Topic: Vladimir Putin

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Briefing
Chechnya: How a remote Russian republic became linked with terrorism

The main suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing are two brothers from Chechnya, a Russian republic that has been the scene of cyclical revolts and brutal crackdowns for the past 200 years.
Hugo Chavez: Global reactions to the Venezuelan leader's death

While he was alive, Hugo Chávez – the longest ruling democratically elected leader in Latin America – inspired people who loved him as often as he inflamed those who didn’t. That polarization seemed to follow him in death.
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
In Pictures: Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks Scandal
What is Russia thinking on Syria? A brief guide

As the crisis in Syria collapses into what looks like full-blown civil war, Russia's response stems from a complicated mix of principle, self-interest, mistrust of Western motives, and differing perceptions of the situation.

All Content

Has Russian oil output peaked?

Production dropped this year after reaching a post-Soviet high in October. On Monday, Putin's newly convened cabinet made the issue its first order of business.
World
The Monitor's View: Medvedev's test case with the West

Russia's new president inherits a tinderbox in Georgia, a NATO aspirant.
World
In Putin's shadow, Russia inaugurates Medvedev

The new president, a savvy lawyer who likes Led Zeppelin, faces rising corruption and decaying national infrastructure.
Meet Dmitri Medvedev

Russia's new president loves Deep Purple, shuns alcohol.
Russia-Georgia tensions escalate over breakaway republic

The reported downing of two unmanned Georgian spy drones over Abkhazia come as both sides accuse each other of preparing for war.
World
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about Costa Rica tourism, ranchers on public lands, Putin's new post, corn-derived fuels, and girl video gamers.
U.N. takes up Russia-Georgia crisis over downed drone

The Security Council meets today to discuss Tbilisi's allegation that Russia shot down its spy aircraft. Moscow says the drone's flight over the breakaway region of Abkhazia violates a cease-fire.
Georgia says Russia downed spy plane

The incident contributes to ongoing regional tensions between Russia and former Soviet territories that favor Western ties and NATO membership.
Putin to become United Russia chief, cementing hold on power

Russia's president agreed today to lead the ruling party, which commands a 70 percent parliamentary majority, once he steps down next month.
Will Medvedev's Russia tread more lightly on business?

The intense state scrutiny of private oil firm TNK-BP, now facing an environmental review, echoes Putin-era takeovers. The president-elect is reputedly more liberal.
Devoted to saving Lake Baikal, she won even Putin's ear

Marina Rikhvanova is one of seven grass-roots environmental activists who will receive the 2008 Goldman Environmental Prize in San Francisco Monday.
Devoted to saving Lake Baikal, she won even Putin's ear

Marina Rikhvanova is one of seven grass-roots environmental activists who will receive the 2008 Goldman Environmental Prize in San Francisco Monday.
Devoted to saving Lake Baikal, she won even Putin's ear

Marina Rikhvanova is one of seven grass-roots environmental activists who will receive the 2008 Goldman Environmental Prize in San Francisco Monday.
U.S.-Russia row over Kosovo escalates with Moscow aid shipments

Russia is sending humanitarian supplies worth $1.7 million directly to Kosovo Serbs, challenging the authority of the US-backed government in Pristina.
World
U.S., Europe gulf opens at NATO summit

European objections keep Georgia, Ukraine off membership track, but US plans for missile-defense program in Europe gets an endorsement.
Bush-Putin summit in Sochi signals new tone.

A deal on missile defense could be part of a 'strategic framework' the presidents plan to sign Sunday, legacies in mind.
NATO summit highlights U.S.-Europe divide on Russia

Opposition to Ukraine and Georgia's US-backed membership bids, led by Germany, is widely seen as an effort to preserve Europe's growing energy ties with Moscow.
At NATO summit, Bush likely to get some of what he wants

His quest for more forces in Afghanistan, headway on continental missile defense may gain ground in Bucharest.
USA
Opinion: NATO's message to Russia

It mustn't let Putin's challenge go unanswered.
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