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Deadly Blaze

Fire Kills Uzbek Laborers in Siberian Village

Eleven people died in the fire.
under pressure

Russian Jehovah's Witness Gets Suspended Sentence for 'Extremist Activity'

Prosecutors had asked the court to sentence Bubnov to seven years in prison.
Bilateral Blues

No Normalization in Relations Yet, UK PM Johnson Tells Russia's Putin

There would be no normalization of the two countries' relations until Moscow ends its "destabilizing activity," Johnson said.
Fatal accident

5 Killed in Russian Hotel After Boiling Water Floods Basement

At least three other people were taken to hospital suffering from burns.
OFF THE HOOK

Ukraine President Gives Prime Minister Second Chance After Tape Leak

Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk had offered to quit after an audio recording suggested he had criticized the president
STICKY SITUATION

Ukrainian PM Offers to Quit After Tape Suggests He Criticized President

The Ukrainian prime minister submitted his resignation Friday but later hinted he might stay.
'cosmetic change'

Mikhail Who? Weary Russians Welcome Change of Prime Minister

Few people on the streets of Moscow on Thursday had heard of Mikhail Mishustin, but many welcomed the abrupt exit of his long-time predecessor.
civilian targets

350K Syrians Have Fled Russian-Led Assault in Idlib, UN Says

Residents and rescuers said dozens of towns and villages were in ruins from weeks of intensive aerial bombing.
You're hired

Putin Confirms Mishustin as New Prime Minister

The confirmation comes shortly after the former head of the tax service won parliament's backing.
IN THE THICK OF IT

Russian Economic Officials Cancel Keynote Speeches Amid Reshuffle

Top economic officials have canceled speeches at a forum that traditionally helps set the year's economic agenda.
Moving forward

Russia's Ruling Party Approves Mishustin as PM

Mishustin's elevation is part of a sweeping shake-up of the political system announced by Putin.
New Face

'Technocratic Placeholder'? Putin Picks Little-Known Tax Chief as Russian PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward Mikhail Mishustin to be Russia's new prime minister, the Kremlin said.
unexpected reshuffle

Putin Shake-Up Could Keep Him in Power Past 2024 as PM, Cabinet Step Aside

The move will give Putin room to carry out changes he wants to make to the Constitution, the prime minister said.
BOAT SEIZURE

Russia Seizes Japanese Fishing Boat Near Disputed Islands

Russian authorities seized a Japanese fishing boat Wednesday, taking it to a disputed Russian island claimed by Japan.
constitutional change

Putin Proposes Power Shift to Parliament and PM, in Possible Hint at Own Future

Observers are watching for clues as to how he might reform the political system before his current presidential term ends.
proactive steps

Russia Urges Gulf Nations to Consider a Joint Security Mechanism

Tensions in the Gulf have risen following the U.S. killing of Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani.
cyberattack

Russian Hackers Targeted Ukrainian Company at Center of Trump's Impeachment Storm

A leak of stolen data could potentially affect the impeachment process and U.S. electoral contest.
Truce talks

Libya Peace Talks in Moscow Fall Short of Ceasefire

Monday's talks failed to achieve a breakthrough despite making good progress, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters.
rejected complaint

Finnish Court Rejects Russian Businessman Rotenberg's Suit Against Nordic Banks

Rotenberg accused four banks of refusing to allow him to make payments and of violating his right to equal treatment as an EU citizen.
shared desire

Russia and France Want to Safeguard Iran Nuclear Deal, Macron Says

Leaders of Britain, France and Germany called on Iran to return to full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. 
Syrian conflict

Russian-Led Air Strikes Suspended in Idlib After Ceasefire

On the eve of the ceasefire, at least seventeen people were killed in Syrian and Russian bombing of four main towns in Idlib province.
Libya conflict

Russians Fighting in Libya Do Not Represent the State, Putin Says

Kremlin-linked military contractors are fighting in Libya in support of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, news reports have said.
Abkhazia protests

Court in Breakaway Georgian Region Annuls Contested Presidential Vote

The election had returned the pro-Russia incumbent but triggered rowdy protests.
Human Error

Iran Says Military Shot Down Ukraine Plane in Error, After Denial Drew Scrutiny Abroad

All 176 people on board were killed in the crash.
Explainer

Russian Missile System Suspected of Bringing Down Ukraine Airliner: Short Range, Fast and Deadly

"Once you shoot those things, it's over," a defense expert said of the Russian-made Tor missile.
open letter

Russian Conscript Blames Fatal Shooting Spree on Army Hazing 'Hell'

