Russian news, notes and thoughts

Assassination attempt on Putin prevented in Ukraine

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:15:47 GMT

Intelligence agencies of Ukraine and Russia prevented an assassination attempt on Prime Minister of Russia and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin. On Monday, February 27, Kremlin-controlled TV channel "First channel" was reporting from Odessa, where, presumably, the attack was being prepared. What an "unexpected" coincidence - only one week is left before the elections.

Russia's advertising market in 2011

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:43:20 GMT

In 2011 the growth of Russia's advertising market was 21%. The market volume was about 9 billion USD (4% higher than in pre-crisis 2008). Advertising on TV - 4.4 billion (18% growth), radio - 0.4 billion (15%), print media - 1.35 billion (6%), outdoor advertising - 1.14 billion (15%). The market of online advertising grew by 56% to 1.4 billion USD.

Guus Hiddink became the head coach of "Anzhi"

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:02:36 GMT

Famous Dutch soccer coach Guus Hiddink took the offer to head FC "Anzhi" from Makhachkala. He plans not only to make the team from Dagestan one of the leaders of Russian soccer, but also to create the necessary prerequisites for further development of soccer in the region. Russian national soccer team won bronze at the European Championship under the leadership of Hiddink in 2008.

Russia was leading oil producer in the world in 2011

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:35:37 GMT

Russia was still in the lead in the ranking of countries in terms of oil production in 2011. The country produced 3748.6 million barrels of oil. Saudi Arabia with 3388.3 million barrels ranked second. The U.S. is in the third place - 3285.0 million barrels.

Russia's budget deficit in January 2012

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:47:54 GMT

According to the Ministry of Finance Russia's budget deficit in January 2012 amounted to about $ 600 million or 0.5% of GDP. On February 1, 2012 the aggregate amount of the Reserve Fund was $ 62 billion, the National Welfare Fund - $ 89.5 billion.

The negotiations of Russia and Syria started in Damascus

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:25:49 GMT

The talks between Syrian President Bashar Assad and the head of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov started in Damascus. The director of Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Mikhail Fradkov also takes part in negotiations. During this meeting, the representatives of both countries will try to find a way out of the difficult political situation in Syria.

Historical maximum of power consumption was reached in Russia

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:21:29 GMT

February 2, 2012 the historical daily maximum of power consumption was reached in Russia amounting to 157,099 MW. Cold weather with an average temperature of 11 degrees below normal (about minus 25-30C) prevails in central Russia, Urals and Siberia. In some regions, the temperature dropped to minus 35-45C.

Russia in the ranking of cyber security

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:27:14 GMT

Russia received three points of five possible on cyber security ranking, compiled by experts of antivirus software company McAfee. Finland, Sweden and Israel are at the top of the rating. Russian Federation is also perceived abroad as a source of threat, primarily because of its highly skilled hackers.

Russia and Japan simplified the procedure of visa obtaining

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:50:18 GMT

Russia and Japan signed an agreement simplifying the procedure of visa obtaining. According to the agreement there is no need to provide invitational letter for business visa for a period of up to 90 days. The system of multiple-entry visas, valid for three years, was also introduced.

Julian Assange TV show on Russian channel

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:25:43 GMT

In March 2012, Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, will present his exclusive TV show "The World Tomorrow" on the channel Russia Today. Assange will invite politicians and revolutionaries - all those who, in his opinion, will form the agenda for tomorrow.

Freedom House: Russia is not a free country

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:36:00 GMT

According to annual report of human rights organization Freedom House Russia as in previous years is in the list of "not free" countries. The situation with civil liberties is rated slightly better than with political rights - 5 and 6 points respectively on a seven-point scale, where 1 means the best indicator, and 7 - the worst. Such countries as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Yemen and Jordan have the same rating.

Car sales in Russia in 2011

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:00:13 GMT

In 2011, sales of new cars in Russia amounted to about 2.5 millions, 41% increase compared to 2010. Russia ranked second after Germany among European countries. About 70% of sold cars were produced in Russia. The current number of cars in Russia per 1000 inhabitants is 220 (twice less than in European Union).

About 84 billion dollars were withdrawn from Russia in 2011

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:26:55 GMT

In 2011, according to the Central Bank, financial assets amounting to 84 billion dollars were withdrawn from Russia, more than twice higher than in 2010 (37.8 billion). The main reasons: the structure of corporate debt of Russian companies, political instability, unfavorable investment climate.

Russia celebrates the Day of Reserves and National Parks

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:47:49 GMT

Russia celebrates the Day of Reserves and National Parks. Today there are 102 state nature reserves and 42 national parks of federal importance in the country. Total area of protected areas is more than 40 million hectares, or nearly 3 percent of the entire territory of Russia.

The end of New Year holidays in Russia

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:04:02 GMT

New Year holidays are coming to an end in Russia. The first working week of 2012 begins January 10.

Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:12:33 GMT

Russian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas today on January 7. On Saturday night the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill serviced festive Christmas worship at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior attended by thousands of believers.

Russia in the final of World Junior Hockey Championships defeating Canada

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:16:18 GMT

Russia's team has defeated Canadians in an incredible semifinal match at the World Junior Hockey Championships with a score of 6-5 and now will try to defend the title in the game against the Swedes. Good luck in the final!

Russia is celebrating the New Year 2012

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:44:56 GMT

Russia is celebrating the New Year 2012. All Russian cities are decorated with additional lighting. A lot of concert places, skating rinks and ice slopes are opened everywhere. Russians will be on holidays for 10 days.

9.5 magnitude earthquake in Tuva Republic

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:13:40 GMT

December 27, 2011 the strongest ever recorded earthquake of magnitude 9.5 occurred about 100 km east of Kyzyl (Tuva Republic) at a depth of 10 km. The earth tremors were registered in Tuva, Khakassia and Altai Republics, Altai and Krasnoyarsk territories, Irkutsk, Kemerovo and Novosibirsk oblasts. According to preliminary information nobody died. The infrastructure was not damaged too.

Russia harvested about 98 million tons of grain this year

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:33:50 GMT

In the current agricultural season Russia harvested 97.8 million tons of grain, said Agriculture Minister Elena Skrynnik today. The total yield of sugar beet is 45 million tons, soybeans - 1.450 million tons, sunflower - 8 million tons, corn - 6 million tons.

Dec 24 - the rally against election fraud in Moscow

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:07:29 GMT

December 24, Sakharov Avenue in Moscow will be the place of the rally against election fraud in the State Duma. The announced number of participants is 50 thousand people. The meeting will begin at 14:00. Probably it will be the largest mass protest since the early 90s of last century.

European Court ordered Russia to pay Dubrovka attack victims

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:11:20 GMT

The European Court of Human Rights upheld a collective complaint of people suffered from terrorist attack in 2002 in the theater on Dubrovka. The court concluded that the rescue of the victims was inadequate. The court ordered Russia to pay 64 plaintiffs compensations in the amount of 8.8 to 66 thousand Euros.

Oil drilling rig capsized in ??Okhotsk Sea

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:57:02 GMT

Oil drilling rig "Kolskaya" has capsized on Sunday, about 200 kilometers off the coast of Sakhalin. According to recent data, there were 67 people on board. Currently, 14 people were rescued.

Final results of the All-Russia population census conducted in 2010

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:00:45 GMT

Russia's Federal State Statistics Service published the final results of the All-Russia population census conducted in 2010. Since 2002 the population decreased by 2.3 million and amounted to 142 million 857 thousand people. Russians live in 2,386 cities and towns and 134,000 villages (8,500 less compared to 2002).

Latest inflation forecast by Ministry of Economic Development of Russia

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:24:09 GMT

Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has lowered the forecast for inflation to 6.2-6.5%. Inflation in December may reach 0.6%. Inflation in Russia in November 2011 was 0.4%, from the beginning of the year - 5.6%. In November 2010 the rate was 0.8% and 7.6% respectively.

The rally against fraud elections in Moscow this Saturday

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:11:48 GMT

Mass protest against fraud elections to State Duma will be held at Bolotnaya Square in Moscow on Saturday, December 10, from 14:00 to 18:00. The rally is allowed by Moscow's authorities. The number of participants of the demonstration is limited to 30 thousand.

Russian scientists are going to clone mammoth

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:04:13 GMT

Scientists from Russia and Japan are preparing for experiment in which the mammoth can be cloned. The experts claim that cloning can be completed in the next five years. Unfortunately the chance of success is not above 1-5%.

Main results of Russian election

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:04:29 GMT

Russia's parliamentary elections were notable for two factors: widespread allegations of electoral violations from both insiders and foreign observers and the fall in popularity of the ruling party United Russia.

Citizens of Russia are voting for State Duma

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:35:46 GMT

The elections to the State Duma (Parliament) are held in Russia today. More than 96 thousand polling stations are opened across the country, where about 108 million Russians will make their choices. But there are some doubts that the elections will be fair.

Euro 2012 draw - Russia in Group A

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:19:23 GMT

Russia's national football team has received its rivals in the group stage of the European Championship 2012, which will take place in the fields of Poland and Ukraine next summer. The team of Dick Advocaat will compete with Poland, Greece and Czech Republic in group A.

Yandex becomes Windows Phone default search engine

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:08:56 GMT

Smartphones with Windows Phone 7, designed for the Russian market, will use Russian search engine "Yandex" by default. In particular, in the near future the communicators from such manufacturers as Nokia, HTC and Samsung will have it installed.

Mazda will produce its cars in Vladivostok in 2012

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:51:11 GMT

In 2012 the Japanese Mazda Motor Corp. will produce first cars at the site of the Russian company Sollers in Vladivostok. At the first stage of the production the capacity can reach 30-50 thousand cars a year.

Movie theaters refuse to screen "Khodorkovsky" documentary

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:35:45 GMT

Russia's movie networks refuse to show the documentary about imprisoned Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The premiere was scheduled for December 1, but 19 of the 20 Moscow movie theaters declined to screen it. The declines also came from St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and other cities.

The ISS crew has safely landed in Kazakhstan steppe

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:55:18 GMT

Russian manned spacecraft "Soyuz TMA-02M" has successfully landed near the town of Arkalyk (Kazakhstan) today. After half year of work on the ISS the crew consisting of Russian cosmonaut Sergei Volkov, Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa and U.S. astronaut Mike Fossum has safely returned to Earth.

Orthodox relic "Holy Belt of the Virgin" arrived to Moscow

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:35:34 GMT

Orthodox relic "Holy Belt of Mother of God" owned by Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos in Greece arrived in Moscow. It is believed that the relic can promote good health. Before Moscow the ark with the belt visited largest Russia cities, about two million people came to see it.

