Russia

Putin's Russia: What I saw as an election observer

A volunteer election observer for Russia's presidential election, which Putin won, shares her insights on ballot-stuffing, absentee ballots, and civic-minded citizens.
US-Russia 'reset' gets a boost with Russian offer of airbase

Russia has made an unprecedented offer that indicates a desire to improve ties ahead of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Report: US asked Russia to deliver ultimatum to Iran

A leading Russian newspaper reported today that US Secretary of State Clinton requested that Russia tell Iran upcoming talks are the 'last chance' before it pursues a military option.
Russia sees 'no reason' to halt weapon support for Syria

A Russian official said today that his country will fulfill several existing arms deals with Syria in the latest indication that Russian opposition to foreign intervention is growing.
Russian Orthodox Church: Ban homosexuality 'propaganda' among minors

The powerful Russian Orthodox Church wants the Duma to follow regional governments that have banned 'homosexual propaganda aimed at minors.' St. Petersburg enacted such a law last week.
Protest leaders weigh new tactics as anti-Putin rallies shrink

Thousands of Moscow residents rallied Saturday against Vladimir Putin. But crowds were smaller, and protest leaders say they need fresh ideas to counter disillusionment and divisions.
Terrorism & Security
Russia says it won't offer asylum to Syria's Assad

But that doesn't mean that President-elect Vladimir Putin will soften Russia's opposition to intervention in Syria, as the US had hoped.
'An insult': Russian election observers reject Putin's win

Russia's League of Voters, organized in the wake of December's fraud-marred parliamentary election, called the March 4 presidential election 'an insult to civil society.'
Who's not congratulating Putin: Russia's middle class

But underscoring a split in Russian society, thousands also came out for a pro-Putin concert.
Putin wins. Will Russians buy in? (+video)

Questions of legitimacy are dogging Putin's overwhelming presidential win Sunday. Opposition leaders say they plan weeks of protest to force changes in Russia's 'managed' democracy.
Exit polls: Putin will return to presidency in Russia

Exit polls forecast Vladimir Putin to win another term as president of Russia, while his opponents plan to take to the streets this week and beyond.
Election complaints could be early challenge for Vladimir Putin

Russia's presidential elections are expected to return Vladimir Putin to the presidency, but reports of election violations and frustration with 'managed democracy' will be challenges for him ahead.
Putin: US seeking 'absolute invulnerability'

In a piece published yesterday, a few days ahead of elections, presidential candidate Vladimir Putin took a tough stance on several foreign policy issues that will put Russia at odds with the US.
Putin assassination plot: opposition, security experts cast doubt (+video)

Russian and Ukrainian security services say they thwarted an assassinate plot against presidential candidate Vladimir Putin. Some critics see politics in the announcement's timing.
Russians form miles-long human chain for democracy

Some protesters in Moscow blamed President Vladimir Putin personally for Russia's lack of openness. But many said they were more focused on long-term democratic reforms.
Pro-Putin rally in Moscow brings out lots of people, little enthusiasm (+video)

Those who turned out for today's rally in support of Vladimir Putin lacked the fervor of the anti-Putin rallies that have frequently cropped up since December.
Fearing West, Putin pledges biggest military buildup since cold war

Vladimir Putin, less than two weeks away from presidential polls, pledged $772 billion on arms over the next decade.
Putin on trial? Fake video goes viral in Russia (+video)

A startlingly realistic – but fake – video that shows Vladimir Putin on trial for terrorism has found an enthusiastic Russian audience, with 3 million-plus hits since Monday.
Russian opposition to intervention in Syria shows no sign of abating

Russian opposition is not just about its interests in Syria – increasingly it is based on skepticism about Western democracy promotion in the Middle East.
Russia says it offers alternative path to peace in Syria

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said he convinced Assad to make concessions, but Russian experts say his visit to Damascus was more about saving face for Russia than ending the violence.
Terrorism & Security
Russia: The time for Syrian democratic reforms has come (+video)

Russia's foreign minister is meeting with Assad in Damascus today, just days after Moscow blocked UN action against the regime.
Russia: Why the fury over UN veto on Syria?

Responding to global criticism of Russia's UN veto, Russia's foreign minister said the vote was 'hasty.' He will travel to Damascus Tuesday to meet President Assad.
Russia protest movement shows its staying power with massive rally

Defying sub-zero temperatures, tens of thousands of Russians protested in Moscow Saturday to demand fair elections next month. Many singled out Prime Minister Putin as a threat to reforms.
Why Russia is so opposed to asking Assad to go

Russia is taking a hard line against a UN resolution asking Syrian President Assad to step down, saying the possibility of military intervention must first be ruled out.
Putin's answer to polling fraud: lots of webcams

Russian Prime Minister Putin is trying to head off charges of polling fraud in March presidential elections – and potential protest – by installing 90,000-plus web cameras at polling sites.