Russia puts Putin critic Navalny on trial Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny goes on trial Wednesday on embezzlement charges carrying a maximum 10-year jail term.
15 April 2013
Russia hits 18 US officials with tit-for-tat entry ban Russia on Saturday published its own blacklist of US officials banned from entering the country in retaliation for Washington's move Friday to name 18 Russians who allegedly committed human rights abuses.
Putin unveils $50 bn drive for Russian space supremacy President Vladimir Putin unveiled a new $50 billion drive for Russia to preserve its status as a top space power, including the construction of a brand new cosmodrome.
Merkel asks Putin to give NGOs in Russia a chance German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to "give a chance" to non-governmental organisations which she described as a "motor of innovation".
Russia accuses US of meddling after 'witch hunt' remarks Moscow on Saturday accused Washington of interfering in its domestic affairs after the State Department compared searches of Russian non-governmental organisations to a "witch hunt."
31 March 2013
Three astronauts blast off on express ride to ISS A crew of two Russians and an American blasted off Friday on a Russian rocket for the International Space Station, in a trip scheduled to be the fastest ever manned journey to the facility.