Tajikistan says it may release Russian pilot

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 02:32:11 GMT

Tajikistan can free Russian pilot sentenced to eight and a half years in jail. Let's hope it will happen as soon as possible.

Russian, U.S. crew safely dock with space station

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:08:14 GMT

Three astronauts in Russia's Soyuz spacecraft safely docked with the International Space Station on Wednesday, to the relief of agencies who had feared they might have to leave the orbiting base empty for the first time in a decade.

Russian rocket gives NASA a lift to space station

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:16:31 GMT

Russian Soyuz rocket blasted off amid heavy snow in Kazakhstan, beginning a two-day trip to ferry three astronauts to the International Space Station and opening a new era of American dependence on Russia. Good luck in flight!

Russia demonstrates its best combat aircraft at Dubai airshow

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 02:42:32 GMT

Russia will demonstrate its most advanced combat aircraft and air defense systems at a major air show in the Middle East, which started on Sunday. The Dubai Airshow will be held on November 13-17 in the United Arab Emirates.

WTO entry to benefit Russian economy

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:27:15 GMT

The WTO cleared the way to bring Russia into the fold, a move that would tie the nation into a global system of open markets and binding trade rules. The latest step follows an 18-year effort to bring Russian trade practices in line with international policies governing 153 other nations.

Russian Mars probe loses its way minutes after launch

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:21:21 GMT

A Russian space probe sent to collect rock and dust from a Martian moon has veered off course within minutes of starting its 33 month mission. The craft is currently stuck in an Earth orbit and engineers have three days to correct the fault before its batteries run out. Horrible year for Russian space industry.

Russia marks anniversary of 1941 military parade

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:24:44 GMT

Thousands of Russian soldiers and military cadets have marched across Red Square to honor the participants of the Nov. 7 1941 parade, who afterward headed to the frontline to defend Moscow from invading Nazi forces.

Muslims in Russia join Islamic world in Eid al-Adha festivities

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 04:03:42 GMT

Muslims in Russia join the Islamic world on Sunday in celebrating Eid al-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice, or Kurban Bairam, as it is called by Russian and Central Asian Muslims. Thousands of believers will come to mosques across Russia to take part in religious ceremonies.

Volunteers emerge from 520-day 'Mars voyage' isolation

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:23:35 GMT

Six volunteers from a multi-national crew on Friday stepped out of an isolation module in Moscow after almost one-and-a-half years locked away from the outside world to simulate the effects of a return voyage to Mars. Welcome back! Now waiting for real expedition to Mars.

Russia's inflation rate fell to 14-month low

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:35:03 GMT

Russia's inflation rate fell to a 14-month low in October, bringing the central bank closer to its goal of capping consumer-price increases at the least in two decades. Prices rose 7 percent from a year earlier.

Court awards Russian families $100,000 over past child swap

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:27:47 GMT

A court awarded two Russian families $100,000 each in compensation from a maternity home that accidentally switched their daughters at birth 12 years ago. The story has captivated Russia ever since the families learned about the switch several months ago. Terrible situation.

Russia ready to offer Europe $10 billion in aid through IMF

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:32:06 GMT

Russia is prepared to help Europe cope with its debt crisis by making as much as $10 billion available through the International Monetary Fund and hasn't ruled out offering bilateral help to European Union nations. Nobody wants the bankruptcy of Europe.

Russia launches 1st space station cargo ship since August crash

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:51:07 GMT

An unmanned Russian cargo ship launched toward the International Space Station packed with nearly three tons of supplies for the orbiting lab's crew in what marked the first delivery run to the station since an August rocket crash.

Deal for Russia to join WTO is accepted by Georgians

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 03:29:48 GMT

Georgian negotiators said they had accepted a Swiss compromise that would clear Russia's path to join the WTO in December, bringing an end to Moscow's 18-year application process. Really?

Russia will spend $200 million on Sochi track

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:12:14 GMT

Russian government plans to spend nearly $200 million building a motor racing circuit in Sochi to host the country's first Formula One grand prix in 2014.

Russia's Bolshoi Theatre set for grand reopening

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:44:47 GMT

Russia's Bolshoi Theater reopens on Friday with a star-studded gala performance after a more than six-year, $700-million restoration dogged by delays and financial scandal to reclaim its place as one of the world's cultural jewels.

Russia offers aid to quake-hit Turkey

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:37:42 GMT

Russia's Emergencies Ministry is ready to send rescuers and mobile medical unit to Turkey, where hundreds are feared dead after powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake. However Turkey has so far declined all offers of assistance. Can there be too much help in such circumstances?

NASA may extend Russian contract to fly to space station

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:34:54 GMT

Top NASA officials are quietly working to extend a contract with Moscow that would continue using Russian rockets to fly U.S. astronauts into space until 2016 and beyond. For how long will Russia have the profits of being space monopoly?

Russia Nears WTO Membership, Clearing EU Hurdle

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:58:16 GMT

Russia and European Union said they had removed their final bilateral barriers to Moscow's accession to WTO. The deal puts the biggest economy outside WTO the closest it has ever been to membership since it started negotiations 17 years ago. The last word is for Georgia now.

Russia surprised as Apple uses Glonass in new iPhone

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:31:22 GMT

The secret is out and making Russia proud: Apple has picked Russia's Glonass navigation system to run alongside GPS in its iPhone 4S models that hit stores this month.

Russia, Ukraine, Others Agree on Free-Trade Zone

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 02:47:11 GMT

Russia and seven other post-Soviet states, including Ukraine, signed an agreement on creating a free-trade zone, in another step in Moscow's drive to rebuild economic ties among former Soviet republics.

U.S. buys Alaska from Russia, Oct. 18, 1867

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:05:09 GMT

On this day in 1867, the United States took possession of Alaska after purchasing the territory from Russia. The transfer price was $7.2 million, or about $110 million in today's dollars (about 187 USD per 1 square mile). Great deal for the U.S., not sure about Russia.

10-Km-High Ash Column Rises From Russia's Shiveluch Volcano

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 02:56:57 GMT

An explosive eruption is taking place at Russia's Shiveluch volcano, located in the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting no fly zones to be imposed in the region. Ash plumes have risen to 34,500 ft (10.5 km).

ESA issues invitation to Russia to partner ExoMars mission

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:07:53 GMT

European Space Agency has issued a formal invitation to Russia to join the U.S.-European Mars exploration program in a last-ditch attempt to save the project from being cut in half. Good opportunity to spend money on something worthwhile.

Russia welcomes coalition forces' longer stay in Afghanistan

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:05:15 GMT

Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement saying that UN Security Council's decision to prolong the mandate of International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan would promote security in the region. International forces are doing really good job there for the safety of Russia.

Russia officially through to Euro 2012

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:06:38 GMT

Team Russia has officially booked a place at next year's Euro 2012, after destroying Andorra 6-0 in the final qualifying game at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Congratulations!

Russia ready in principle to buy Spanish debt

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:25:58 GMT

Russia is ready to buy Spanish government debt once the euro zone's member states have put in place a strategy to overcome the currency bloc's debt crisis. Still very risky investment or Spain will be Russian in case of default?

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:19:34 GMT

Talks between Georgia and Russia on the Russian bid to join the World Trade Organization made no progress at the latest meeting in Geneva, said Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergi Kapanadze. The price Russia pays for that stupid war.

Russia lends Venezuela $4 billion in return for oil projects

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 03:06:55 GMT

Russia agreed to lend Venezuela $4 billion through 2013 for defense spending in return for gaining access to heavy crude and offshore gas fields in the South American country. Another $4 billion that will be never returned but who cares Russia is so rich and prosperous.

Syria opposition slams "hostility" of Russia, China in UN vote

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:36:28 GMT

Syrian opposition leader accused Russia and China of putting their economic interests first and showing "hostility" toward Syrian people by blocking United Nations resolution demanding an end to violence.

"People like Steve Jobs change our world" - Medvedev

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:29:13 GMT

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has expressed his condolences to the family, friends and fans of Steve Jobs. "People like Steve Jobs change our world" - Medvedev wrote in his Twitter blog.

Andrei Kirilenko returns to Russia, signs to play for CSKA Moscow

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:09:30 GMT

Utah Jazz star forward Andrei Kirilenko is headed back to Russia, signing a three-year deal to rejoin CSKA Moscow. Kirilenko has an option in the contract that would allow him to return to the NBA when a labor lockout ends. Welcome home!

Russia's North faces danger from the Arctic ozone hole

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:30:15 GMT

Russia's subpolar regions may find themselves affected by a newly discovered hole in ozone layer above the Arctic. The depletion of ozone layer this year is the most serious on record and that the hole is likely to expand even further.

Russian rugby team bids farewell to New Zealand

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:22:32 GMT

Russia's inaugural Rugby World Cup campaign has ended. Russia lost all four of their group games, but rugby specialists marked their performance in New Zealand as they became the most successful World Cup debutants in history.

Russia's new floating station starts work in Arctic

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 02:40:14 GMT

A new Russian manned drifting weather station Severny Polyus-39 started operating in the Arctic Ocean. SP-39 has a crew of 16 specialists, including marine and ice scientists, hydrologists and meteorologists. Good luck in exploration!

Russia's Proton-M carrier rocket launches Mexican satellite

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:48:42 GMT

Russia's Proton-M space rocket has put Mexican QuetzSat-1 telecommunications satellite into a designated orbit on Thursday night. This was the second successful launch following a recent string of launch failures.

Car bomb kills eight in Russia's Dagestan

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:07:28 GMT

One policeman and seven civilians were killed when a car bomb exploded in Dagestan Republic on Wednesday. Three car bombs killed six people and gunmen killed four more, including a high-level law enforcement official, last week in the region. It is a real war there.

Russia abandons new orders of Kalashnikov AK-74 rifle

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:35:52 GMT

Russia has abandoned new purchases of its popular AK-74 automatic rifle, its top general said. The reserve of 10 million Kalashnikovs for an army of one million servicemen is more than enough.

Coke launches biggest Russia plant

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 02:38:14 GMT

Coca-Cola announced the launch of its largest in Russia $120 million plant in Rostov-on-Don in a move aimed at countering the growing influence in the region of PepsiCo. The company said it planned to invest about $3 billion in Russian economy in the next three years.

Kudrin resigns as Russia finance minister

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:18:37 GMT

Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who has been in his post since 2000, resigned on Monday following criticism of President Dmitry Medvedev. Really bad news.

