The Moscow Times

Support The Moscow Times!

Contribute today

Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Deal With Iran Goes Into Effect

The estimated average tariff applied by Iran to Russian goods under the deal will fall to 5.2% from the current 16.7%, officials said.

Estonia Says Russian Military Jet Violated Airspace After Attempt to Detain ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker

"The Russian Federation sent a fighter jet to check the situation, and this fighter jet violated NATO territory for close to one minute," Estonian Foreign...

Germany Arrests 3 Ukrainians Accused of Plotting Sabotage for Russia

Prosecutors said the men were "strongly suspected" of planning the shipment of exploding packages at locations across Europe.

India Approves More Russian Insurers to Provide Marine Cover

India now recognizes eight Russian entities eligible to provide protection and indemnity coverage for ships.

UN Aviation Body Rules Russia Downed Malaysian Airliner

The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization plans to consider what form of reparation is in order in the coming weeks.

Iran Preparing for Putin Visit, Tehran Says

"Putin's trip to Tehran is currently being worked out, preparations are underway," an Iranian spokesperson told Russian state media.

Germany Says Russia Has Hours to Abide by Ceasefire or Face Sanctions

"The clock is ticking," a German government spokesperson said at a news conference on Monday.

Head of Russia's Orthodox Church Tells Worshippers to Stay Home

Patriarch Kirill told believers Sunday to worship from home to minimize the coronavirus' spread.

Moscow Mayor Says Coronavirus Outbreak Has Entered New Phase

Moscow now has over a 1,000 coronavirus cases as authorities continue to urge residents to stay home.

Russia to Close Borders to Curb Coronavirus

The measure will come into force on March 30 at all vehicle, rail and pedestrian checkpoints, and apply to maritime borders.

Russia Thanks 'Real Friend' Jack Ma for Gift of a Million Virus Masks

The co-founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba said he was touched by Moscow's own help to China.

Russia Sends Ship With Military Ambulances Towards Syria After Virus Outbreak

Syria reported its first case of coronavirus on Sunday.

Russians Urged to Reject Cash to Slow Coronavirus Spread

Authorities worry banknotes are acting as a vector for the coronavirus outbreak.

MH17 Trial Suspended Until June, Giving Defense More Time to Prepare

Three Russians and one Ukrainian face preliminary charges of murder and of causing an aircraft to crash.

Russia to Use Cellphones to Track People at Risk of Coronavirus

The Kremlin said the measure was legal and part of measures Russia is taking to try to halt spread of the virus.

Russia and Turkey Cut Short Joint Patrol in Syria's Idlib

The two nations are trying to uphold a ceasefire agreement in the region.

Russia to Build More Coronavirus Hospital Units on Chinese Model

Russia, which has reported relatively few cases of the disease, is readying its healthcare system for a possible spike.

Putin's Relative Launches Political Party

A relative of Vladimir Putin is heading a conservative political party called People of Business.

Moscow Bar Mixes 'Coronavirus' Cocktail to Soothe Outbreak Woes

The bar says it should be consumed when one is overtaken by the desire to stock up on toilet paper and buckwheat.

Trump Advisor to Attend Russia's Victory Day Parade

Amid political tensions and public health concerns, National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien will travel to Moscow for the May 9 celebration.

Russian Courts Put Most Work on Pause Over Coronavirus

The decision by the Supreme Court comes as authorities take measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Putin Is Being Protected From Coronavirus Around the Clock, Says Kremlin

The Kremlin says the president's medical care is of an "exceptionally high level."

Dutch MH17 Trial to Continue Behind Closed Doors Due to Coronavirus

The trial in the Netherlands over the downing of Flight MH17 will continue behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Russia Temporarily Bans Entry of Foreigners Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

The ban will not apply to diplomatic representatives, airplane crew members and some other categories of people.

Russia to Launch $4Bln Fund in Attempt to Shield Economy From Coronavirus Shock

The ruble and Russian stock market have plunged substantially in light of the coronavirus epidemic.

