RussiaToday : News

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News

Russia reappoints key ministers: Several senior ministers have been reappointed to Russia’s cabinet, in another sign of stability by Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. Prime Minister Putin presented his proposals during a meeting with President Medvedev.

Politkovskaya suspects walk free: The Russian Prosecutor General's office has released from custody two of nine people accused of murdering Russian investigative journalist, Anna Politkovskaya. The decision to release them was announced during the Moscow City Court proceeding.

Ukraine President denies family link to Nazis: Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has released WWII archive documents about his father. The documents suggest that Andrey Yushchenko managed to escape from the Nazis seven times.

Russians from Syria land in Moscow: More than 30 Russians, who fled worsening violence in Lebanon, have finally arrived back in Moscow. They were stranded for several days before escaping through Syria. But вiplomats say more Russians remain stuck in Lebanon.

Serb’s Tadic claims poll victory: Serbian President Boris Tadic says his pro-EU Democratic Party has won the country’s parliamentary election. But the Radical Party’s leader, Tomislav Nikolic, says a coalition of Nationalist parties could still form a majority.

Lithuania unblocks Russia-EU talks: Lithuania is dropping its objections to Russia-EU strategic partnership talks. The change of heart followed a meeting between the country's Foreign Minister and his counterparts from Slovenia, Sweden and Poland.

Football fans promised traffic-free Moscow: Moscow's city administration will provide designated road lanes for English football fans attending the European Champions League final. It's hoped the move will help Manchester United and Chelsea fans to easily get between airports and the Luzhniki stadium.

Russian Orthodox Church Abroad to elect new head: The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is preparing to elect a new spiritual leader, following the death of Metropolitan Laurus. The Church’s Synod of Bishops is meeting behind closed doors in New York, where the Church's new First Hierarch will be picked.

Policeman killed in Russia’s south: One policeman has been shot dead and another one wounded after unknown gunmen attacked a police station in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan.

Russia sends more aid to cyclone-hit Myanmar: A second Russian plane carrying humanitarian aid has arrived in cyclone-hit Myanmar. The emergency ministry cargo includes food, tents and medical supplies.

China eyes Russian farmlands in food push: Chinese companies will be encouraged to buy, or take on lease, farmlands abroad to help guarantee food security, under a plan being considered by Beijing. The move comes amid a food crisis in China.

30+ Russians reach Syrian border: Thirty four Russians stranded by the turmoil in Beirut have safely left Lebanon and arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, to board a plane home. The Russians have been caught up in violence in Lebanon between government supporting militia and the opposition group Hezbollah.

U.S. to help settle Georgian-Abkhazian conflict: A U.S. delegation is in the Abkhazian capital Sukhumi following talks with Georgian ministers. The main aim of the visit, they say, is to help the two sides find a peaceful solution. The diplomats have also held talks with Abkhazia's president Sergey Bagapsh.

Georgia buries Iraq victims: The funerals for two Georgian peacekeepers, killed in Iraq, have been held in Tbilisi. Lieutenant Giorgi Margiyev and Corporal Zurab Gvenetadze were the first Georgians killed since the country’s operation began in Iraq.

Victory Day lights up Russia: A spectacular fireworks display has ended a day of celebrations in Russia, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. Earlier, the Victory Day parade passed through Red Square, watched by millions around the country. While estimates vary, at least 30 million Russians died during World War Two.

NATO planes accused of risking lives: Russia has criticised NATO pilots for endangering the safety of their bomber crews in International air space.

Abramovich snaps up Colorado ranch: The Russian billionaire and owner of Chelsea football club, Roman Abramovich, is reported to have bought up yet another enormous estate, this time in Colorado.

Lithuanian vandals stain WW2 monument: On the V-day eve, a group of people threw red paint at the monument to Soviet Soldiers in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius.

Russian aid sent to Myanmar cyclone victims: A Russian flight carrying humanitarian aid has left for Myanmar following last week's devastating cyclone.

WW2 claimed 8 MLN Germans: historians: The exact number of casualties sustained by Germany and its allies during World War II is still a mystery. Russian and German historians are now suggesting the number could be as high as the catastrophic losses of the Soviet Red Army.

