Topic: The Kremlin

Focus Anti-Putin opposition groups still finding their way

Despite the Russian opposition's ability to rally tens of thousands of protesters, it remains an eclectic mix of parties both left and right. Will opposing Putin be enough to keep them united?

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.

Does Ivanishvili's win put Georgia back in Russia's orbit?

Though President Saakashvili tried to paint him as a Russian puppet before this week's election, experts say Ivanishvili's – and Georgia's – relationship with Russia remains complex.

Russia keeps door open to Pakistan after Putin cancels trip

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Islamabad yesterday in an apparent effort to smooth feathers ruffled in Pakistan by Putin's last- minute cancellation of his own scheduled visit.

Terrorism & Security Turkey tamps down talk of going to war with Syria (+video)

After Syria shelled a Turkish town yesterday and killed five civilians, Turkey returned fire and went to NATO. However, experts say Turkey's moves are more about deterrence.

Georgia's parliament changes hands, this time without a revolution

For the first time in Georgia's post-Soviet history, the country will get a new government via an election that has been deemed fair by international monitors.  

Will Georgia see a peaceful transfer of power? (+video)

As Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili conceded defeat Tuesday, Russia's Dmitry Medvedev expressed hopes for improved relations between the two countries. The U.S. State Department also views Saakashvili's concession in a positive light.

Eccentric billionaire now poised to become Georgia's next president (+video)

Billionarie Bidzina Ivanishvili, who won a surprise victory in Georgia's parliamentary elections, says that he hopes to restore ties with Russia while continuing to move his country toward EU and NATO membership. 

Opinion Beware Russia's hand in elections in Georgia, Ukraine, Lithuania

A top priority of Russian President Vladimir Putin is the reintegration of former Soviet republics – based on tighter economic links and culminating in a political and security pact centered around Russia. Meddling in Eastern European elections is one way to fulfill Putin's regional ambition.

Natural gas boom in US. Is Russia the big loser?

Natural gas resurgence in the United States means lower natural gas prices, more potential for Europe to drill its own natural gas, and a rising threat to Russia's gas exports. 

Russian church calls on court to show sympathy if Pussy Riot repents

As the punk band Pussy Riot prepares for an appeal court ruling on their two-year sentences for hooliganism, the Russian Orthodox Church said any repentance for their actions should be taken into consideration.

In Kremlin's crosshairs? Russian tycoon Lebedev charged with hooliganism

Alexander Lebedev, who has been an outspoken critic of the Pussy Riot verdict, could face up to five years in prison for punching a fellow tycoon on Russian television last year.

Russian NGOs in panic mode over proposed 'high treason' law

Russia's new definition of high treason, which is likely to pass, could apply to any behavior that undermines 'constitutional order, sovereignty, and territorial and state integrity' in authorities' eyes.

Kremlin boots USAID for 'interference' in Russian politics (+video)

The Kremlin, already suspicious of US involvement in the street protests against Vladimir Putin, ordered development agency USAID to cease operations in Russia by Oct. 1.

Anti-Putin protests waning? Tens of thousands of Russians say no.

On Saturday, an energized Moscow crowd as large as many of those from last winter and spring protested against Russian President Putin. But this time, the tone was far more politicized.

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.

Global News Blog Russia's Medvedev plays 'good cop' on Pussy Riot

Russia's Dmitri Medvedev called for the release of three Pussy Riot members sentenced to two years in prison. Is he trying to distance himself from the decreasingly popular president?

Putin on the birds: 'Only the weak ones didn't follow' me

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin talked of leading a flock of birds and got in a veiled dig at voters who spurned him.

For first interview of new term, Putin puts priority on foreign audience

Putin opined on Obama vs. Romney, crackdowns in Russia, and Pussy Riot in a 40-minute interview given, unusually, to an English-language state channel instead of a bigger outlet.

Russian nuclear support for Iran limited by distrust

Russia has trained hundreds of Iranian nuclear scientists and blocked international action against Tehran. But beneath the surface, there is profound distrust. 

Roman Abramovich prevails in Russian oligarch court battle

A London judge ruled in favor of Abramovich over fellow Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky in a court battle that dealt with their personal and business relationship.

Two Pussy Riot members flee Russia

The Pussy Riot group says two of their members have fled the country. Russian police were searching for other members of the band after sentencing three to two years in prison for staging a 'punk prayer.'

In Pictures Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks Scandal

Pussy Riot sentence: How did it play in Russia?

The Pussy Riot punk band's harsh sentence drew swift Western condemnation. More important for Putin will be how it influences the views of Russians, especially the elite.

Russian feminist band Pussy Riot found guilty of hooliganism

The sentence has yet to be issued, the verdict is spoken: The three Russian women are guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. Pussy Riot had stormed the altar of Moscow's cathedral in February. The charges raised concern abroad about freedom of speech in Russia.