Could Russia pipe gas to Seoul via North Korea?

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:07:00 GMT

Russia sells natural gas; South Korea wants to buy it. Building a pipeline seems like such an obvious solution but there is one problem. The crucial few hundred kilometers separating two countries run through North Korea.

Russia's Medvedev backs Putin for another presidential run

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:57:36 GMT

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called on the ruling United Russia party on Saturday to endorse Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for president in 2012. One more decade of lost opportunities for Russia?

1 dead, 60 wounded in Dagestan bombings

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:56:41 GMT

Two car bombs killed a Russian policeman and wounded 60 other people in Makhachkala - the capital of the violence-plagued republic of Dagestan. One of the reasons why FC Anzhi prefers to train near Moscow coming to Makhachkala only to play the matches.

Russia Faces Recession for Two Years With $50 Oil, IMF Says

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:19:22 GMT

Russia's economy would slip into recession for one to two years if oil prices fall to $50 a barrel next year and stay at that level, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Basketball-Russia beat Macedonia to take European bronze

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:33:16 GMT

Russian basketball team won the European championship bronze medal on Sunday when they beat the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia 72-68 in the dying seconds of a thrilling contest for a podium finish.

Volkswagen sees Russia as Europe's largest car market in 2013

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 04:54:43 GMT

Volkswagen expects Russian car market to become the Europe's largest in 2013 expecting new car sales in Russia to reach 2.4 million units this year, up from 1.9 million in 2010.

Fedor Emelianenko to fight in Moscow

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 02:14:00 GMT

Fedor Emelianenko, Russia's most decorated mixed martial artist, is scheduled to fight in Moscow on Nov. 20. Trying to break a three-bout losing streak dating back to 2009, Emelianenko, 34, meets American Jeff Monson. The loss in Moscow will be definitely the end of Fedor's career.

Russian Rocket Delays Risk Turning International Space Station Into Ghost Town

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:36:19 GMT

With no space shuttles to take astronauts to ISS the U.S. relies upon Russian rockets. But amid deep concerns over a recent rocket crash, Russia announced it was postponing the launch of the latest space station crew to Nov. 12. Will ISS be abandoned in case of the failure of the mission?

David Cameron visit to Russia

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:52:18 GMT

David Cameron has told Dmitry Medvedev that he wants Britain to build a stronger relationship with Russia despite there being unresolved issues. It is the first visit by a British leader since the murder of Russian ex-spy Litvinenko in London in 2006.

Russia won FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup!

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 09:55:00 GMT

Russians beat the team of Brazil 12:8 in the final match of Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy and won the world championship for the first time in history. Great!

Japan urges Russia to stop bomber flights

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:35:41 GMT

Russian bombers have flown around Japan amid a territorial dispute, Tokyo's Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said Friday, calling on Moscow to refrain from "provocative" military action. Russia would have only benefited from giving the islands back to Japan but unfortunately the majority of Russian people and therefore politicians will not accept it.

Russia blames 'chance' defect for space crash

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 01:50:12 GMT

Russia blamed a one-off production fault in a rocket engine for the crash of an unmanned spaceship last month but nevertheless ordered checks of all similar rocket motors. Need double, triple checks to make the space flights successful.

St. Petersburg marks 70 years of Leningrad Siege

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 03:08:24 GMT

Russia's second-largest city Saint-Petersburg is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the start of a deadly 29-month-long Nazi siege during the World War II that cut its population by nearly a million people.

Russian jet carrying hockey team crashes, 43 dead

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:42:22 GMT

At least 43 people have died in the crash of Yak-42 plane carrying a top ice hockey team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. The plane crashed immediately after takeoff from an airport near Yaroslavl city. Our condolences to the relatives and friends of the victims.

Russia starts pumping gas to Europe

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:37:03 GMT

Russia will begin pumping the first gas through the long-awaited $10 billion and 1,220 km Nord Stream pipeline so that European clients can receive gas next month or in November. Transit countries will not be happy.

Russia second in Athletic Worlds medals count

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 02:39:18 GMT

Russia have grabbed second place in the unofficial medals count at World Athletics Championships, equaling Soviet Union's 1991 record. Russian athletes have won 9 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze medals. Russian sport is on the rise, isn't it?

Russia's Chicherova claims her first senior world title in women's high jump

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:12:00 GMT

Russian jumper Anna Chicherova claimed her first ever senior major title after clearing 2.03 meters in the high jump final at the Daegu worlds, ending a 12-year wait since she won the first world youth title back in 1999. Our congratulations!

Russia Recognizes Libya Rebels as World Leaders Meet in Paris to Discuss Aid

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 03:20:07 GMT

As world leaders gathered for a major conference to try to consolidate international support and reconstruction aid for Libya, Russia recognized rebel government despite its opposition to NATO bombing campaign. Economic interests are above everything else.

Rosneft teams up with Exxon Mobil in Arctic deal

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 03:58:04 GMT

Russia's state-owned Rosneft teamed up with U.S. company Exxon Mobil in a multibillion deal to develop offshore oil fields in Russian Arctic in return for access to resources in Gulf of Mexico.

Russian parliamentary poll set for December

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 02:59:33 GMT

Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president, has announced that parliamentary elections will be held on December 4, a vote that could determine the presidential succession next year. The results of the "elections" have been already decided?

Russia's Povetkin beats Uzbekistan's Chagaev for WBA crown

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:18:33 GMT

Russian boxer Aleksander Povetkin beat Ruslan Chagaev of Uzbekistan to take the vacant World Boxing Association heavyweight title on a unanimous points decision in Erfurt, Germany. Will the next fight be versus one of Klitschko brothers?

ISS-bound Russian transport rocket crashes to Earth

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:58:42 GMT

An unmanned Russian cargo spacecraft has crashed back to Earth in Siberia after blasting off towards the International Space Station. Officials have said the six ISS astronauts still have plenty of supplies. So the next launch will be critical.

Anzhi make Samuel Eto'o the world's highest paid footballer

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:18:53 GMT

Samuel Eto'o is on his way to Russia, where billionaire oligarch Suleyman Kerimov will make him the highest paid footballer in the world. It did happen.

Russia marks National Flag Day

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:41:42 GMT

Russia marks National Flag Day. On August 22nd, 1991, following the collapse of the State Committee of the State of Emergency, the white-blue-red flag became one of the main symbols of new Russia.

North Korea's Kim arrives in Russia for talks

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:53:00 GMT

North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il arrived in his armored train in Russia and plans to meet President Dmitry Medvedev, the Kremlin said. Welcome comrade!

Russia plans for a post-Soviet union

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:03:19 GMT

Friday marks 20th anniversary of KGB-inspired coup that aimed to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev, the reformist Soviet leader, and replace him with a clique of army generals, security men and communist party reactionaries.

Two mauled in unprecedented Russia shark attacks

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:04:11 GMT

A shark attacked a 16-year-old youth in Russia's Primorye region, officials said, a day after a man lost his hands in a similar shark attack unprecedented for the region. What is wrong with the sharks all over the world?

Russia to build first space hotel

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:22:49 GMT

Russia has announced ambitious plans to build a hotel in space 217 miles above ground. It will have room for seven guests in four cabins, each with views of the Earth below. Sounds a bit unrealistic but may be it is the beginning of real space tourism?

Russia Pushes To Claim Arctic As Its Own

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 03:53:06 GMT

At present, Russia has some islands in the Arctic Ocean. But aside from that, the country's northern border effectively ends where the ocean begins. Russian government is now making the argument that its border should be extended northward.

Russia set to be biggest buyer at own airshow

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 03:58:20 GMT

Russia will showcase its top-of-the-range fighter jets and newest space shuttles at the MAKS airshow, starting on Tuesday.

CSTO to strengthen cyber defense after Arab unrests

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 03:29:13 GMT

Collective Security Treaty Organization uniting Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan plans to strengthen defense in cyberspace, as regimes in Egypt and Libya have been overthrown mainly thanks to Twitter and Facebook. Everything is much easier - don't rule individually for decades, ok?

Russian GDP Growth Slowed to 3.4% in Second Quarter, Missing Estimates

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:54:43 GMT

Russia's economy slowed for a second quarter. Gross domestic product expanded 3.4% from a year earlier in the April-June period, compared with 4.1% in the first quarter.

Eto'o agent confirms striker set for Russia switch

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:45:28 GMT

The agent of Samuel Eto'o has confirmed the Inter Milan striker is close to sealing a move to Anzhi Makhachkala. The owner of the team really wants the title and doesn't care about the cost of it.

Russian ruble drops to 6-month low

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:09:42 GMT

Russian ruble lost nearly 3 percent against the dollar to a six-month low on the back of the U.S. debt downgrade and a sharp fall in oil prices.

Arctic Sea Ice Melt Provides Opening For Commercial Shipping

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 03:54:39 GMT

Icebreaker-free shipping through the Northern Sea Route can now proceed following a near-record rate of Arctic ice melt, Russia's environmental agency announced.

Russia to explore Atlantic Ocean for gold, copper

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:59:02 GMT

Two days after China got permission to explore Indian Ocean for iron ore, Russia was granted authorisation to explore the ocean bed of the Atlantic Ocean for gold and copper.

Spacewalkers ready space station for Russian upgrade

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 03:18:56 GMT

A pair of spacewalking cosmonauts floated outside the International Space Station to prepare the orbital outpost for upcoming Russian renovations.

Russia Targets Asia With Cheapest Wheat

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:56:25 GMT

Russia is offering the largest discount on the grain in at least four years and targeting buyers in Southeast Asia to regain its share of the world market after lifting an export ban a month ago.

Russia face Portugal test in World Cup qualifiers

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:23:16 GMT

The 2014 World Cup has officially begun for Russia, with Dick Advocaat's men being drawn with Portugal, Israel, Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxemburg in qualifying Group F. Not bad but unfortunately there are no easy rivals for Russian team of today.

Russia may lose 30% of permafrost by 2050

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 02:31:56 GMT

Russia's vast permafrost areas may shrink by a third by the middle of the century due to global warming, endangering infrastructure in the Arctic zone, an emergencies ministry official said Friday.

Russia battles high temperatures

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:30:29 GMT

Russia on Thursday sweltered in abnormally hot summer weather as the emergency services sought to control expanding countryside blazes to prevent a repeat of last year's devastating wildfires.

