Topic: Russian State Duma

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Russia steps up pressure with 'foreign agent' campaign

The Russian government's list is growing of NGOs being targeted for receiving some foreign funds. No major NGOs have agreed to the label, suggesting a wave of shutdowns may be looming.
Can US-Russia relations get back on track after human rights blacklists?

President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin are hinting at hopes of getting past disputes over human rights to issues of mutual interest to the two powers, like missile defense.
Russian bill looks to hide gay identity, affirm democracy of the majority

The country faces two competing visions of democracy, one that emphasizes majority rule versus another that stresses minority protections.
Is Russia backing off its anti-US adoption ban?

A Putin spokesman said today that the ban on adoption of Russian orphans by Americans will not kick in until 2014. Is Putin just abiding by treaty requirements, or is he softening?
What's behind Russia's bill banning US adoptions?

The bill had originally been a smaller, tit-for-tat response to US legislation, but the Russian Duma has expanded it into a much broader anti-American measure that even Putin may not approve.
US Magnitsky Law draws Kremlin ire – but many Russians support it

The new law, enacted in the US last week to target Russians involved in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, has infuriated the Kremlin, which sees it as a 'purely political, unfriendly act.'
In human rights spat, Russia poised to target US adoptive parents

After the US Congress approved a bill to punish Russian officials involved in human rights abuses, Moscow is set to blacklist Americans accused of violating Russians' rights – including US parents accused of abusing adoptive children from Russia.
Kremlin calls in top Russian protest leader for questioning

Experts say that the Kremlin's probe into Sergei Udaltsov – launched after a documentary accused him of trying to undermine the government – is meant to discredit him and other protest leaders.
Russian Duma expels anti-Putin lawmaker. Sign of a coming crackdown?

Russia's legislative body ousted dissident lawmaker Gennady Gudkov today, just a day before thousands of Russians are expected to take to the streets to protest against Vladimir Putin's rule.
Syria: Kofi Annan steps down (+video)

Citing the Syrian government's intractability, increasing violence and the international community's lack of consensus, former U.N. secretary-general Kofi Annan announced his resignation. He says there is still a chance for Syria to avoid the worst, 'if the international community can show the courage and leadership necessary.'
Global News Blog Got an appointment with Vladimir Putin? Better bring a book.

It doesn't matter if you're a business leader, a prime minister, royalty, or even the pope: Russian President Vladimir Putin keeps everyone waiting, sometimes for hours.
Russian crackdown on dissent goes virtual

In its most recent attempt to quell dissent, Russia adopted a new Internet bill that appears aimed at restricting public debate.
Russian police raid activists' homes on eve of massive anti-Putin protest

The opposition sees the raid as the latest effort to intimidate Russians who have been protesting Vladimir Putin's government since December.
Russian activists sound alarm at soaring fines for civil 'disorder'

The Russian parliament is rushing through a bill that will impose large fines for a wide range of protests. Activists say the hikes amount to financial intimidation to chill the protest movement.
Death of Russian-born boy in US reignites adoption debate

A 9-year-old Russian boy adopted by US parents died in a house fire last week, reminding Russians of several incidents of poor treatment of Russian orphans adopted by Americans.
After election setback, anti-Putin opposition takes struggle to the provinces

The intervention of Moscow's most prominent anti-Putin activists in a city 800 miles from the capital has put a local mayoral race on the national stage.
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.
Putin puzzler: Russian leader accuses Clinton of spurring protests (VIDEO)

Vladimir Putin has stunned many with his statement that US Secretary of State Clinton is behind the protests in Russia over alleged vote rigging.
12/08/2011 04:37 pm
What Putin wants from China

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing today for a two-day visit, just days after calling for the creation of a 'Eurasian Union' of former soviet states.
10/11/2011 01:04 pm
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.
04/20/2011 02:30 pm
US Senate ratification of New START treaty keeps US-Russia 'reset' on track

The New START treaty could be ratified in Russia as early as Friday. But many pitfalls remain amid the US-Russia attempt to move away from cold war constraints.
12/23/2010 11:05 am
Terrorism & Security Hillary Clinton to continue push for START vote

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced she will press for a vote on the START nuclear arms treaty, despite opposition from Sen. John Kyl, a key Republican legislator.
11/17/2010 08:39 am
Obama's US-Russia reset hangs on Senate approval of START treaty

If Obama fails to make good on his weekend vow to get Senate approval of the START nuclear arms control by January, Russia could turn toward China.
11/15/2010 11:53 am
Global News Blog Viktor Bout, weapons dealer, to be extradited to US from Thailand

Viktor Bout, the famed weapons dealer, can be extradited to the US, a Thai court ruled today. The so-called 'Merchant of Death' is accused of supplying dictators and warlords with weapons.
08/20/2010 12:08 pm
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.
06/22/2010 04:58 pm