Moscow Makes School Attendance Optional Amid Coronavirus Fears

"Parents will decide whether their child will keep going to school or remain home," Moscow mayor said.

Trump Has Told Russia He Cannot Visit for Victory Day in May, Kremlin Says

Putin has said that it would be the "right" thing for Trump to attend the commemorative event in Moscow.

Turkish, Russian Forces to Patrol Either Side of New Syrian Corridor

The security corridor in Syria's Idlib province was agreed upon in the Russian-Turkish ceasefire deal last week.

Muscovites Ignoring Coronavirus Self-Isolation Rules Could Face Prison

Moscow authorities said that those disregarding the regulation risked severe punishment including imprisonment of up to five years.

Putin Critic Navalny Takes Russia to European Court Over Money Laundering Case

Navalny lodged a complaint against Russia at the ECHR to contest money laundering case he says authorities opened to thwart his political activities.

Coronavirus Hits Russian Tourism for $400M Loss

Tour operators warn of an "unprecedented situation" which could put industry on brink of collapse.

OPEC Backs Biggest Oil Cut Since 2008 Crisis, Awaits Russia

OPEC agreed to cut oil output by an extra 1.5 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2020.

Russian Court Rules in Favor of Facial Recognition Over Privacy Claims

The ruling is a blow to activists who had hoped to ban the technology's use.

Russia Accuses BBC World News of Violating Broadcasting Requirements

BBC World News is accused of failing to follow an order to protect minors from harmful information.

Coronavirus Alert: Russian Cossacks Told Not to Kiss Orthodox Icons

The order was prompted by reports about the health of Pope Francis, who said he had a cold.

Trial of Austrian Army Officer Accused of Spying for Russia Opens

The 71-year-old defendant is accused of having provided "comprehensive information" on a range of military topics to Moscow.

Russia Says ‘Can’t Guarantee’ Turkish Planes’ Safety Over Syria

Turkey has carried out a sharp increase of its military operations against Russia-backed Syrian forces since last week.

Russian, Turkish Foreign Ministers Discuss Improving Working Relations

The Russian and Turkish foreign ministers agreed on the need to create a "favorable atmosphere" in order to improve working relations.

Turkey Destroys Scores of Syrian Army Targets, Says Turkish Defense Minister

Ankara has ramped up its attacks against the Syrian army 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an airstrike by Damascus.

Kiev Says Russia and Ukraine in Talks for Next Prisoner Swap in March

Kiev said it held talks with the Kremlin for a final swap of all remaining prisoners from the conflict in east Ukraine.

Putin Says Current Oil Prices Acceptable, Hints at OPEC Cooperation

Russia is prepared for any negative effects stemming from the spread of the coronavirus, he said.

OPEC Could Deepen Oil Supply Cuts With or Without Russia

In an effort to stop the falling prices triggered by the spread of the coronavirus, OPEC may agree to deepen oil supply cuts this week regardless of Russia's...

France's Macron Urges Turkey and Russia to Agree Ceasefire in Syria

The French president urged Putin and Erdogan in separate phone calls to agree to a ceasefire, citing humanitarian concerns.

Putin Inspects Russia's Answer to Disneyland Before Grand Opening

Municipal authorities say it is the largest indoor theme park of its kind in Europe.

U.S. Urges Russia to Find Masterminds of Nemtsov Murder

Boris Nemtsov, one of President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critics, was killed on this day in 2015 as he crossed a bridge near the Kremlin's walls.

Russia's Million-Dollar Batmobile Gets Towed

You can't always live your fantasy.

Trump Campaign Is Suing New York Times Over Russia Opinion Piece

The libel suit accuses the paper of publishing a false piece that suggested Russia and the Trump campaign had a deal in the 2016 U.S. election.

Putin Agrees to Hold Nationwide Vote on Constitutional Changes on April 22 – Interfax

The proposed constitutional changes could give Putin scope to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency.

