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Russia

Ex-PM turned Putin critic Kasyanov seeks reform in Russia

A former Russian prime minister now faces death threats after joining the country’s opposition and criticising President Vladimir Putin. Mikhail

Sport

Russian athletes compete domestically as they maintain 2016 Olympic aspirations

Russia’s elite track and field athletes have been training hard in Moscow this week as the nation keeps alive its slim hopes of making the Rio

Economy

OPEC oil output cut very unlikely at June meeting, Iran's situation unclear

OPEC is very unlikely to cut oil output at its next meeting in June, even if crude prices remain extremely low, according to OPEC sources and delegates

Syria

Hopes for Syrian aid despite ceasefire violations

The United Nations is hoping that the truce brokered in Syria will provide a window of opportunity to distribute much needed aid in besieged areas

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Russia

Rescue operation for trapped miners halted

The Russian government has confirmed that rescue operations have been halted after further blasts at a mine inside the Arctic Circle. claimed six lives.

Russia

Moscow marchers 'forbidden' from passing site of Nemtsov's murder

Thousands march through Moscow to honour Boris Nemtsov, but are reportedly forbidden from crossing the bridge where the Kremlin critic was murdered.

Syria

Syria conflict: First UN airdrop to besieged civilians in Deir al-Zour

The United Nations says it is ready for a huge aid effort if the fighting stops in Syria. There is no sign of that yet in the Damascus suburb of

World News

Amnesty International condemns global 'wholesale assault' on human rights

Amnesty International says the United Nations has systematically failed to uphold human rights and international law – and the Syrian conflict is one

No Comment

Russia: 'Sledge battle'

Sledging enthusiasts turned out in Moscow on Tuesday for a competition to see which teams had the best designed sledge. Teams took turns to slide

Economy

Russia's central bank governor wants to lower risks from forex fluctuations

Russian central bank governor Elvira Nabiullina says the bulk of banking loans in Russia should be in roubles to minimise risks related to currency fluctuations.

Syria

Ceasefire agreed in Syria - Washington and Moscow

Washington and Moscow have agreed terms for a ceasefire in Syria. Hostilities will halt at midnight on February the 27th. A joint statement says the

Ukraine

Ukraine's Crimean Tatar protest song Eurovision choice likely to irk Russia

Ukrainian music lovers have chosen their entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and the television audience decided to stick two fingers in

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Russia: Icy water chess tournament

Russian winter swimmers found a new way to build up their stamina and concentration – by playing chess in icy water. In a lake in Russia’s Ural

Jordan

Syria: "We are near another ceasefire" - Kerry

Obama and Putin are likely to discuss the terms of the deal in the coming days.

Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers swapped for rebel fighters and a priest

Three Ukrainian soldiers have been exchanged for five rebel fighters and one Orthodox priest. The swap was made just north of the rebel stronghold of

World News

Russia detains airport owner over 2011 suicide bombing

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been told about the arrest of the owner of one of Russia’s largest airports, according to Kremlin spokesman

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Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill visits Antarctic

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill flew to Russia’s Bellingshausen scientific station on the Island of Waterloo from Chile. The Patriarch’s spokesman

Culture news

Pavlova tribute highlight of Sochi Winter Festival

Sochi Winter Arts Festival is paying tribute to iconic ballerina Anna Pavlova, the Russian prima ballerina and choreographer whose company, founded in 1911, was the first to tour ballet around the wor

Russia

Moscow authorities defend bulldozing of small businesses

The authorities in Moscow have defended their right to demolish small businesses they say are illegal and unsafe. Last week they sent bulldozers to

Russia

Putin and Orban talk migrants, EU relations and gas in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Moscow.