Ukraine crisis

Former Soviet premier credit Putin with preventing the disintegration of Russia in the years following the collapse of the USSR.

Moscow lists Nato alliance as top security threat in revised military doctrine.

Hundreds of prisoners freed in rebel stronghold Donetsk after deal facilitated by OCSE.

Vidsich activists rise from the dead to make protest in front of presidential offices.

Russian people won't rise up and revolt against Putin, so we need the West to do it for us.

As fares for flights between UK and Russia plummet to an all-time low, Brits cash in on great travel deals.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Wednesday (December 17) she and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had detected some signs of greater willingness from Russia to resolve the crisis in Ukraine's separatist eastern territories."We shared the impression that there might be some elements that could make us think that there might be some more willingness to solve the conflict on the Russian side, on President Putin's side. But we also share the fact, the evaluation of the fact that we've gone through similar feelings or similar impressions other times in the last months," Mogherini said in Kiev adding that "what counts is not the expression of willingness, is the real willingness and the real capacity to deliver on the Minsk agreement."

Alleged killer of former KGB agent has been hired by production company Central Partnership.

World Bank forecasts 0.7% contraction in Russia's economy in 2015.

Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said goal of sanctions to bring change of power.

The currency had its worst daily fall on Monday (December 1) since the rouble crisis of 17 August 1998.

Former Soviet President praises Vladimir Putin for Russian military modernisation.

OSCE announce 'total ceasfire' between Kiev and Luhansk People's Republic in the country's east.

Yatsenyuk receives backing of lawmakers to remain as Ukrainian premier.

Struggling French far-right party reaches out to Moscow to fund 2017 general elections

Lithuania to provide Ukraine with military aid as pro-Russian separatists' insurgence continues.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov says Western sanctions costing economy dearly.

Kiev accuses Russia of deploying 7,500 troops in Ukraine as tensions continue in eastern region.

Moscow reportedly moves tanks, radar systems and fighter jets along Ukraine border.

Iconic branch was shuttered in August amid crackdown on US food restaurant.

Russian president claims the US wants "solve their problems at our expense."

German minister is also set to visit Moscow to try to rescue peace talks.

Russian president says peace is possible in eastern Ukraine.

Two F-18s dispatched to Brisbane Island but unidentified vessel was declared safe.

Australian prime minister highlights pledges to boost global economic growth.

While Putin's early departure is seen as his response to Western pressure over Ukraine, Russia says it was as scheduled.

British Prime Minister makes comments in response to reports of Russian troops entering Ukraine.

BREAKING: Foreign ministry spox outlines Moscow's concerns with Kiev's failure to comply with Minsk agreement.

Russia PM says necessary 'to abandon sanctions' if relations with US are to improve.

UN Security Council holds emergency session following Nato accusations that Russia was sending reinforcements across Ukraine's eastern border.