Europeans, Britain, China, Russia to Meet Iran in Vienna on Feb. 26

Britain, France and Germany accused Iran of violating the terms of the 2015 arms control agreement.

Prague Changes Russia's Embassy Address to Boris Nemtsov Square

Nemtsov, one of Russia President Vladimir Putin's most vocal critics, was shot dead in February 2015 as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin.

Russia Denies Backing Trump's Re-Election as Critics Blast Reported Meddling

The Kremlin on Friday denied it was interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential campaign to boost Trump's chances.

Norway Rejects Moscow's Claim It Violated Svalbard Treaty

Russia complained that Oslo-imposed rules were restricting Russian organizations' activities in the strategically located islands.

Turkey, Russia Discuss Joint Patrol Option in Syria's Idlib

The agreement could be a means of reaching a deal that will halt fighting in Syria's Idlib region.

Trump Offered to Pardon Assange If He Denied Russia Helped Leak Democrats' Emails, Lawyer Says

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to try to help Trump win.

U.S. Arrests Mexican Citizen Allegedly Recruited by Russia

"Fuentes admitted to law enforcement officers that he was directed by a Russian government official," the Justice Department said.

Russian Artist Under Investigation Over French Sexting Row

Pavlensky published an online sexual chat that caused one of President Macron's closest lieutenants to pull out of the Paris mayor race.

Putin Sacks Prominent Kremlin Ideologue, Ukraine Hardliner

Vladislav Surkov's sacking, which coincided with a flare-up in fighting in eastern Ukraine, had been rumored for weeks.

U.S. Sanctions Russia's Rosneft Over Venezuela Support

New U.S. sanctions against Rosneft subsidiary increase pressure on both Moscow and Caracas.

Russia to Consider Making Ex-Presidents Immune from Prosecution

Russian presidents could be made immune from criminal prosecution once they leave office under proposed constitutional reforms.

Russian Spy Agency Played Role in Berlin Murder of Georgian Man – Bellingcat

The killing triggered diplomatic expulsions from Germany and Moscow.

Russian Artist Who Published Paris Mayor Candidate Kompromat Arrested

Under French law, so-called "revenge porn" can be punished by up to two years in prison and a 60,000 euro fine.

Turkey Says It Met Responsibilities over Syria's Idlib in Russia Deal

Turkey fulfilled its responsibilities in Idlib in line with its de-escalation agreements with Russia and Iran.

Russia Asks Canada to Hand Over Files on Ex-Nazi Death Squad Member

He has said he was forced to join one of the Nazis' mobile killing squads at the age of 17 and did not take part in any atrocities.

'There Will Be Dad and Mum': Putin Rules out Russia Legalizing Gay Marriage

During his two decades in power, Putin has sought to distance Russia from liberal Western values.

Russia Fines Twitter and Facebook $63,000 Each Over Data Law

The companies were fined for their refusal to put their server holding data about Russian citizens on Russian territory.

Russia Accuses Turkey of Breaking Syria Deals, Rejects Erdogan Claim

Russia accused Turkey of flouting agreements it had made with Moscow on Syria and of aggravating the situation in Idlib.

Dutch Refused Moscow's Request to Try Russian MH17 Suspects There, Minister Says

Allowing Russia to prosecute the three Russian suspects in the downing of MH17 "will not be considered."

Russia Puts Jailed Baring Vostok Executives Under House Arrest

The three men were taken into custody last year in an embezzlement case against the Baring Vostok private equity group.

Dubai Court Rules Against Superyacht Freeze Order in Divorce Battle

The $436 million superyacht which belongs to a Russian billionaire is at the center of one of the world's costliest divorce battles.

Facebook Says It Dismantles Russian Intelligence Operation Targeting Ukraine

Facebook said the latest Russian operation used more than 100 accounts on Facebook and its Instagram photo-sharing platform to create fake personas.