Russia Investigates Web Security Amid Leaks of Data

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:32:32 GMT

Russia's fast-growing Internet has been hit with its first big brouhaha over privacy, as a wave of sensitive data such as text messages, government documents have been turning up in Web searches. No more secrets in Internet age.

Russia Pledges to Cut Number of Smokers by 2050

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 01:17:56 GMT

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wants to cut the number of smokers by 10 to 15 percent by 2050. Those are huge ambitions considering 40 percent of Russians light up.

High jumper Chicherova on song ahead of worlds

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 02:24:37 GMT

Russian high-jumper Anna Chicherova sent a warning to her rivals at the upcoming world athletics championships by clearing 2.07m at the Russian championships which is a new national record just 2 cm below world record.

Russia's Bolshoi plans October gala reopening

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:30:50 GMT

Russia's Bolshoi Theater is to finally reopen on October 28 with a lavish ballet and opera gala after a six-year closure for a sometimes fraught restoration. What a nice restoration it should be for about 1 billion USD spent.

Russia's Economy Second-Quarter Slowdown

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:16:49 GMT

Russia's economy slowed in the second quarter. Gross domestic product expanded 3.7 percent from a year earlier in the April-June period, less than the 4.1 percent growth in the first three months of 2011.

Russia classifies beer as alcoholic

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:09:48 GMT

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a bill that officially classifies beer as alcoholic. Until now anything containing less than 10% alcohol in Russia has been considered a foodstuff. Will kvass and kefir be the exceptions?

Russia wins synchronized duet final at worlds

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:10:34 GMT

Natalia Ischenko won her second gold medal in synchronized swimming at the world championships, teaming with Svetlana Romashina to win the duet technical final Monday a night after taking the solo gold. Well done!

Space telescope to create radio 'eye' larger than Earth

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:34:40 GMT

Russian space telescope RadioAstron was successfully launched on Monday. The mission is to sync up with radio antennas on the ground forming the biggest telescope yet built, with a "dish" spanning almost 30 times the Earth's diameter.

Kazan to host world swim championships

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:01:29 GMT

Kazan has been awarded the right to host world swimming championships in 2015. Congratulations!

Russia launches US satellites

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:19:59 GMT

Russian Soyuz rocket successfully carried six US Globalstar satellites into orbit on Wednesday after postponing the launch twice earlier this week.

Volga boat tragedy: Russia mourns Bulgaria victims

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 01:59:08 GMT

Russia is observing a day of mourning after as many as 110 people died when an overloaded boat sank on the Volga. We bring our condolences to all the victims of this tragedy.

Russian cruise ship sank in minutes in Volga River

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 01:57:22 GMT

Emergency workers have found 12 bodies and are searching for more than 110 people after a Russian cruise ship sank in the Volga River, according to Emergency Ministry officials.

Russian volleyball players win World League

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 01:54:12 GMT

Russian national men's volleyball team has scooped the gold for the second time in history, claiming the World League title. In the final match Russians defeated Brazilian team 3-2. Good job!

Russia to celebrate anniversary of St. Basil's

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 02:35:06 GMT

Russia will celebrate the 450th anniversary of St. Basil's Cathedral by opening an exhibition dedicated to the so-called "holy fool" who gave his name to the church that is a quintessential image of Russia.

Russia wants Olympic Torch Relay to go into space

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 01:44:39 GMT

Russia has made plans to become the first country to send the Olympic Torch into space for 2014 Winter Games in Sochi in what would be the longest-ever Olympic Torch Relay. Great idea!

Russia to submit U.N. Arctic claim next year

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:01:33 GMT

Russia said it would formally submit an application to the United Nations next year to redraw the map of the Arctic, giving itself a bigger share. 17 million square km of land is not enough?

Russian airliners targeted by 'laser hooligans'

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:12:30 GMT

In a series of potentially serious incidents several commercial airliners have been targeted with laser pointers while landing at Moscow and several other airports of Russia. Hooligans of the 21st century.

Russia's soon-to-be-increased role on rare metals markets

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:37:32 GMT

Russia has a whole array of deposits of rare metals widely used in technology applications ranging from cell phones to missile systems. The bright future of Russia when the oil runs out?

EuroBasket Women final: Russia routs Turkey

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 02:31:37 GMT

Congratulations to the ladies of Russian team, who claimed their third FIBA EuroBasket Women title with a convincing 59-42 win against Turkey in the championship match last night!

Russia Pre-Election Spending Risk

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 01:16:47 GMT

Russia's central bank is concerned government spending will increase in the run-up to parliamentary and presidential elections spurring inflation in the second half of the year. Politicians don't care.

Campbell Finds It Can't Break Russian Tradition

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 02:48:44 GMT

After four years in Russia, iconic American soupmaker Campbell announced that it is giving up. The reason for departure may lie in Russia's conservative food culture. Nothing is better than homemade soup.

Russia Cuts Power to Belarus

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:57:20 GMT

Russia's state electricity monopoly InterRao cut power supplies to Belarus over $43 million of unpaid bills, deepening an economic crisis that has eroded support for the country's authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko.

Norilsk Nickel Plans to Double Arctic Shipments

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 02:36:56 GMT

Norilsk Nickel, largest Russian mining company, plans to spend $370 million to double its shipments across Arctic Ocean by 2016 as global warming allows the route to rival the journey through Suez Canal. The benefits of global warming?

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:22:41 GMT

Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov was elected chairman of the Pravoye Delo political party as the pro-democracy movement seeks to challenge Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's United Russia in this year's election. Let's see what will happen next.

Russia 2018 WCup organizer vows to fight racism

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:44:51 GMT

Russia will launch a campaign against racism in soccer, looking to end such displays as the one in a game this week. Unfortunately racism has become entrenched in some of the country's fan clubs.

Russia lifts ban on European vegetable imports

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 04:10:18 GMT

Russia has said it will resume importing vegetables from the European Union three weeks after it banned them over the E.coli outbreak. The EU is expected to start exports this week. No WTO membership otherwise?

Air crash in north-west Russia claims 44 lives

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:03:42 GMT

Forty-four people have died in an air crash of Tu-134 plane in north-west Russia near Petrozavodsk (Karelia). Another eight have been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Russia retains its title - European Team Championships

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:41:05 GMT

Russia carried on its winning ways, despite several torrential downpours during the second day, and eventually defending their European Athletics Team Championships title. Well done!

Spain Has Asked Russia To Buy Spanish Debt

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 04:20:54 GMT

Spain has expressed desire for Russia to invest its foreign reserves in the country's debt, Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said Saturday. Let's buy some Spain.

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrives in Russia

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:34:34 GMT

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a state visit aimed at deepening pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia.

Nuclear shutdown to benefit Russia

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:15:25 GMT

The post-Fukushima wave of planned nuclear phase-outs is set to benefit leading gas exporters such as Russia as the world adjusts to a lower nuclear share in the energy mix. Will Europe become increasingly dependent on Russia?

China-Russia strategic dialogue opens in Beijing

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:46:33 GMT

The 5th China-Russia people-to-people friendly strategic dialogue opened in Beijing to promote the development of the strategic partnership of cooperation between the two nations through non-governmental exchanges.

Russia objects to US warship in Black Sea

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 03:42:36 GMT

Russia is voicing concern about guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey now just off its shores in Black Sea taking part in annual joint military exercises conducted by NATO and Ukraine. Scared of one warship?

Russia Agrees to Lift European Vegetable Ban

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 03:24:55 GMT

Russia will lift its ban on imports of fresh vegetables from the EU after a deadly outbreak of E. coli, President Dmitry Medvedev said after talks with his EU counterparts.

Russia�s Soyuz successfully lifted off for ISS

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 02:56:09 GMT

Russia's Soyuz spacecraft was successfully lifted off for ISS carrying Russian cosmonaut Sergei Volkov, NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa. Good luck!

Family units in Russia face crisis

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:22:07 GMT

Numbers of couples opting to remain childless in Russia are growing, while those with several children face entrenched discrimination. Preferring not to have additional problems.

Belarus to get $3 bln loan

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 01:57:54 GMT

The financially struggling Belarus is to receive a $3 billion loan from a Russia-dominated group in exchange for privatizing a large chunk of its state-controlled economy. Will Lukashenko deceive Russia again?

Evacuating Russians from Yemen

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 02:10:36 GMT

Russian Embassy in Yemen is preparing to evacuate Russian citizens from the country said the press attache of the embassy in Sana'a Aidar Buygunov. Just in time.

Italy's Fiat to invest $1.1 billion in Russia

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:21:13 GMT

Italian carmaker Fiat will invest $1.1 billion and build 120,000 cars a year in Russia to take advantage of state investment incentives and a recovering car industry.

Russia Bans German and Spanish Vegetables

Tue, 31 May 2011 03:30:00 GMT

Russia is banning the importation of German and Spanish vegetables following a deadly outbreak of E.coli in Europe. Let's hope it is not too late.

Destruction of Russian chemical weapons

Mon, 30 May 2011 02:02:00 GMT

Russia has destroyed over half of chemical weapons it had, Valery Kapashin, the head of Federal Department for Safe Storage and Destruction of Chemical Weapons, told. The right way to go.

Russia to lift grain exports ban

Sat, 28 May 2011 02:24:18 GMT

Russia said it would soon lift a ban on grain exports that was imposed in August 2010 in the middle of an unprecedented drought that wiped out harvests.

Religious art exhibit "Holy Rus"

Thu, 26 May 2011 02:57:03 GMT

Russia opened unique exhibit of religious art "Holy Rus" at Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery displaying the art works from Russian state existed in the Middle Ages. The glorious past.

Cosmonaut Georgy Grechko 80th birthday

Wed, 25 May 2011 02:59:13 GMT

Soviet cosmonaut Georgy Grechko is celebrating his 80th birthday today. He flew to the orbit three times and spent 134 days in outer space. Happy birthday!

Yandex raised $1.3 billion in IPO

Tue, 24 May 2011 03:19:38 GMT

Yandex NV, the owner of Russia's most popular Internet search engine, raised $1.3 billion in a U.S. initial public offering, pricing its shares above the sale's marketed range.

Fires are spreading across Siberia

Sun, 22 May 2011 02:40:37 GMT

Fires are spreading fast across vast Siberian forests in a reminder of last year's worst drought on record which killed dozens of people and forced Russia to suspend grain exports. And summer has not even come yet.

Russian $3 billion loan to Belarus

Fri, 20 May 2011 03:14:58 GMT

Russia has offered Belarus a desperately needed $3 billion loan. Russia's finance minister says a major condition will be in the form of Minsk selling off certain national assets. At least something useful.