Abkhazia claims another Georgian spy plane: A U.S. delegation is in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia to discuss settling the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict. The visit comes amid claims by Abkhazia that it shot down another Georgian unmanned spy plane on Thursday. Tbilisi has denied the report, calling it a provocation.

U.S. formally charges ‘Merchant of Death’: Prosecutors in the U.S. have brought terror charges against the alleged Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout.

Russian power-split uncertainty: Now that Vladimir Putin is Prime Minister, the spotlight is on how power will be distributed between him and President Medvedev. That’s despite Putin and Medvedev saying they are determined to stick to the Constitution.

Don’t speak: doomsday cult communicates using psalms and notes: The members of a Russian doomsday cult are reportedly refusing to talk with the outside world and will only communicate by singing or using written notes.

Pentagon rushes to build cyber war arsenal: DARPA, the Pentagon’s agency that develops new technology for military use, is tasked with producing world-class cyber war capabilities. It’s America’s largest project since the agency was catching up with the Soviet space programme following the launch of sputnik in 1957.

Europe celebrates victory over Nazism: Western Europe marks the victory over Nazi Germany on Thursday. On May 8, 1945, Germany signed an unconditional surrender on the outskirts of Berlin – the historic event which marks the end of World War Two.

Russia welcomes new President: Dmitry Medvedev has pledged to promote the success and prosperity of all Russians, during his first speech as Russian president. The 42-year-old has been sworn in during a ceremony in the Kremlin. Medvedev said he’d support innovative approaches to lift living standards.

Internet opens window on WW2 victims: A database is being set up to help Russians discover the fate of their family members after WW2. Information on thousands of those who died during WW2 – their military ranks, dates and causes of death, and burial places – is now free on the Internet.

Israel: 60 years of independence: Israel has celebrated sixty years of independence with a stunning fireworks display and military parade. The nation was founded in 1948, sparking controversy and conflict that has lasted to this day.

Nuclear industry hails Russia-U.S. pact: A new pact with the United States has been hailed by the head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation, who says it opens huge possibilities for trade. The nuclear pact will allow commercial deals on civilian projects without the express consent of either government.

Kosovo Serbs receive Russian humanitarian aid: Serbs in one of Kosovo's regions have started receiving Russian aid which was sent at the request of the Serbian government. Thousands of people in the area live on the brink of poverty, and it seems the situation hasn’t improved since Kosovo declared independence in February.

Latvian Pig Man won’t spoil Victory Day: A controversial anti-litter initiative in Latvia has been delayed after criticism that it was an affront to Russians and their commemoration of Victory Day.

Lithuania gives Hawaii independence tips: Hawaiian political scientist Kuhio Vogeler has come to Lithuania to find out how the Baltic states’ example can help his islands gain independence from U.S. ‘occupation’, as he calls it.

U.S. wants new cold war: Gorbachev: As Dmitry Medvedev was being sworn in as Russia’s president, the last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, delivered a scathing critique of recent United States policy. He accused the U.S. of trying to provoke a new Cold War by dismantling progress with Russia since the fall of communism.

I’ve kept my promise: Putin: Vladimir Putin gave a short speech before handing the presidency to Dmitry Medvedev. To applause from the audience, Putin said he’d kept his promise and responsibility to safeguard Russia’s interests.

Putin nominated for PM: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has officially nominated Vladimir Putin as prime minister by submitting his name to the Parliament’s lower house, the State Duma. Putin has held consultations with the leaders of factions in the Duma.

President’s ceremony - step-by-step: On May 7, 2008, the Grand Kremlin Palace hosts the inauguration ceremony for Russia’s newly elected president, Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev.

Obama strengthens grip over Clinton: Barack Obama has again firmed as the Democrats’ presidential nominee, after a thumping primary victory in a predominately white U.S. state. He took North Carolina, while Hillary Clinton had a narrow win in Indiana.

Last hours of Putin’s Russia: Vladimir Putin has less than a day before he officially hands over the presidency to Dmitry Medvedev. The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Kremlin on Wednesday.

Uzbekistani couple stabbed to death in Moscow: A married couple from Uzbekistan have been brutally stabbed to death in a murder police say may be racially motivated.