warned the final bill could still increase.
new details
Moscow Court Orders Psych Exam for Former U.S. Marine
U.S. Marine Trevor Reed was sentenced to nine years in prison for allegedly hitting a Moscow law enforcement officer while drunk.
EMPLOYMENT CRISIS
Russia Eyes Measures to Tackle Migrant Labor Shortage
Close to half of all migrants living in Russia before the pandemic have left the country.
new milestone
Russia's Virus Caseload Passes 4 Million
Russia has been battered by a second wave of infections but has held back on reimposing lockdowns like other European countries.
SLOW AND STEADY
Russia's Growth Too Slow to Catch Advanced Economies – IMF
Lower oil prices and sanctions mean Russia will struggle to make up the difference with richer peers.
NO ILLUSIONS
EU Will Propose 'Concrete' Sanctions Against Russia
A number of eastern European countries have called for punitive measures over the jailing of Alexei Navalny.
gen-z appeal
Kalashnikov Maker Targets Hipsters with 'Gadget Gun'
"The task is to attract that part of the audience who was born with gadgets and cannot imagine themselves without them," said the group's director.