Kremlin Accuses Turkey of Flouting Agreements Made on Syria

The Kremlin said that militant attacks on Syrian and Russian forces were continuing in the Syrian province of Idlib.

Russia's FSB Tells Internet Firms to Hand Over User Data – The Bell

Companies that fail to comply can be blocked.

Russia to Tap 'Rainy Day Fund' to Buy Central Bank's Stake in Sberbank

Russia will tap its National Wealth Fund to buy the central bank’s stake in Sberbank.

Russia Eyes Making Former Presidents Senators for Life

Lawmakers say the proposal would allow Russia to tap into the "colossal experience and knowledge" of former presidents.

Senior Appointments in Moscow and Kiev Point to Tentative Thaw

Simultaneous appointments in the two capitals were seen in both countries as signs of a new approach.

Kremlin to Turkey: Help Stop Attacks on Syrian and Russian Forces in Idlib

The Kremlin's comments underscore rising tensions over Syria between Russia and Turkey.

Siberia's Mild Winter Wakes Badger Cubs From Hibernation

The badgers usually remain fast asleep until the end of February.

Russia Proposes Banning Foreign IT for Critical Infrastructure

Russia's government has sought greater control over digital areas of the economy in recent years.

Russia Extends House Arrest of U.S. Investor Calvey Until May 13

Calvey faces charges of embezzlement that he says are being used to pressure him in a business dispute.

Russia Quarantines Chinese Diplomat as Coronavirus Precaution

Consul General Cui Shaochun arrived in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on Thursday to take up his new post but was told to stay at home for two weeks.

Boeing Plane Makes Hard Landing in Northwest Russia, All 94 on Board Safe

Russia's civil aviation authority said the hard landing was due to a problem with the chassis.

Russia's Lavrov Hits Out at U.S. 'Provocations' in Venezuela

Lavrov said the United States was "threatening that all options are on the table" and was involved in "provocations" in Venezuela.

U.S. Steps Up Warnings to Russia Over Syria's Idlib, Military De-Confliction

"This is a dangerous conflict. It needs to be brought to an end. Russia needs to change its policies," James Jeffrey said.

Russia Says Alarmed by U.S. Deployment of Low-Yield Nuclear Missiles

Russia said the U.S. Navy's decision to deploy nuclear missiles on submarines has heightened the risk of a limited nuclear war.

Virus Fallout Hits Lake Baikal as Chinese Tourists Stay Away

Winter is high season for tourism around Lake Baikal, but the coronavirus outbreak has curtailed its main source of income.

Russia Accuses Norway of Restricting Its Activities on Arctic Islands

"We do not intend to curtail our presence there," the Foreign Ministry said of the strategically located archipelago.

Turkey Says Russia Must Restrain Syrian Forces in Idlib

Turkey urged Russia to rein in Syrian government forces in the northwestern province of Idlib.

Russia Sends Lavrov to Venezuela to 'Counteract' U.S. Sanctions

His trip follows a tour by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of four former Soviet states.

Russia Postpones Annual Investment Forum Over Coronavirus Concerns

The government order did not say when the forum, which is attended by a string of high-ranking officials and foreign investors, will be held instead.

Russia to Start Evacuating Citizens from Wuhan, Stops Passenger Trains to China

Moscow has already restricted direct flights to China and the Russian Railways suspended passenger trains to the country from midnight.

Russian Armed Forces Aircraft to Evacuate Citizens From China – Agencies

The evacuation will take place in regions that have been most affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Polish Miners Block Coal Trains in Protest Against Russian Imports

Polish miners blocked trains carrying coal to a power plant in the southern town of Laziska Gorne on Friday in protest against coal imports from Russia...

Russia Reports First Coronavirus Cases

The two infected people are Chinese citizens, Russia's deputy prime minister said.

Hundreds of Fishermen Rescued From Sakhalin Region Ice Floe

15 emergency service workers, three boats and one hovercraft took part in the rescue operation.