Medvedev about re-election

Wed, 18 May 2011 02:29:25 GMT

Dmitry Medvedev, addressing his first full press conference as Russian president, has refused to be drawn on whether he will seek re-election. It looks like it is not his decision to make.

Russia: Rich in heritage, poor in income

Mon, 16 May 2011 03:00:34 GMT

Russia may rank among the top 15 countries by the number of World Heritage natural and cultural sites but tourism accounts for just three per cent of the gross domestic product. The oil curse as it is.

1,000 days until the Olympic Games in Sochi

Sat, 14 May 2011 03:27:50 GMT

Russia on Saturday started a 1,000-day countdown to the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. Not a lot of time left.

World ice hockey championship 2016 in Russia

Fri, 13 May 2011 04:27:57 GMT

Russia won the right to stage the 2016 world ice hockey championship, the latest in a series of international sporting events to be awarded to the world's largest country. Welcome everyone, especially Canada.

Maradona leads star team in Chechnya

Thu, 12 May 2011 02:54:31 GMT

Diego Maradona took to the field Wednesday to captain a team of retired superstars in a ceremonial match to mark the opening of a new stadium in Chechnya.

Ice hockey championship - Canada vs Russia

Wed, 11 May 2011 02:50:43 GMT

The ice hockey rivalry between Canada and Russia will play out another chapter this week at the world ice hockey championship in a do-or-die game. Let the best team win.

Victory Day parade

Mon, 09 May 2011 03:29:34 GMT

Tens of thousands of soldiers marched in lockstep across Red Square in Russia's annual Victory Day display of military might. People love parades.

Balancing Russian budget and oil prices

Sat, 07 May 2011 02:22:41 GMT

Russia's ability to balance its budget has come under threat after a sharp drop in crude prices, especially since the Kremlin plans on boosting spending during coming elections. It is amazing - oil price of $100 a barrel is low for Russia.

Canada sends wood bison to Russia

Thu, 05 May 2011 02:45:15 GMT

Canadian wildlife officials have delivered a shipment of 30 wood bison from a national park in Alberta to a historic buffalo stomping ground in sub-Arctic Russia.

Russia welcomed the killing of bin Laden

Mon, 02 May 2011 02:57:01 GMT

Russia welcomed the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. special forces in Pakistan. Finally it happened!

Spring and Labor Day

Sun, 01 May 2011 02:20:38 GMT

Russia celebrates a national holiday, Spring and Labor Day with trade unions and political parties set to hold rallies across the country. Just another day off for the majority of Russians.

Germany defeated Russia in hockey

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:26:11 GMT

The opening game of 2011 World Hockey Championship produced a stunning result, as Germany defeated Russia 2-0 for its first victory in 38 games. Let's hope it was the last defeat.

Yandex IPO on Nasdaq

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 02:35:07 GMT

Russia's largest internet search engine Yandex on Thursday officially announced plans to hold an initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq. Should Google be scared?

Russia faces fuel crisis

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:49:34 GMT

Russia, the world's largest oil producer, faces a regional fuel supply crisis that could quickly spread. The cobbler's wife is the worst shod.

The 25th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:32:35 GMT

The world is marking the 25th anniversary of the worst nuclear accident in history happened in Chernobyl. Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill led the night-time service near a monument to firefighters.

World Figure Skating Championship starts in Moscow

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 02:46:50 GMT

World Figure Skating Championship officially starts in the Russian capital today. It will be the third time Russia hosts such championship. Good luck to all the participants!

Russia is celebrating Easter

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 02:10:04 GMT

Russia is celebrating Easter. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill has held an overnight festive service at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

SpaceX not allowed to dock with ISS

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:16:16 GMT

Russia will not permit the first U.S. commercial spacecraft to dock with the ISS unless its safety is fully tested. Waiting for first commercial space station.

Siberian tigers for South Korea

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:11:31 GMT

South Korea is expected to receive three Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, from Russia in the first half of the year.

Russian little progress against drugs

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:14:28 GMT

Russia has failed to make progress in fighting a growing drug epidemic having the world's third-largest heroin abuse rate and accounting for a third of all heroin deaths worldwide.

Regulating Internet in Russia

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 03:56:53 GMT

Russia is looking to the experience of other countries, including China, to "regulate" Internet use, though Moscow has no plans to broaden web censorship, a government spokesman said. Of course everything is for pure knowledge.

BRICS calls for Russia in WTO

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 03:55:27 GMT

Russia's partners in the BRICS grouping of large emerging nations called on Thursday for Moscow to be granted membership of the WTO as soon as possible. Endless process.

50th anniversary of Gagarin's flight

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 03:29:29 GMT

Today the world is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight - the first space travel of human being. Perhaps the most important date in the history of mankind.

Presidents of Russia, Poland to mark crash date

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:36:07 GMT

The presidents of Russia and Poland are expected today to visit the site of the plane crash near Smolensk that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 95 other people one year ago.

First Russian Apple store

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 03:20:53 GMT

Top executives of Apple's retail team has visited Russia to find a perfect place for a store. Hotel Moskva near the Red Square was chosen. This would be the first Apple store in Russia.

Gagarin's flight coming anniversary

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:25:12 GMT

The 27-year-old's 108-minute flight on April 12, 1961 is still remembered in Russia even after the collapse of the Soviet Union as its greatest national achievement.

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:48:22 GMT

Russia's Economy Ministry has raised its 2011 inflation forecast to 7%-7.5% from 6%-7%, Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Klepach said. And with the elections coming the inflation rate will be even higher.

Soyuz successful launch towards ISS

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:28:24 GMT

Russia has today launched yet another of its Soyuz spacecraft towards the stars on a scheduled crew run to the ISS. Have a nice flight!

New high-speed trains for World Cup

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 02:51:14 GMT

Free travel on new high-speed trains should allay fans' fears about long journey to Ekaterinburg - the most far-flung city on Russia's list of sites for 2018 World Cup. Let's hope the train will not break down in the middle of nowhere.

Russia lifted ban on travel to Egypt

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:13:56 GMT

Russia has lifted its ban on travel to Egypt. Russia issued the travel ban during the beginning of Egypt's Revolution. And a lot of Russian tourists immediately rushed there.

Soyuz spacecraft launch to ISS

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 01:12:37 GMT

Russia is making its final preparations for the launch of its Soyuz spacecraft to the ISS ahead of the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first manned journey into space. Good luck!

Lyudila Gurchenko died

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:23:13 GMT

Russia is mourning the death of Lyudila Gurchenko. A brilliant actress and the idol of millions, she died yesterday, at the age of 75.

Message in bottle tale

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:15:45 GMT

A Russian boy has answered a message in a bottle from a German child nearly a quarter of a century after it was dropped from a ship into the Baltic. Like a fairy tale.

Aleksei Navalny fight against corruption

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:54:05 GMT

A 34-year-old real estate lawyer by training, Aleksei Navalny can reach as many as a million unique visitors in a day with his digital samizdat against graft, kickbacks and bribery in Russia. The development of Russian civil society?

First podium of Vitaly Petrov

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 02:11:35 GMT

Russian Formula One racer Vitaly Petrov was on the podium on Sunday for the first time in his racing career, after finishing third at Australian Grand Prix. May be first Russian champion in future?

Russia to host figure skating championship

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:27:05 GMT

Russia has received the right to host the world championships in figure skating this spring. Initially, Japan had it, but due to the natural disaster was forced to cancel the Championships.

Russian president hosted Deep Purple

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:11:23 GMT

Ardent British rock fan Dmitry Medvedev got his wish on Tuesday night when Russian president hosted Deep Purple at his luxurious residence near Moscow. When the dreams come true.

Russian oil supply to Japan

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:41:45 GMT

Russia is set to double its crude oil supply to earthquake-devastated Japan this year to some 18 million tonnes as a part of an energy aid package.

Robert Gates visit to Russia

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:00:21 GMT

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is meeting with Russian leaders for talks that are expected to include the military action in Libya.

Russia calls for ceasefire in Libya

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 02:41:24 GMT

Russia has expressed 'regret' over the international military strikes against Libya and called for a ceasefire in the North African country. Usual cautious position - supporting neither war nor peace.

Russian space monopoly

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 01:21:29 GMT

Russia is capitalising on the end of America's space shuttle programme to charge Nasa far more for transporting its astronauts to the International Space Station. Monopoly as it is.

Far East radiation fears

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:15:36 GMT

Health authorities in Russia's Far East warned local residents against uncontrolled consumption of iodine-rich substances among fears of radiation fallout. When panic is the main threat.

Nuclear power plant for Belarus

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:55:54 GMT

Russia will build a $9.4 billion nuclear power plant for Belarus, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said. The project will likely anchor the smaller neighbor even further to Russia's political orbit. Just in time.

Soyuz spacecraft landed safely

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:06:02 GMT

A Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying a U.S.-Russian trio of astronauts landed safely in Kazakhstan. U.S. astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonauts Oleg Skripochka and Alexander Kaleri arrived at 0754 GMT. Good job!

Russia bans Gaddafi

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:57:05 GMT

President Dmitry Medvedev banned Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his family from Russia and from carrying out financial transactions in the country. No more tents in the Kremlin.

More energy supplies to Japan

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:43:35 GMT

Japan has asked Russia for more energy supplies as the earthquake-ravaged country is bracing for electricity shortages following the disaster, Russian government said.

Far East radiation levels

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 01:41:36 GMT

Radiation levels in Russia's Far East remain within the norm following an accident at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, a spokesman for Russian Emergencies Ministry's local branch said.

Russia and high oil prices

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 03:34:46 GMT

With the price of oil climbing to more than $100 a barrel, Russia has a little more weight to throw around on the world stage, and it is doing just that. And of course the urgency of reforms is decreasing greatly.

Russia stops arms sales to Libya

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 02:14:07 GMT

Russia announced on Thursday it was banning the sale of all weapons to Libya, in line with its support of UN sanctions against Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

Record car sales in Russia

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:11:49 GMT

Car sales in Russia rose 80%, by 73,588 units, in February compared with the year earlier period, the Association of European Business said. Sales in January were up 72% on year. High oil prices are already here.

Russia celebrates Women�s Day

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:52:23 GMT

On March 8, Russia celebrates Women's Day. In Russia, this is one of the best loved holidays. It is an official day off, and men present flowers and other gifts to women.