The shooting that killed eight fellow soldiers last fall has shone a spotlight on hazing in Russia's military.
Assigning blame

Iran Likely Downed Ukraine Airliner With Missiles, Canada's Trudeau Says

U.S. officials had earlier said they believed the plane was likely downed by a missile fired accidentally.
One more month

Russia Extends U.S. Investor Calvey's House Arrest Through Feb. 13

A Baring Vostok official representative described the decision as "unjustified."
paused conflict

Turkey, Russia Call for Libya Ceasefire as Rivals Clash

The countries have been on opposite sides of Libya’s escalating proxy war.
Soft power

Thousands of Young Syrians Opt to Study Russian at School

Demand for the classes outstrips supply, a Syrian education official said.
iran crash

No Survivors After Ukrainian Airplane With 176 Aboard Crashes in Iran

Several international airlines on Wednesday suspended flights over Iranian airspace due to security risks.
Damascus dialogue

Putin Makes Rare Visit to Syria, Meets Assad Amid Middle East Tensions

The visit comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East following the U.S. killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.
payback time

Russia's VTB Sues Mozambique State Firm at Center of $2B Debt Scandal

The VTB loan was part of a costly project that U.S. authorities say was an elaborate front for a bribery and kickback scheme.
CRISIS TALKS

Kremlin Says Merkel, Putin to Discuss Middle East Crisis in Moscow

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is traveling to Russia at Putin's invitation.
Iran crisis

Russia's Lavrov, Iran's Zarif Discuss Soleimani Killing

The two foreign ministers said such actions by the United States grossly violate the norms of international law.
No oil

Russia Halts Oil to Belarus, but Transit to Europe Still Flowing

Russia has halted oil supplies to refineries in Belarus, the Belarusian state energy firm said on Friday
New Player

Turkish Parliament Approves Bill Allowing Libya Troop Deployment

The move could put Turkey at odds with the other foreign players in Libya's war and in the region, including Russia.
Doping Scandal

Use 1992 Yugoslavia Precedent for Russians in Tokyo - Historian

Clean Russian athletes should be allowed to compete in individual events at this year's Tokyo Games under the banner of "Independent Olympic Participants...
Oil Problems

Russian Firms Divert Oil From Belarus as No 2020 Supply Deal Signed

With their current deal set to expire on Dec 31, Moscow and Minsk have yet to agree a pact for 2020.
exchange

Ukraine Holds Big Prisoner Swap With Pro-Russian Separatists

Ukraine said 76 pro-government detainees were handed over, while separatists said they took 120 of their prisoners during the swap.
'Christmas gift'

Russia, China to Hold More UN Talks on Lifting North Korea Sanctions

Russia and China hope lifting some sanctions could help break the deadlock and encourage talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
'escalation of violence'

Over 230,000 People Flee Idlib in Two-Week Russian-Backed Offensive

The UN said 235,000 civilians had fled their homes in rebel-held northwestern Syria during a Russian-backed campaign of air strikes and shelling this month...
FIRE

Two Dead in Fire at Russia's Novatek Oil and Gas Field

Two people have been killed and one injured in a fire in an elevator at Russia's Novatek northern oil and gas field.
'unprecedented exercise'

Russia, China, Iran Start Joint Naval Drills in Indian Ocean

Waters around Iran have become a focus for international tensions, with the U.S. exerting pressure for Iranian crude oil sales.
Ignore them

U.S. Has Ignored UN Appeals About Visa Delays for Russians – Spokesman

Moscow says Washington has deliberately delayed issuing visas to Russian officials traveling to the U.N. headquarters in New York.
'stop the carnage'

Trump Warns Russia, Syria, Iran Against Killing Civilians in Idlib

Syrian and Russian forces have intensified their bombardment of targets in Idlib.
power games

Russia, China, Iran to Hold Joint Naval Drills on Friday

The drills are coming at a time of fraught tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
eye for an eye

Moscow Will Take Retaliatory Action Against British Media

A senior but unnamed source said Russia would respond to decisions by the British authorities regarding Russian journalists.
New Arrest

Russian Authorities Raid Kremlin Critic Alexei Navalny's Moscow Office

It was not immediately clear why Navalny had been detained.
energy project

Russia Has Vessel to Build Nord Stream 2, Putin Says

He said the completion of the project would be "stretched" by several months because of the sanctions.
open skies

European Low-Costers Will Start Flying to St. Petersburg in 2020, Ministry Says

It is part of Russia's plan to boost tourist flows to St. Petersburg and will mean more competition for Russian air carriers.
EXPLAINER