U.S. Issues Fresh Sanctions Over Russian-Annexed Crimea

The sanctions follow action taken on Tuesday by the European Union, which blacklisted seven of the same people.

Russia Frees U.S.-Israeli Woman From Jail After Putin Pardon

Naama Issachar was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for drug offenses in October.

Turkey's Erdogan Says Russia Not Abiding by Syria Agreements

Turkey and Russia agreed to work towards creating a demilitarized zone under agreements in 2017 and 2018.

Russia Blocks Encrypted Swiss Email Service ProtonMail

Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said ProtonMail had been used to send fake, anonymous bomb threats.

EU Blacklists 7 More People in Russian-Annexed Crimea

Tuesday's move raises the number of individuals on the blacklist to 177, along with 44 firms or other entities.

Israeli Woman Jailed in Russia Asks for Pardon

Issachar was sentenced by Russia to 7.5 years in jail for drug offenses in October.

Russia in Talks With China to Help its Citizens Leave Wuhan

Russian citizens may potentially be evacuated from the center of the outbreak, as the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus an emergency...

Putin Orders Prosecutor General to Review Moscow Protester's Conviction

Putin has ordered an investigation into whether the sentencing of Konstantin Kotov was lawful.

Bulgaria Set to Expel Two Russian Diplomats Over Espionage

Prosecutors had said earlier that the Russians were engaged in espionage but could not be charged due to diplomatic immunity.

Belarus Touts U.S. as Possible Alternative to Russian Oil

Belarus is looking for alternatives to Russian oil and is in talks with the U.S., Saudi Arabia and the UAE about supplies.

Flights to Moscow from China's Wuhan Suspended Over Coronavirus Fears

Russia’s deputy health minister called the disease a biological threat to the country earlier this week.

Russia Says It Missed UN Deadline to Repatriate North Korean Workers

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said that Moscow had missed the UN deadline and that around 1,000 North Korean workers were still in Russia.

Putin Appoints Former Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin as Adviser

The move follows last week's resignation of the government.

Syrian Army Retreats After Idlib Attack, Russia Says

Russia's Defense Ministry said that up to 40 Syrian soldiers have been killed in militant attacks.

WADA Provisionally Suspends Moscow Anti-Doping Lab for 'Serious Violation'

WADA said its Laboratory Expert Group had deemed Moscow's deletion and alteration of laboratory data to be "a serious violation."

Trump Administration Planning to Add Belarus to Travel Ban List – Reports

The list of countries was not final and could yet be changed, according to the website Politico.

Russia Gets New Government in What Putin Calls 'Major Renewal'

Tuesday's new appointments could be intended to reboot the government's flagging image.

New China Coronavirus Poses ‘Biological Threat’ to Russia – Official

Russian airports have stepped up screening of travelers arriving from China.

Fire Kills Uzbek Laborers in Siberian Village

Eleven people died in the fire.

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

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

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.

5 Killed in Russian Hotel After Boiling Water Floods Basement

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Putin Confirms Mishustin as New Prime Minister

The confirmation comes shortly after the former head of the tax service won parliament's backing.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Court in Breakaway Georgian Region Annuls Contested Presidential Vote

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

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

All 176 people on board were killed in the crash.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Turkey, Russia Call for Libya Ceasefire as Rivals Clash

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

Thousands of Young Syrians Opt to Study Russian at School

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Russian Authorities Raid Kremlin Critic Alexei Navalny's Moscow Office

It was not immediately clear why Navalny had been detained.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Turkey, Russia Talk Syria as Thousands Flee Bombing

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

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".

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.

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.

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

The deal is a major breakthrough for both countries

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Businessman Buys Russian-Language RTVI Broadcaster

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

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.

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

Russia said the move is aimed at encouraging talks between Washington and Pyongyang.

Russia Jails Jehovah's Witness for 6 Years for Extremism

Vladimir Alushkin was found guilty of extremist activity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.