Ukraine leader lays out vision of new war-time constitution
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko proposed constitutional changes giving sweeping powers to the regions but critically failing to address demands of pro-Russian militants in the separatist east.
Russian scoops prestigious Tchaikovsky piano award
Russian Dmitry Masleyev won first prize for the piano at the prestigious Tchaikovsky international music competition in Moscow.
Ukraine suspends Russian gas purchases in new price row
Ukraine announced the immediate suspension of all Russian gas purchases after EU-mediated negotiations aimed at keeping supplies running for at least three more months broke down.
Russia 'reviewing' legality of Baltic states independence
Russia's Prosecutor General is reviewing the legality of the independence of the three Baltic countries from the Soviet Union.
Moscow hopes Brussels will avoid 'negative scenarios' over Greece: Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed the hope that Brussels would avoid "negative scenarios" over Greece amid fears that the country is heading for a eurozone exit.
Lavrov going to Vienna amid tough Iran talks
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he planned to meet his US counterpart John Kerry in Vienna where global powers are engaged in make-or-break nuclear talks with Iran.
Primakov, ex-PM 'who turned around Russia,' dies aged 85
Russia's former prime minister Yevgeny Primakov, famed for turning around his US-bound plane over the Atlantic upon learning of NATO's bombing of Serbia in 1999, has died aged 85.
Putin calls Obama to discuss Ukraine, IS group: White House
Russian President Vladimir Putin called his US counterpart Barack Obama to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, the Islamic State group's advances and a deal on Iran's nuclear program.
Schoolgirl from Ust-Kamenogorsk wins singing contest in Moscow
A schoolgirl from Ust-Kamenogorsk city in eastern Kazakhstan has clinched the first place at the III International Contest of Young Singers Golden Note held in Moscow.
NATO warns of risk of heavy fighting in Ukraine
NATO head Jens Stoltenberg warned there was still a risk of heavy fighting in Ukraine and urged Russia to halt its support for pro-Moscow rebels.
Putin extends Western food ban for one year
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended a ban against most Western food imports for a year, saying the longer-than-expected measure would ensure the country's security.
Ukraine rebels train child soldiers in the making
He is only 14 but already knows how to assemble a Kalashnikov rifle. Denis is a child soldier in the making.
EU prolongs Russian economic sanctions for six months: official
EU foreign ministers formally agreed to prolong to January 2016 damaging economic sanctions against Russia to ensure it fully implements Ukraine peace accords.
Football: Russia won World Cup 2018 'honestly' - Putin
Russia fought honestly for the right to host the 2018 World Cup and the decision should not be called into question.
Russia 'open to world', will continue cooperation with West: Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country was open to the world and would cooperate with the West despite persistent tensions over the Ukraine crisis.
Russia warns of retaliation for Yukos overseas asset freeze
Moscow warned that state-linked foreign firms in Russia could be targeted for retaliation to the freezing of Russian official assets in Western Europe over legal claims from former Yukos shareholders.
EU to extend Russia sanctions to January 2016
EU member states agreed to extend damaging economic sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis by another six months to the end of January 2016.
Russia tries to shrug off crisis as West snubs investment forum
Russian officials tried to play down fears about the country's economic crisis as tensions with the West over Ukraine cast a pall over its showcase investment forum.
Russia to prolong embargo if EU extends sanctions: minister
Moscow will extend its embargo on European Union agricultural products but is unlikely to go further if the EU extends sanctions as expected.
NATO says implementing 'biggest' defence boost since Cold War
NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday the alliance was implementing its biggest defence reinforcement since the Cold War.