How U.S. Sanctions Could Hit Russia's Nord Stream Gas Project

The U.S. wants to sell more gas to Europe and said the pipeline would make the continent too reliant on Russia.
espionage charges

Russian Court Extends Detention of Ex-U.S. Marine for 3 Months

Whelan was detained by agents from Russia's Federal Security Service in a Moscow hotel room on Dec. 28 last year.
territorial disagreements

Russia Releases Japanese Fishing Boats Detained Near Disputed Islands

The boats were fishing for octopus near the disputed islands when they were detained by Russian ships.
NO MATTER WHAT

Russia Says Nord Stream 2 Will Be Ready in Matter of Months

Russia's new gas transit deal with Ukraine would also mollify the impact on Russian gas supplies of U.S. sanctions introduced on the project.
syrian conflict

Turkey, Russia Talk Syria as Thousands Flee Bombing

Moscow and Damascus both deny allegations of indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas.
DEADLY MADNESS

Kremlin Calls Moscow Shooting Incident 'A Manifestation of Madness'

The Kremlin called a Moscow shooting incident which two officers of FSB security service were killed "a manifestation of madness".
SNATCH

Greece to Extradite Russian Cybercrime Suspect to France

Greece will extradite a Russian man suspected of having laundered billions of dollars in the digital currency bitcoin to France.
Heating Up

U.S. Concerned as Libyan Conflict Turning Bloodier With Russian Mercenaries

Libya has been divided since 2014 into rival military and political camps based in the capital Tripoli and the east.
Big Deal

Russia, Ukraine Outline Terms for Five-Year Gas Transit Deal to End Row

The deal is a major breakthrough for both countries
New Offense

Russian-Backed Forces Gain Ground in Rebel-Held Northwest Syria

Russian and Syrian jets have stepped up strikes on villages and towns around Maarat al-Numan
LOUD APPROACH

Erdogan Says Turkey Won't Be Silent Over Russian-Backed Mercenaries in Libya

Turkey has already sent military supplies to Libya in violation of a UN arms embargo.
ESPIONAGE MEMORIAL

Russia Honors Two of Britain's 'Cambridge Five' Spies

Russia honored two members of a British spy ring who passed information to the Soviet Union with a memorial plaque and a tribute from the head of Russia's...
FSB shooting

Russia's FSB Swoops on Suspect's Home After Deadly Moscow Shooting

The attack happened while President Vladimir Putin was attending a Kremlin event to celebrate the work of the security services.
shutdown

Russia Plans 'Sovereign Internet' Tests to Combat External Threats

The threat testing will take place in stages on Dec. 23 and will not affect regular internet users, the ministry said on Thursday.
Incognito family

Putin Dodges Question on Daughters' Identity

Putin sidestepped a question about the identities of his two alleged daughters at his annual end-of-year news conference.
ENERGY POLITICS

Russia and Ukraine Strike Preliminary Gas Transit Deal

The two sides have been wrangling for months over an extension to the lucrative contract to ship Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine.
Spy case

Son of Russian Spies Wins Case to Remain a Canadian Citizen

Vavilov claimed he had no idea that his parents were spies until they were arrested.
Term limit

Putin Open to Changing Constitution Amid Succession Question

Speculation about what will happen when Putin’s current two-term limit runs out in 2024 has intensified.
Weighing in

Putin Calls Trump's Impeachment Allegations 'Dreamt Up'

"They first accused Trump of a conspiracy with Russia. ... Now they have dreamt up some kind of pressure being exerted on Ukraine."
Sanctions from hell

U.S. Senate Panel Advances Russia Sanctions Bill 'From Hell'

The legislation must pass the full Senate and House of Representatives before it can be sent for President Donald Trump to sign into law or veto.
where are you christmas

Muscovites Wonder Where Winter Has Gone as Temperatures Hit 133-Year High

"This is not our winter," said pensioner Ludmila Biryukova. "It came from somewhere else."
Impeachment Time

Divided U.S. House Impeaches Trump in Historic Vote Over Ukraine Pressure

Democrats said Trump withheld $391 million in aid intended to combat Russia-backed separatists.
broadcast rights

Amazon's Twitch Says Russian Firm Drops Suit Over Illegal Content

Russia's Rambler media group wanted to sue the Amazon subsidiary for $2.88 billion over pirate broadcasts.
DRUZHBA CONTAMINATION

Illegally Traded Chemical Halted Russian Oil Pipeline, Tests Show

The substance that brought one of Russia's longest oil pipelines to a halt in April was a lethal chemical meant to be tightly controlled.
Foreign Agent

