France agrees to extradite Kazakh tycoon to Russia
The French government has given the green light for the extradition of Kazakh tycoon and opposition figure Mukhtar Ablyazov to Russia, where he is accused of embezzling billions of dollars.
Ukraine's Poroshenko says vote needed in pro-Russia strongholds
Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko stressed the need for legitimate elections in the country's separatist regions in order to eventually re-integrate the pro-Moscow strongholds.
Russia will not conduct ground operation in Syria: Putin
President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would not deploy ground troops to Syria, where it has been conducting air strikes against what it says are Islamic State target.
Pentagon chief warns of Russia casualties in Syria
US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter predicted Russia would soon begin suffering casualties in Syria, as Moscow dramatically ramps up its military campaign in the devastated nation.
Erdogan warns Russia over Turkey nuclear, gas deals
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Russia that Ankara has alternatives to Moscow for building its first nuclear power plant and importing gas, as tensions rise over the Russian bombing campaign in Syria.
Popularity of 'Putin the Shiite' sky high in Iraq
Russian President Vladimir Putin's bullish entry into the Syrian conflict has worked wonders for his popularity in neighbouring Iraq, where some await "Hajji Putin" like a saviour.
NATO head sees 'troubling escalation' of Russian activity in Syria
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said there had been a "troubling escalation" in Russian military activity in Syria, after Moscow dramatically expanded its air campaign.
'Back in the game' Putin marks birthday with eye on Syria, hockey exploits
Vladimir Putin marked his 63rd birthday dividing his attention between hockey and Syria as supporters sang his praises, comparing him to a range of heroic figures from Buddha to Batman.
Russia's Gazprom delays pipeline project amid Turkey tensions
Russian gas giant Gazprom said its TurkStream pipeline project with Turkey would be delayed as tensions between Moscow and Ankara peak over Russia's intervention in the Syrian conflict.
Turkey PM says 'only two' Russia strikes aimed at IS
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said only two Russian air strikes in Syria had targeted Islamic State jihadists and warned that Ankara would not make any concessions about the security of its borders
Crisis-hit Russia toiling to keep factory towns alive
The hulking Soviet-era mineral refinery in Pikalyovo, one of Russia's hundreds of factory towns hit by a crippling economic crisis, has been a blessing, and at times a curse, for a place dependent on a single industry.
British PM urges Putin to change course in Syria
British Prime Minister David Cameron urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to "change direction" in Syria and recognise that its President Bashar al-Assad must be replaced.
Syria detains dissident who criticised Russian strikes
The Syrian authorities on Sunday briefly detained a prominent opposition figure days after he criticised Russian air strikes in Syria.
Erdogan urges Putin to change mind over Syria bombing
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday urged Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to reconsider Moscow's bombing campaign in Syria.
Chechen strongman calls on Kremlin to send local troops to Syria
Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov called on the Kremlin to let a contingent from his region fight the Islamic State in Syria, where Russia launched air strikes earlier this week.
Gorbachev says health improving, can walk again
The Soviet Union's last leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who has been battling diabetes, said his health is improving and that he can walk again with the help of a stick.
Bankruptcy 'only option' for Russia's Transaero airline: minister
Bankruptcy is the only solution for Russia's second largest airline Transaero after state-controlled Aeroflot backed out of purchasing the debt-laden carrier.
Russian air strikes in Syria to last three to four months: Russian lawmaker
Russian air strikes in Syria will last for three to four months and will intensify, a senior Russian lawmaker said as President Vladimir Putin was due in Paris for talks.
Kazakhstan mulling privatization of oil refineries
Oil production in Kazakhstan in 2014 stood at 73.7 million tons. The three Kazakhstan-based oil refineries produced a total of 3.02 million tons of petrol.
Western fears that air strikes don't target IS 'unfounded': Russia
Russia rejected accusations that Moscow had bombed moderate rebel factions fighting President Bashar al-Assad instead of Islamic State fighters and had hit civilians.