The cooperation of Russia and China

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 03:24:11 GMT

China says its relations with Russia have been "lifted to a higher level," and hopes to boost bilateral cooperation in addressing international problems. Russia is becoming China's satellite?

Russia is the leader of European Athletics

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 03:22:32 GMT

With 6 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze awards, Russia is first in medals table of European Athletics Indoor Championships, which have ended in Paris. Good job!

Food for Libyan refugees

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 03:13:34 GMT

Russian plane carrying humanitarian aid for Libyan refugees arrived Sunday in Tunisia. It delivered food supplies, including baby food, and tents for Libyan refugees in Tunisia. Everything counts.

Su-27 designer died

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 04:08:51 GMT

Aircraft designer Mikhail Simonov, whose supremely maneuverable, heavily armed and far-flying Sukhoi fighter jet became an icon of Soviet defense industry died in Moscow on Friday after a long illness.

Canceling visas for foreigners

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:11:34 GMT

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is ready to cancel entry visas to foreigners. FSB officials say that this initiative will affect Russia's security in no way because border control will remain. Would be great.

Russia receives police

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:32:24 GMT

The law on the police has come into force in Russia. The reforms are aimed at establishing partnership relations between citizens and law enforcement officers. The end of Soviet militia?

Gorbachev about present Russia

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:10:56 GMT

Approaching his 80th birthday, Mikhail Gorbachev frowns when he speaks of Russia sliding back into Soviet authoritarian ways he thought he defeated. The Soviet past has very deep roots in present Russia.

Russia's budget 2011 deficit

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:43:48 GMT

Russia's budget deficit may fall to 2% of gross domestic product or less in 2011, from 3.9% last year, Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said on Monday. More revolutions = more profit for Russia?

Vera Sokolova broke world record

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 01:52:33 GMT

Vera Sokolova broke the world record in the women's 20 km walk on Saturday, taking over half a minute off the old mark set by fellow Russian Olimpiada Ivanova in 2005. Congratulations!

Russia and Spain cooperation

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:57:35 GMT

President Dmitry Medvedev and King Juan Carlos I of Spain were in St. Petersburg on Friday launching the year-long Spanish Season in Russia and Russian Season in Spain.

Freedom of serfs exhibit

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 03:02:20 GMT

Tsar Alexander II and President Abraham Lincoln now share the spotlight in a new exhibit, which Russia and the United States opened on Tuesday in the State Archive in Moscow.

Russian nuclear powered train

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:41:23 GMT

Rosatom and Russian Railways are seriously developing a nuclear powered train. The engine of the train will be a small fast breeder reactor. Waiting for Russian nuclear powered cars.

Fatherland Defenders' Day

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:37:50 GMT

Russia marks the Fatherland Defenders' Day. People pay a tribute of respect and recognition to the service members, army and navy veterans. Unofficially, people regard the Defenders' Day as a festive occasion for all men.

Evacuation from Libya

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:02:16 GMT

Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry is working with Foreign Ministry to secure permission for Russian airplanes to fly through Libyan airspace to evacuate Russian citizens.

Bobsleigh gold for Russia

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:22:33 GMT

Russia's Alexander Zubkov and Alexey Voevoda have won gold in two-man race at the world championship in bobsleigh in Koenigssee in Germany. The first but not the last?

Bombs defused in Elbrus area

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 02:16:12 GMT

Three car bombs defused in Elbrus area in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria had the combined strength of 70 kg of TNT. The area of attacks is constantly growing.

Deyneka exhibition in Rome

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:08:29 GMT

An exhibition of works by Soviet artist Alexander Deyneka has opened in Rome, marking the start of the Year of Russia in Italy and the Year of Italy in Russia.

Roberto Carlos moves to Russia

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:55:14 GMT

Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos has left Corinthians to join Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala on a free transfer. Great PR move for a team not from the top of Russian championship.

NATO and Russian army

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:37:24 GMT

NATO was not impressed by Russian army after two large maneuvers in 2009 because its forces relied on aging equipment, lacked transport and suffered from manpower shortages. Still having a lot of nuclear missiles.

Speed skating championship victory

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 03:21:56 GMT

Russia's Ivan Skobrev won the world all-around speed skating championship on Sunday at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, Canada. Congratulations!

Fedor Emelianenko retirement

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 02:28:13 GMT

Fedor Emelianenko had been considered the best heavyweight fighter for the better part of a decade. Those days might be over, along with his sterling career. Nevertheless he is a legend already.

Russian population decline

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 03:34:12 GMT

Russia's ageing population could plummet by more than 20 million in the next 40 years, Standard & Poor's ratings agency predicted, from 140 million in 2010 to 116 million in 2050. Still enough to pump the oil.

New visa for Luke Harding

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:04:15 GMT

Russia is ready to give expelled British Guardian journalist Luke Harding a new visa if he resolves outstanding administrative problems, the foreign ministry said. Too late to save the face.

Winter/summer time reverts canceled

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:36:03 GMT

30 years after introduction of reverts to winter/summer time Russia is going to put an end to this practice. From autumn 2011 Russians will not put the clock one hour back. A lot of playing with time last years.

2014 Winter Olympics mascots

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:39:45 GMT

The potential mascots for 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi premiered on the air Monday night in the first public presentation of the images after months of collecting ideas and design work. Unfortunately they ignored Zoich.

Russia won Winter Universiade Games

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:07:08 GMT

Russia topped the medal tally at the 25th Winter Universiade Games with 14 gold, 14 silver and 10 bronze medals in the end of the competition. Will the result of Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics be the same?

Russian caviar to Europe

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:34:50 GMT

Russia issued a permit to export caviar for the first time in nine years. The permit allows for 150 kilograms (331 pounds) of caviar to be shipped to Europe next week. Bon appetite!

Luzhkov returning to Russia?

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:36:55 GMT

Former Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who failed to obtain residence permit in Latvia, promised to return to Russia to continue the struggle against his opponents. It is so easy to promise it while living in Austria.

Special plane to Italy

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 03:15:09 GMT

A special plane of Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations took on board a two-year-old girl and her mother at Novosibirsk airport to airlift the child to Italy for heart transplantation surgery.

Anna Chapman name trademarked

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:10:16 GMT

Russia's sultry spy Anna Chapman has trademarked her name so that she can start producing her own brand of vodka and perfume, a Russian daily reported. Drink vodka, become a spy!

First monument to Yeltsin

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:44:13 GMT

Today is the 80th anniversary of the birth of Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia. President Medvedev today unveiled a monument to Yeltsin in his home city Ekaterinburg. First one in Russia.

Russian citizens evacuation from Egypt

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:41:29 GMT

Everything has been prepared for evacuation of Russian citizens from Egypt, but such a decision has not been taken so far. Let's hope the decision won't be too late.

Cargo ship docked ISS

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 01:42:34 GMT

An unmanned Russian cargo ship docked with International Space Station to deliver three tons of supplies to outpost's crew, including a tiny satellite and birthday gifts for orbiting lab's commander. Good job.

Flu in central Russia

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:00:39 GMT

Moscow and at least two other cities shut all their elementary schools Saturday to help fight one of the worst flu outbreaks to hit central Russia in more than a decade, officials said. Happens every year.

Financial center in Moscow

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:57:20 GMT

Russia needs to strengthen real economy and build a convenient urban infrastructure in order to establish an international financial center in Moscow, leading foreign experts said in Davos. A lot of work to do.

Holocaust victims Remembrance Day

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 03:01:35 GMT

Russia marks this Thursday the International Day of Remembrance of Holocaust victims. Commemoration date was timed to coincide with the day of liberation by Soviet Army of Auschwitz death camp.

Russia opens World Economic Forum

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:44:50 GMT

Russia will take centre stage at Davos later on Wednesday when Dmitry Medvedev opens World Economic Forum to outline Russia's massive privatisation programme. But investors risk being put off by domestic politics.

Domodedovo airport explosion

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 06:07:12 GMT

An explosion rocked an international terminal of Moscow's busiest airport Domodedovo on Monday afternoon. The Health Ministry reported that 31 people had been killed and 130 injured. Again.

Biathlon World Cup victory

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 02:41:46 GMT

Russia dominated a women's biathlon World Cup relay in Italy on Saturday, beating second-place Sweden by nearly a minute. Congratulations!

Mars landing is close

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:21:02 GMT

After 233 days in a locked steel capsule, six researchers on Russia's 520-day mock flight to Mars are all feeling strong and ready to "land" on the Red Planet. I hope this "flight" will bring closer the date of real one.

To bury Lenin

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:43:47 GMT

On the eve of 87th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin's death Russia's ruling United Russia party has yet again raised the issue of burying the leader of 1917 October Revolution. It's high time to do it.

Resurrecting Woolly Mammoth

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 02:48:39 GMT

Researchers' team from Russia, Japan and US will attempt to resurrect Woolly Mammoth using advanced cloning technologies. Scientists discovered viable tissue from a frozen mammoth carcass in Siberia. Would be awesome, mammoths are so cool.

Ruud Gullit going to Chechnya

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 03:03:18 GMT

Former Chelsea and Newcastle manager Ruud Gullit has joined Russia's professional Chechnya-based football club Terek Grozny as coach. What a risky guy.

Russia-Chile visa free

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 02:51:37 GMT

Tourists of Russia and Chile will no more require a visa for a short-term visit of the other country (up to 90 days), as an agreement to this effect comes into force on Tuesday. Waiting for the same agreement with EU.

Afghanistan President visiting Russia

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:08:54 GMT

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai will visit Russia this week to discuss relations between the former foes, the foreign ministry in Kabul said. For sure there are a lot of topics to discuss.

Opposition leaders released

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 02:05:22 GMT

Russia has released opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov and Eduard Limonov after a two-week detention following their arrests during a sanctioned New Year's Eve rally. Will the new arrests be soon?

Could Russia buy Iceland?

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:32:30 GMT

Documents released by WikiLeaks reveal that Iceland asked for $1 billion loan from US. Embassy in Reykjavik urged Washington to back the loan, arguing that Iceland might otherwise turn to Russia for $5.4 billion. Could Russia buy Iceland?

Biathlon World Cup victory

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:07:19 GMT

Olga Zaitseva of Russia has won a World Cup biathlon race for the first time this season, ninth World Cup victory of her career. Good job!

Expanding space travel opportunities

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:47:45 GMT

Good news everyone! Space Adventures Ltd. said it agreed with Russia to expand flight opportunities starting in 2013. Three seats for flights to ISS will become available after Russia adds a fifth Soyuz spacecraft to the current four per year.

