Topic: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Yuri Gagarin

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Ambassador McFaul, driver of US-Russia 'reset,' becomes his own obstacle

US Ambassador Mike McFaul has been a Kremlin target since his arrival – most recently being slammed as 'unprofessional' and accused of spreading 'blatant falsehoods.'
Russian comments on Syria hint at mounting disapproval of Assad

Russia appears to be running out of patience with Assad's heavy hand, and is preparing to push the Syrian leader for political and humanitarian concessions.
Terrorism & Security
Arms dealer Viktor Bout, blamed for arming Al Qaeda, receives 25 years in prison (+video)

An angry Moscow has vowed to repatriate Russian arms merchant Viktor Bout, whom a US court convicted of conspiring to kill American citizens.
Syria: Why international action remains unlikely even as death toll rises

The Arab League asked the United Nations Security Council to send forces to Syria today to stop the bloodshed there. But international military action against Bashar al-Assad's regime remains unlikely.
Russia worried about a nuclear Iran, but leery of US sanctions

Russia is wary of any international action similar to the UN resolution on Libya, which parlayed a mandate to protect civilians into a drive for regime change.
Ahead of Russian elections, quashed Ossetia vote embarrasses Moscow

The crushing of an apparently legitimate election victory in South Ossetia, a key client state of Moscow, could bring a fresh wave of unwanted attention to Russia's own problematic democracy.
Russia, in swift about-face, recognizes Libyan rebels

The Kremlin opposed NATO's air war and called for negotiations between the rebels and Qaddafi. But its concern about keeping billion-dollar contracts with Libya seems to have caused the switch.
Ukraine's trial of Yulia Tymoshenko backfires

Unkrainian President Viktor Yanukovych appears to have miscalculated the political consequences of bringing a corruption case against his rival, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
USS Monterey's Black Sea arrival raises Russia's hackles

The USS Monterey is participating in war games aimed at improving antipiracy operations. Russia, however, sees the antimissile cruiser as a veiled threat.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Yuri Gagarin
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.
Guardian reporter expelled from Russia in cold war echo

Luke Harding, Moscow correspondent of Britain's Guardian newspaper, was told that 'Russia is closed to you.' Even in Soviet times, expulsions of international journalists was rare and usually connected with a diplomatic crisis.
After Khordokovsky verdict, taking stock of business and corruption in Russia

Russia lashed out Tuesday at Western leaders who voiced their concern over Monday's conviction of Russian tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Wikileaks release: in Russia, fear of damage to future US relations

As Wikileaks prepares to release millions of confidential cables, Russian diplomats worry about their ability to talk frankly in the future – while some politicians and anti-Kremlin activists are concerned about private conversations.
Alleged arms dealer Viktor Bout whisked to America

Viktor Bout, a former Russian Air Force officer accused of being one of the world's biggest illicit arms traffickers, was handed over to the US by Thai officials.
Kremlin official issues death threat in Russian spy scandal. Is the KGB coming back?

The Russian spy scandal has provoked an upheaval within the country's humiliated foreign intelligence agency. Some are pushing for a recreation of Soviet-era security machinery.
Georgia nabs Russian 'spy ring,' angering Moscow

Georgia on Friday accused 13 people, including four Russians, of spying for Russia after a four-year investigation.
Europe tightens the world's pincers on Iran with new sanctions

Iran sanctions agreed to by Europe significantly increase pressure on Iran to return to the nuclear negotiating table. But while talks are good, quick results are what matter.
Terrorism & Security
Iran is joined by Russia in condemning EU sanctions

Iran and Russia both lashed out against new EU sanctions imposed on Monday. Despite the row, Tehran officials on Tuesday told the International Atomic Energy Agency that it will resume six-party Iran nuclear talks in September.
Russia's Medvedev to sign international adoption accord

When Russian President Medvedev visits Washington this week, he will sign a new agreement on international adoption.
As US and EU slap on more Iran sanctions, Russia is miffed

The US and EU announce Iran sanctions that go beyond those approved by the UN Security Council last week. Moscow decries their 'political disregard for their partnership with Russia.'
International adoption: What does Russia want for lifting US adoption ban?

US officials are going to Moscow to discuss Russian demands to lift an international adoption ban on children going to the US. In the wake of the Artyem Savelyev case, Russians will likely demand more government oversight of American families.
Russian adoption to US suspended

Russian adoption to the US was suspended Thursday after a US family put their adopted child on a plane back to Russia. A US government delegation will travel to Moscow next week to clarify rules for international adoptions.
Quartet host Russia: A new broker for Israel peace?

Amid a US-Israel flap, some see an opportunity for Middle East Quartet host Russia to become a bigger player in Israel peace talks. Moscow has strong ties with both Israelis and Palestinians.
Clinton hints more work needed on nuclear reduction treaty with Russia

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton left a meeting with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov Thursday saying 'don't count your chickens' about a nuclear reduction treaty with Russia.