Moscow

Hundreds of Afghans flee to Tajikistan as Taliban advances

The refugees, including children, have escaped as the militia takes control of vast areas in Afghanistan.

Russia-led CSTO bloc 'to mobilise' if Taliban push mars Afghan-Tajik border

Moscow says it's ready to help Tajikistan deal with threats from neighbouring Afghanistan and that CSTO military alliance will need to cooperate actively to protect its southern flank.

Russia detains Estonian consul over allegations of espionage

Estonia's consul to Saint Petersburg has been detained for activities "incompatible with the status of a diplomatic worker" and "openly hostile" to Russia, the FSB security service said.

Biden says Russia, US to launch nuclear arms control talks

US President Joe Biden’s first meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin since assuming office comes amid soaring tensions between Washington and Moscow, with both sides playing down the prospect of any major breakthroughs at the summit.

Putin likens Russia clampdown on opposition to arresting US Capitol rioters

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is to meet US President Joe Biden in Geneva, says hundreds of Americans arrested after Capitol Hill insurrection have been subjected to "persecution for political opinions."

Russian court bans opposition leader Navalny's groups

Moscow court outlaws organisations headed by jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny as "extremist", rendering their staff liable to criminal prosecution.

Putin signs law to take Russia out of Open Skies

Kremlin says US decision to withdraw from treaty “significantly upset the balance of interests” among pact members, compelling Russia to exit.

Putin inks 'extremist' bill that could bar critics from Russian elections

President Vladimir Putin signs legislation that bars members of "extremist" organisations from running for office, a decision allies of jailed Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny say aims to sideline them from parliamentary election this year.

US, Russia seek to ease tensions in first meeting since Biden took office

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agree to work together despite differences as they held talks on the sidelines of an Arctic Council meeting in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.

Russia officially identifies Czech Republic, US as 'unfriendly states'

Tensions have spiralled between Russia and US since March after US President Joe Biden said he thought his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin was a "killer" and Moscow recalled its ambassador to Washington for consultations.

Russia blacklists senior EU officials in retaliatory move over sanctions

The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused the EU of trying to punish Moscow for its “independent foreign and domestic policies” and of trying to contain its development with “unlawful restrictions.”

Jailed Russian opposition leader Navalny to end hunger strike

Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny recovered from a near-fatal poisoning attack last year only to again be on the brink of death while on hunger strike in a Russian prison in a bid to access medical care for his other ailments.