Maria Butina, Convicted in U.S. of Being Russian Agent, Gets Job as RT Host

Butina was last month given a job helping campaign for and defend Russians imprisoned abroad.
NEW OWNER

U.S. Businessman Buys Russian-Language RTVI Broadcaster

The sale marks the first time the network will be majority owned by a foreign shareholder.
NEW EXPLORER

Syria Hands Oil Exploration Contracts to Russian Firms

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has looked to allies Russia and Iran to play a role in rebuilding the country.
NOT TODAY

China And Russia Propose Lifting Some UN Sanctions on N. Korea

Russia said the move is aimed at encouraging talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Jehovah's Witnesses

Russia Jails Jehovah's Witness for 6 Years for Extremism

Vladimir Alushkin was found guilty of extremist activity.
'terrible murder'

Ukraine Detains 5 People for Killing Russian-Belarussian Journalist in 2016

Sheremet, who was killed in Kiev on his way to work, was known for his criticism of his home country's leadership.
critical time

U.S. Senate Confirms Next U.S. Ambassador to Russia

John Sullivan will be the top U.S. diplomat in Russia at a particularly challenging time in the bilateral relationship.
Costly Fire

Fire at Russia's Only Aircraft Carrier Kills 1, Injures 12

Eight people have reportedly been hospitalized and up to three of them are in serious condition.
Escalation

Russia Expels Two German Diplomats in Row Over Berlin Killing

The move is a tit-for-tat response after Berlin last week ordered the expulsion of two Russian diplomats.
driving evil spirits out

Siberian Shaman Who Wanted to Banish Putin Banned from Leaving Hometown

His trek was cut short after police detained him on a road in eastern Siberia for an unspecified crime.
Who Knew?

Germany Contradicts Russia Over Georgian Murdered in Berlin

In a tense rebuttal, the German government said it was unaware of Russia's several extradition requests.
Charged meeting

Trump Hosts Russia's Lavrov at White House, Warns Against Election Meddling

Lavrov also called on the U.S. to publish bilateral communications over the 2016 election.
Stone-Cold Leader

Large Statue of Putin Unveiled in Kyrgyzstan

A ski resort in Kyrgyzstan revealed a large statue of Putin after the resort founder received a million-dollar Russian loan.
Putin's Justice

Putin Says Georgian Killed in Berlin Was Behind Moscow Metro Bombing

Russian President Vladimir Putin said a Georgian man murdered in Berlin in August was himself a killer who took part in bloody acts on Russian...
'collective punishment'

Moscow Could Appeal Russia Sports Ban, Putin Says

Putin said Russia would analyze a decision, which, according to him, was not in the interest of sport.
Elusive peace

Putin and Zelenskiy, in First Talks, Agree to Exchange Prisoners

The leaders made a renewed commitment to implement an existing ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine.
Normandy four

Putin Meets Ukraine's Zelenskiy for First Time at Paris Peace Summit

Diplomats caution that the prospects for peace in eastern Ukraine are bleak despite the summit.
ARCTIC FRONTIER

Russia Plans to Set Up Arctic Air Defense 'Dome' With S-400 Missiles

Russia aims to arm all of the Northern Fleet's Arctic divisions with S-400 missile batteries.
World Cup

Russia Cannot Compete in 2022 World Cup Under Own Flag

"A team representing Russia cannot participate, but if there is a mechanism put in place, then they can apply to participate on a neutral basis."
New frontier

Russian Forces Enter Former Islamic State Stronghold of Raqqa After U.S. Pullback

Moscow continues to fill the vacuum created by President Donald Trump's decision to pull U.S. forces from northern Syria
Foul Play

Russia Banned From Olympics for 4 Years Over Doping Scandal

WADA's executive committee took the decision after it concluded that Moscow had tampered with laboratory data.
DRONE WARS

U.S. Says Drone Shot Down by Russian Air Defenses Near Libyan Capital

The U.S. military believes that an unarmed American drone was in fact shot down by Russian air defenses.
Meddling fears

Leak of Classified Papers Ahead of U.K. Election Tied to Russian Operation

The leak fuels fears that Moscow is seeking to interfere in Britain's upcoming election.
Doping drama

Russia's Athletic Coaches Must Be Fired, Top Anti-Doping Official Says

"The main problem is our culture, the culture inside the sports world," Yuri Ganus said of Russia's ongoing doping scandal.
EVIL EMPIRE

U.S. Cracks Down on Russian 'Evil Corp' Cybercrime Group

Russian hackers stole more than $100 million in eight-year operation run out of Moscow cafe basements.