Russia

Russian plane crash highlights concern about Soviet-era jets

A Russian plane crash killed 44 of 52 aboard a Tu-134 today. While the age of the plane was questioned, some experts also point to need for better training and maintenance at smaller carriers.
Yelena Bonner: Are there any dissidents like her in Russia today?

Friends and colleagues of Soviet dissident Yelena Bonner, who died in Boston over the weekend, say today it's possible to work within the system – meaning true dissidents are rare.
Medvedev speech: nod or challenge to Putin's upper hand?

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed a Putin-Medvedev face-off in 2012. He may be trying to establish his place as a liberal voice in a Putin-led system.
Russia's only war criminal Yury Budanov assassinated in Moscow

Yury Budanov served six years in prison for war crimes in Chechnya before his parole in 2009. His assassination could be a revenge attack or an attempt to stir ethnic strife.
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Japan's nuclear troubles extend into Russia

The Russian used auto industry relies on used car shipments from Japanese companies that have dried up since the March earthquake and problems at the Fukushima plant.
Amnesty: Medvedev's promises of reform rarely materialize in Russia

A new report from Amnesty International shows little improvement in Russia's human and civil rights record, despite promises from President Dmitry Medvedev.
Chemical castration: Why Medvedev suggests it for Russia's pedophiles

Russia is feeling pressure to take action against suspected pedophiles in the face of what many see as a recent wave of child sex abuse there.
What's behind Putin's drive for a 'unified civil front' in Russia

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for merger of political parties and social groups. Some observers say it's a bid to boost poll numbers, while others see it as throwback to Soviet-era engineering.
Russia emerges as Europe's most God-believing nation

Nearly 20 years after the collapse of the atheistic Soviet Union, a recent poll found that 82 percent of Russians classify themselves as religious believers. But far fewer subscribe to organized religion.
Russia praises bin Laden operation, seeks greater counterterror cooperation with US

Russia eliminated a number of top militant leaders. Russian experts warn that eliminating Osama bin Laden does not remove the threat of Al Qaeda attacks.
Could Putin and Medvedev face off in an open Russian election?

Prime Minister Putin electrified observers this week by saying that neither he nor President Dmitry Medvedev had ruled out being candidates for president in 2012.
Who are the BRICS?

The BRICS countries, five nations grouped together because of their burgeoning economies, are in the spotlight this week as their leaders meet in China.
Ukraine struggles to balance lure of Europe, pull of Russia

Russia is dangling billion-dollar benefits if Ukraine joins a Moscow trade alliance, a move that would scuttle Kiev's chance at an EU free-trade deal.
Russia, Poland pledge reconciliation at crash site memorial

Russia's Dmitry Medvedev and Poland's Bronislaw Komorowski met on the one-year anniversary of a plane crash that killed Poland's former president en route to Russia. A probe of the crash has sparked controversy.
Massive Russian hacker attack threatens freewheeling Ru.net

Security experts are confused about who is behind the far-reaching cyber attacks, as both Kremlin foes and officials are among those targeted.
Are Russia's recent hints of reform grounded in real change?

As Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin position themselves for next year's election, Russians are seeing hints of future reform. Is it genuine, or political posturing?
Medvedev slams Putin's 'inexcusable' Libya 'crusade' comments

The sharp exchange of words on Monday reveals what some Russia experts say is a growing rift between Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev.
Gates visits Russia as Putin decries UN action on Libya

Russian Prime Minister Putin said the Western assault on Qaddafi's offensive capabilities resembles a medieval crusade.
As world rethinks nuclear power, Russia to invest $9 billion in Belarus plant

While much of the world is questioning investment in nuclear power amid Japan's crisis, Russia announced it will build a reactor in Belarus, where large areas remain closed off due to the Chernobyl meltdown.
Japan gets coal, gas from historic rival Russia

A surge of goodwill from Russia to Japan raises the possibility that a territorial dispute between the two countries left over from World War II could finally be resolved.
Report: Chechen women attacked with paintball guns for 'immodest' dress

According to Human Rights Watch, Chechnya's leader Ramzan Kadyrov has launched a 'virtue campaign' that includes punishing women for 'immodest' dress.
Biden's Moscow visit reaffirms US-Russia 'reset'

Vice President Biden's two-day visit to Russia was aimed at bolstering economic ties. He also called on the Kremlin to take a harder line against corruption.
Biden in Moscow for talks but Libya may steal the show

Arab world turmoil could overshadow Vice President Biden's visit to Moscow. Medvedev is opposed establishing a no-fly zone in Libya.
Russia's ex-spy Anna Chapman launches website amid rumors of political run

The former secret agent has launched a flashy website to promote a sprouting career. Anna Chapman's potential bid for Russian parliament is rumored to have backing from Vladimir Putin's political party.
Who has the fastest warplane? Russia tests another supersonic T-50 fighter.

Russia today tested a second prototype of its Sukhoi T-50 fighter, a fifth-generation warplane that is said to be comparable to the US F-22 Raptor.