Russian Federation

More flash floods hit Russia's Sochi

Heavy rains triggered severe flash floods in the same area as earlier this month.

Russia test-fires S-500 air missile defence systems

With a maximum range of 600 km, the latest missile weapon system carried out live-fire exercises to hit a high-speed ballistic target at Kapustin Yar training ground, Russian defence ministry says.

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.

Wreckage of missing plane found in Russia

According to Russian media reports, none of the 28 people on board have survived the crash.

Ukraine-US Black Sea military drills raise hackles in Russia

Moscow has called for the military exercises involving 5,000 NATO soldiers to be cancelled, threatening a response if necessary to protect national security.

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."

Putin: Meeting with Biden could help establish dialogue

The meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden is due to take place on June 16 in Geneva amid strained bilateral relations on a wide array of issues.

Russia fines Facebook, Telegram for failing to remove banned content

The move is seen by some as part of a growing government effort to tighten control over social media platforms amid political dissent.

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.