Pussy Riot becomes cause celebre in Putin's Russia In February, five women walked silently into Moscow's Church of Christ the Saviour before clambering over railings, pulling on balaclavas and yelling out a protest song against Vladimir Putin.
28 July 2012
Putin tightens screws in Russia in under 100 days Less than three months after starting his historic third term as Kremlin chief, President Vladimir Putin has imposed a new clampdown on civil society that is sending Russia to an uncertain future.
Syria rebels seize Iraq border as UN action blocked Rebels seized control of Syria's border crossings with Iraq on the bloodiest day of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad, as China and Russia dismayed the West by blocking UN action against his regime.
20 July 2012
Canada slams China, Russia for UN Syria vetoes Canada issued a scathing retort on Thursday after Russia and China vetoed another UN resolution to pressure the Syrian regime to rein in its crackdown on a 16-month-old rebellion.
Annan, Ban call on UN Council to act on Syria UN chief Ban Ki-moon and international envoy Kofi Annan called on the UN Security Council to take strong action on the Syria conflict ahead of a vote Thursday on a western-backed resolution calling for sanctions.
19 July 2012
Rebels battle to 'liberate' Syria capitalRebels declared the battle to "liberate" Damascus has begun as heavy fighting raged across the city on Tuesday and Russia said an agreement is possible for a UN resolution on the Syria crisis.
18 July 2012
Putin tours Russia flood scene, berates officials Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the scene of a recent flood that killed 172 people, berating officials for possibly deceiving him about the timeliness of their response.
Putin refuses to cut price of Russian gas for Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin did not budge Thursday during talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovych aimed at easing a dispute over the price of Russia's gas.
Russia, Assad foe seek common ground in Moscow Russia will host a top opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday hoping to find common ground with one of the most scathing critics of its refusal to turn against the Damascus regime.
Southern Russia reels from floods as toll climbs to 171 Investigators Sunday launched a probe into possible negligence after devastating flash floods in southern Russia killed at least 171 people and President Vladimir Putin demanded officials explain the disaster.
09 July 2012
Russia accuses West of distorting Syria deal Russia accused the West on Tuesday of seeking to distort an agreement for a political transition in Syria, after international peace envoy Kofi Annan said a ceasefire was imperative.