Kaczynski air crash final report

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 03:29:51 GMT

Russian officials investigating Polish President plane crash said the crew was pressured to land in bad weather by an air force commander who had been drinking. Still there are a lot of various conspiracy theories.

New pyramid scheme MMM-2011

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 04:22:45 GMT

The man who created biggest pyramid scheme in Russia's history announced that he was making a comeback with a new investment vehicle that brings in monthly returns of 20-30 percent. No doubt a lot of people will risk their money again.

Bear broke into school

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 02:32:25 GMT

A bear apparently wounded by hunters broke into a school in the Primorye Territory in Russia's Far East, police said Sunday. Yeah, bears walking the streets of Russian cities.

Oimyakon record temperature

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 01:27:19 GMT

Air temperature of minus 61.2 degrees Celsius was reported last night in Oimyakon settlement in Yakutia Republic, known as the cold pole. Not so cold at all, in 1933 the temperature registered was minus 67.7.

Russian lands on Estonian map

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:33:59 GMT

Estonia's introduction of Euro has sparked controversy after it was claimed that a map of this Baltic country on the new Estonian one euro coin appears to include a chunk of neighboring Russia.

Hockey Russia stuns Canada

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:54:51 GMT

Artemi Panarin scored twice and Russia overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period to stun Canada, 5-3, in the gold-medal game in the World Junior Hockey Championships on Wednesday night. Congratulations!

Russia Vs Canada hockey final

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:32:24 GMT

When Canada and Russia face off in gold-medal final at the world junior championship Wednesday night (7:30 p.m. ET) in Buffalo, N.Y., the nations will renew a rivalry steeped in hockey supremacy. Let the best team win!

Icebreakers saving people

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 03:58:00 GMT

Two Russian icebreakers are working to reach more than 500 people stranded on ships in the Sea of Okhotsk, off Russia's far eastern coast. Three ships have been trapped since Friday in ice up to 2m (6.5ft) thick. Good luck!

Oil, gas production 2010

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 03:04:53 GMT

In 2010 Russia set a 20-year record oil output (10 mln barrels daily) retaining its position of world's biggest producer. Natural gas production climbed 12 percent (650 bln cubic meters) making Russia world's main producer. Who needs modernizing in this case?

Bad roads and tourists

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:30:45 GMT

Russia is not ready for growth of tourism as it still has bad roads and undeveloped infrastructure, Vitaly Mutko, Minister of Tourism said. True statement from the heart, both classic Russian problems, roads and fools, are not going anywhere.

2011 Russian Cosmonautics Year

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 03:14:45 GMT

April 12th, 2011 will mark half a century since Yuri Gagarin blasted off aboard Vostok space rocket to make the first-ever circle around the Earth. To mark the date, Russia has proclaimed 2011 the Year of Russian Cosmonautics. The person almost all Russian people are proud of.

Happy New Year 2011

Fri, 31 Dec 2010 02:51:35 GMT

We are wishing Happy New Year for all our visitors and their families! Next year we will do our best to share with you more info about how it is to live in Russia and the places that are worth seeing.

Russia in Democracy Index 2010

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:29:53 GMT

The Economist magazine has released it's 2010 Democracy Index. Out of 167 countries, Russia is ranked 107th in terms of the quality of democracy. The survey put Russia between Kyrgyzstan and Nepal, and Iraq is on 111th place.

First Russian smart phone

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:03:22 GMT

Russian billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov's holding company AFK Sistema unveiled first Russian smart phone equipped with Glonass navigation chip. Really Russian "smart" phone made in China by the technology of 2004 and with Google software inside.

Transport Minister criticizes Aeroflot

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 04:25:13 GMT

Russia's Transport Minister Levitin criticized Moscow's Domodedovo airport and air carrier Aeroflot for being unable to cope with critical situation that transpired following chaotic weather conditions and power blackouts. Winter is always a problem in Russia.

Moscow Icy Rain

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:52:55 GMT

Icy rain shut down Moscow's largest airport for nearly 15 hours, coated roads with ice and left more than 200,000 people and 14 hospitals without electricity; drivers woke up to find their cars covered with an inch of ice. The weather in 2010 was really unpredictable.

Helsinki-Petersburg speed train

Sat, 25 Dec 2010 02:16:01 GMT

Train travelers can zip from Helsinki, Finland, to St. Petersburg, Russia, in less than four hours, thanks to a new high-speed rail service. It is first such link to cross the former Iron Curtain. Let's hope we will never have it again.

Main Christmas tree is up

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 04:17:28 GMT

Russia's main Christmas tree is up in Moscow Kremlin's Cathedral Square and is ready for the holidays. The grand-looking spruce is 100 years old and 30 meters height. Happy holidays!

Petrov stays with Lotus Renault

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:44:09 GMT

Vitaly Petrov, Russia's first Formula One driver, is staying with Lotus Renault for next two seasons and will resume his partnership with Robert Kubica. Will Fernando Alonso have a chance for revenge?

Nuclear arsenals cutting

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:43:14 GMT

Russian President has welcomed US ratification of a treaty to cut nuclear arsenals and says he hopes Russia's parliament will ratify it too. Present Russian parliament is not the place to have the discussions so no doubt the ratification will be soon.

Petersburg skyscraper cancelled

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 02:49:44 GMT

Russia cancelled plans to build skyscraper at controversial site in central St Petersburg. 1,322-foot tower, set to house gas giant Gazprom, has caused an outcry among city residents and opposition parties. Small victory of Russian civil society.

Tasty reindeer to Qatar

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:53:15 GMT

Russian region of Yamalo-Nenets could become a new supplier of halal meat to Muslims in Qatar. This week Qatari officials will get their first taste of reindeer at Russia-Qatar investment forum in Doha. Russia is rich in tasty reindeer.

North Korean Artists Exhibition

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 02:21:24 GMT

Exhibition of Modern North Korean Artists opens in Moscow. The exhibition "Water Flows under Ice Too" opened in the Winzavod Art Center in Moscow will run till the end of January. Nice chance to go back to the past.

Nuclear fuel bank

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:20:56 GMT

The world's first nuclear fuel bank of low enriched uranium (LEU) was officially launched in Russia, which aspiring nations could use for nuclear reactors instead of making it themselves. Nuclear plants for everyone?

Russian chickens henocide

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:09:48 GMT

In the result of a lethal mixture of poultry and politics, 400,000 baby chicks have been put to death at Russian farm, additional 600,000 have died of malnutrition and the lives of 3 million more remain imperiled. Looks like chicken genocide.

Russian army new uniform

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 02:40:51 GMT

Russian army's new uniform created by Moscow fashion designer Yudashkin has been criticized for being too thin after hundreds of young conscripts in Siberia kitted out in it fell ill with pneumonia and flu. Made by Russian nanotechnology industry?

Yo hybrid car

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 01:52:52 GMT

Russian billionaire Prokhorov rolled out another project: Russia's first gas-electric hybrid car. It is called the Yo and it can use either gasoline or natural gas. Imagine the phrase possible: Yo, dude! How is your Yo?

Moscow streets riots

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:22:16 GMT

Street melees in Moscow over the past few days, sparked by killing of a soccer fan and fueled by nationalists' hatred of immigrants from Caucasus, have caught police and other authorities unprepared. The level of anger in Russian society is increasing.

Soyuz spacecraft future

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:40:22 GMT

With NASA finally retiring shuttle program next year, Russian workhorse Soyuz spacecraft is now set to become the world's only lifeline to International Space Station. Without doubt USSR role in making space useful is huge but will Russia continue going this way?

Assange Nobel Peace Prize

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 03:11:00 GMT

Russia has made a suggestion that controversial founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, be awarded Nobel Peace Prize in a show of support for recently jailed internet whistle-blower. Will this position be the same if he publishes some Russian secret documents?

Charity concert

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 01:58:17 GMT

Putin sang a song in English and played the piano, US film actress Sharon Stone danced, while Gerard Depardieu spouted Yesenin's poetry. Madness? No, just a charity concert.

Russia WTO Georgia

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 02:41:02 GMT

So far the biggest barrier for Russia to enter WTO has been Georgia's position which demands legalization of customs checkpoints on official border. These places however are controlled by Abkhazia and South Ossetia claiming their independence. The deadlock or not?

Nobel Peace Prize boycott

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 03:10:05 GMT

China's decision to boycott Nobel Peace Prize ceremony was supported by Russia, which declined the invitation to attend this week's awarding of prize to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. Bowing down before China or worrying about own inner issues?

Russia-EU summit

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 01:54:38 GMT

Russian President is due to attend 26th Russia-EU summit , which is getting under way in Brussels today. The summit will probably complete the procedure of Russia's joining the WTO. Also waiting for good news about visa-granting.

Medvedev in Poland

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 02:25:05 GMT

President Medvedev was due in Poland Monday for the highest-level visit in nine years, as Moscow moves to boost cooperation with its western neighbor. Russia needs to have friendly countries at least near its boundaries.

Glonass navigation system fail

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 01:23:37 GMT

Russian Glonass navigation system was left incomplete after the loss of three satellites that plunged into Pacific Ocean when Proton-M rocket failed to reach its planned orbit. Can't say it is not rocket science.

Russian spam genius

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 01:04:58 GMT

Last month, Russia was No.1 source of spam. It's probably because of Oleg Nikolaenko, a 23-year-old recently arrested for flooding the world with 10 billion spam emails a day. Russia still has some talents.

Russian World Cup money

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:03:55 GMT

Russia will spend $10 billion to prepare for 2018 World Cup, but observers warn that it will be unlikely to make a lasting contribution to the nation's modernization. At least something useful for people will be built.

PepsiCo invests in Russia

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:36:18 GMT

PepsiCo Inc. is buying Russian dairy products and fruit-juice maker OAO Wimm-Bill-Dann in a deal valuing the company at $5.4 billion. Russia will become PepsiCo's largest market outside the U.S.

Russia helps Israel

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:33:08 GMT

Russia will send firefighting aircraft to Israel hit by the largest wildfires in its history Russian Emergencies Ministry spokeswoman Irina Andrianova said. Hope it will be helpful.

World Cup for Russia

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 07:59:55 GMT

Russia will host soccer's biggest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, for the first time in 2018. Unbelievable!

Woody Allen monument

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:35:58 GMT

A monument to three-times Academy award-winning American actor and director Woody Allen was unveiled in Russia's westernmost city of Kaliningrad on the Baltic. The monument features a bronze hand holding Woody Allen's signature goggles.

