Putin

Friend of former Italian prime minister says charges brought only because he lives with women.

Afghan drug cartel active in Russia with a £3.8bn heroin market.

Opponents of Syrian president curse him on his 48th birthday.

Russian president says military strike on Syria could spark new terror attacks and worsen Middle East situation.

Putin to offer Rohani renewal of sophisticated defence missile systems deal.

Landing ship Nikolai Filchenkov, with unidentified cargo on board, likely heading towards Syrian coast.

US and France push for action against Assad regime while Russia insists on credible evidence on chemical weapons use.

Russian president says no tangible proof that Assad regime had hand in Ghouta gas attack.

Reports suggest Putin will visit Iran shortly after Hassan Rohan's inauguration as president.

Convicted opposition leader Navalny hopes to win election following release pending appeal.

White House repeats its demand to Moscow to return Snowden to US.

Snowden seeking temporary asylum in Russia - and sources suggest ministers may grant him free travel.

White House says Moscow is facilitating Snowden with 'propaganda platform' as Obama and Putin hold telephone conversation.

Putin demanded that Snowden stop all anti-American activity as condition of any asylum bid.

Washington and Moscow reiterate differences over Syrian civil war but pledged to step up efforts to halt bloodshed.

Russia's decision to send missile shipments to Assad's regime and US proposal to arm rebels likely to dominate G8 talks.

Israeli Prime Minister to visit Russia to stop Syria-bound missiles falling into Hezbollah's hands.

Cameron to urge Russia to find a political solution in Syria as Britain steps up efforts to lift EU arms embargo.

Protests against alleged rigging of recent elections, corruption and repression.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has returned home from the Apec summit in Russia following news of her father's death.

Two months of rain in one night wreak havoc in southern Krasnodar and kill at least 150 in worst flooding in decades.

Russia continues to extend support to Syrian regime as western nations insist on tougher sanctions.

Thousands of Russians were protesting on Saturday against the alleged vote-rigging during the State Duma elections on Dec. 4. The protest is widely seen as a test of Putin's patience to allow peaceful demonstrations in the country.