Russian Missile Forces rearmed

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:36:05 GMT

Russia's Strategic Missile Forces will be rearmed with multiple-warhead RS-24 missiles instead of single warhead RS-12M Topol-M. RS-24 will be more likely to be able to penetrate anti-missile defense systems. And we know who is working on getting one.

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:20:40 GMT

Bella Akhmadulina, a poet whose startling images and intensely personal style, couched in classical verse forms, established her as one of the Soviet Union's leading literary talents, died on Monday. She was 73.

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 03:10:34 GMT

Russia offered Israel $1 billion for advanced drone (automatic aircraft) technologies, and in addition offered to cancel the deal to supply Iran with S-300 missiles, according to an official cable published via WikiLeaks. Sounds reasonable.

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:10:04 GMT

Russia and European Union will discuss concrete steps aimed at scrapping the bilateral visa regime during a summit in Brussels on December 7, the head of EU delegation to Russia said. Will the visa-free travel be real in near future?

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:12:37 GMT

Alexei Ulyukayev, the Deputy Chairman of Russian Central Bank said that Canadian dollars have been added to the international currency reserve of the country. Nice addition to US dollar, Euro, British pound, Japanese yen and Swiss franc.

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 02:23:39 GMT

Russian parliament accepted Soviet leader Stalin's responsibility for 1940 Katyn Forest massacre of 22,000 Polish prisoners. Poland welcomes it and believes it is a step toward justice for an atrocity that still poisons two countries' relations. At last.

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 02:58:35 GMT

Russia opens key plant to destroy chemical weapons in Pochep, home to a stockpile of 7,500 tons of nerve agent (19% of the chemical weapons Russia is committed to destroy). By 2012 all Russian chemical weapons will be destroyed.

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 01:57:45 GMT

Russian Soyuz spacecraft manned by Fyodor Yurichikhin and NASA's Douglas Wheelock and Shannon Walker has safely landed on Earth (in Kazakhstan) after undocking from the International Space Station. Safe and sound.

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:58:00 GMT

There are about 3.3 million illegal immigrants in Russia today, Federal Migration Service head Konstantin Romodanovsky said. In all, 12.3 million foreign citizens are staying in Russia. You can't have excess cheap workforce, can you?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:19:01 GMT

Russian President Medvedev launched an attack on the party dominating Russian politics for last decade. He blamed it for dominating television air and receiving advantages from federal and local election officials. Really?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 01:16:43 GMT

According to the preliminary results of population census of 2010 Russia counts currently about 143 million people. The population decreased by two millions from the census of 2002 or about 250,000 a year in average.

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:08:37 GMT

Russia's Energia space corporation said it is planning to start working on standardized space modules with nuclear-powered propulsion systems next year. Can Russian space program still be competitive?

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:45:05 GMT

NATO and Russia agreed over the weekend to put aside differences and cooperate on a range of issues, notably a U.S. missile shield to protect Europe. Will Russia join NATO someday?

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:12:43 GMT

Global wildlife experts and politicians from 13 countries are meeting in Russia to discuss plans to revive the world's tiger population that has shrunk to a dangerously low level. "Tiger summit" it is.

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 01:14:21 GMT

Today is the 100th anniversary of Leo Tolstoy death in a small railway station in southern Russia that was being turned into mythology. It is a chance to re-read his work and also to ask the most searching questions about the world as it is now.

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:20:56 GMT

Russia will create a Titanium Valley economic zone around VSMPO-Avisma, the world's biggest titanium producer, to tempt in foreign companies, Prime Minister Putin said. The word "valley" is becoming very popular in Russia today.

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:47:09 GMT

Russian national soccer team was beaten 2-0 by Belgium in international friendly. Russia coach pointed out that Belgium soon will be one of Europe best teams. May be but for now Belgium is on 62nd position in world ranking and Russia is 13th so there can be no excuses.

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:37:51 GMT

New space race is beginning, but this time between private companies. Businesses in US and Russia are vying to be the first to launch a private space station. One of the industries Russia can still be competitive.

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 01:36:38 GMT

Russia will invest in railway system between Kenya and Uganda to enhance her economic presence in Africa. Russian government also plans to invest in mining and education. Any plans of investing in Russia itself?

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:44:23 GMT

Thailand extradited Viktor Bout, an accused arms trafficker, to the US, drawing Russia's anger. It would be better if Russia paid such attention to protect its people living in FSU countries and not possible criminals.

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 02:46:11 GMT

Russia's official unemployment increased by 0.2 percent to 1.526 million people over the week of November 3-10 for the first time in the past eight months, the Ministry of Health and Social Development said. The crisis is not over?

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:55:03 GMT

Russia is the champion of world women's volleyball championship! In the final match Brazil team was defeated with the score 3:2. Congratulations!

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 02:30:23 GMT

Russia is aiming to complete negotiations to enter the World Trade Organization and become a member next year, President Medvedev's top aide on the economy said. Hearing such statements for years, may be this time it will become true?

Sat, 13 Nov 2010 01:36:13 GMT

Defending champions Russia powered their way through to the final by beating the US at the world women's volleyball championship. In the final, Russia will play either Beijing Olympic gold medalists Brazil or hosts Japan. Good luck!

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 03:13:26 GMT

Official: Per capita alcohol consumption in Russia is twice the critical limit set by the World Health Organization. The present consumption is currently about 18 liters a year. One more urgent problem of Russian society.

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 01:11:42 GMT

Environmentalists attacked Australia's decision to sell uranium to Russia, voicing concerns over safety standards and a lack of inspections. Russia will enrich uranium for its nuclear reactors. Greens would close all nuclear power plants if they could.

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:55:47 GMT

Russia's Marussia Motors has taken a significant shareholding and will become title sponsor of the Virgin Racing Formula One team next season. Russian money are endless.

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:58:33 GMT

Russian Health Ministry: Russia is the most smoking nation in the world. Tobacco consumption is among major risk factors for premature mortality in Russia, followed by high blood pressure and high cholesterol in the blood. Sad but true.

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 02:22:02 GMT

President Medvedev said Russia is looking to South Korean companies to help modernize Russian industries. In turn, Korea will receive precious Russian natural gas. Who would doubt.

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 01:19:55 GMT

Temperature in Moscow soared to a record high for November on Wednesday, hitting 13C by midday, the Moscow Weather Office said. Moscow's average historical temperature in November is about -1C. Global Warming result?

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:59:05 GMT

China and Russia vowed to further advance military ties amid Russian Defense Minister Serdyukov visit to Beijing. China attaches great importance to its relationship with Russia. The cooperation can never be too excessive, right?

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:42:03 GMT

Another Russian reporter suffered from a potentially lethal assault. There is an undeniable pressure on independent media owners and workers within Russia. What is most worrying is that the people who murder, maim and threaten journalists do so with impunity.

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 01:01:06 GMT

According to Bookmaker William Hill report Russia is now beating England to host 2018 World Cup bid. To host 2018 World Cup: 10/11 Russia; Evens England; 8/1 Portugal/Spain; 33/1 Belgium/Holland. Let it be.

Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:04:09 GMT

Russian Interior Minister Nurgaliyev: "A total of 454 terrorism-related and 510 extremism-related crimes were registered in Russia in the past nine months. We are witnessing very dangerous tendencies which take place in North Caucasus." The region of never ending conflicts.

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:48:24 GMT

Russia is a major exporter of oil and gas and its economic growth over past decade has been driven mainly by energy exports. That's how propagandistic definition that Russia is energy superpower appeared contrary to annoying one that Russia is just raw materials exporter.

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 02:45:24 GMT

As US moves clocks back this weekend, Russia went through transition last week. Russian officials are worried about impact of such adjustments and President Medvedev is threatening to end daylight saving in Russia altogether. As if there are no more topical issues.

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 03:55:25 GMT

UN ranked Russia 65th of 169 countries in its report on comprehensive human development based on health, education and income indicators. Russia has "high" level of human development and improved its ranking by 3 positions compared with 2005 list. Still a long way to go.

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:12:15 GMT

As Russian newspapers and main TV channels steer clear of mocking top officials, political cartoonists have turned to the Internet to post cartoons satirizing President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Will the last refuge remain intact?

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:20:21 GMT

Viktor S. Chernomyrdin, who founded the state-owned gas monopoly Gazprom and served as Russia's prime minister during the economic turmoil of the 1990s, died on Wednesday morning. He was 72. His apt expressions like "We wanted to do it better, but it turned out as usual" will never be forgotten.

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:19:17 GMT

Iran's president has accused Russia of giving in to Satan after Moscow banned the delivery of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Tehran. Actually don't construct nuclear arms and you will never need S-300.

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:29:24 GMT

Few Muslims in Russia have any doubt that they face a rising tide of anti-Islamic extremism, but they and their intellectual leaders disagree as to its source, with some pointing to international trends, others to national ones and still a third to local causes. Islamophobia is spreading the globe.

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:28:05 GMT

Microsoft announced establishment of a software development center near Moscow. In Skolkovo innovation hub it will open a technology center to give companies an opportunity to test their solutions on corporate-scale IT infrastructure. Skolkovo project seems becoming more real now.

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 04:36:26 GMT

There was nothing special about Triumfalnaya Square demonstration in Moscow October 31. Previous times riot police dispersed the activists. This time, they have gotten a permit that appears to be a civics experiment for both sides. Step in the right direction?

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 03:29:51 GMT

Russian President flew into south Kuril Islands seized by USSR from Japan at World War II end, making it clear that Russia has no plans to cede the mineral-rich territory despite Japanese protests. Japan is angry but who cares.

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 05:46:55 GMT

Russian drug officials have been blaming heroin problem on the United States for a long time, saying its refusal to spray Afghan poppy fields is devastating Russia. Is the alliance possible?

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:12:22 GMT

Russia and Vietnam on Sunday signed a deal worth an estimated 5.6 billion dollars for the energy-hungry Southeast Asian country's first nuclear power plant. Looks like Russia is trying to get one more ally in the region.

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 01:15:48 GMT

Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said that Russia's Armed Forces will undergo three stages of transformation before their reform is over by 2020. Mighty Red Army is coming back?

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 11:13:58 GMT

Russian Football Union has accused London's Sunday Times of lying about this country allegedly trying to bribe FIFA official into backing Russia's bid to host 2018 Football Cup. Who knows after getting the Olympiad in Sochi.

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:11:39 GMT

The Kremlin: Russia will limit the powers of police to their own jurisdictions to stem abuses and concentrate police efforts on the protection of public order. What was police doing before?