Russia

Crisis in Crimea

Ukrainian Military on High Alert Against Russian Invasion

Kiev steps up military presence against Moscow invasion of Crimea; Ukrainian Prime Minister offers to begin talks to prevent a war.

Moscow Officially Approves Use of Military Force in Ukraine

Tensions in Ukraine deteriorate as over 6,000 Russian troops storm Crimea.

NATO, Russia in Talks on Syria Chemical Arms Mission

Despite tensions over Ukraine, NATO and Russia are discussing a joint mission to protect a U.S. ship that will destroy Syria's chemicals.

Kerry Warns Russia as Troops Head for Border

Intervention in Ukraine would be ‘a grave mistake,’ US diplomat warns as Russian warplanes head for border.

Kerry: Ukraine Conflict Not America Versus Russia

Despite separatist threat of ethnic-Russian Ukrainians and Western leanings of interim govt., Kerry denies it's West versus East.

Hungarian Jews Seek Return of Scrolls Looted During WWII

Hungarian Jewish leaders talking with Russia over the return of a collection of religious items looted by the Red Army.

Russian Lawmaker: 'Jews Destroyed Russia'

Russian MP is in hot water after attacking opponents as 'Jews who destroyed Russia in 1917 and 1991.'

Russia Rejects Obama's Criticism Regarding Syria

Russia accuses Washington of "biased distortion" after Obama criticizes Moscow for blocking UN sanctions on Assad.

U.S. Warns Against Toothpaste Bombs on Flights to Russia

American and foreign airlines warned that terrorists could try to place explosives disguised as toothpaste on Russia-bound flights.

Ukraine: Yanukovych Caught Between EU, Russia

Protests continue in Ukraine as Opposition leaders call to oust President; government caught in tug-of-war between Russia, EU.

Abbas Wants Greater Russian Role in Peace Talks

Abbas, on a visit to Moscow, hails Russia's successes in the Middle East, asks it to play role in Israel-PA peace talks.

Abbas In Russia To Sign Energy Deal

Abbas meets Russian PM and president to sign $1 billion natural gas project in Gaza, hails Russian 'friends of Palestine.'

Russia Hunting Down Three 'Black Widows' In Sochi

Pictures of 3 female Muslim potential suicide bombers distributed. Terror threat on Olympics has led to record high security.

Terrorists Threaten Sochi Games

Islamist terrorists threaten "present from the Muslims" for Russia during the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Palestinian Authority Residents Complain Over Foreign Workers

Bethlehem workers are up in arms over an invasion of foreign workers taking good jobs they feel belong to them.

Chechnya: Name Your Baby Mohammed, Get $1,000

President of Russian republic announces his mother's charity will pay babies named after Mohammed on birthday of Islam's founder.

Video Shows Blast that Killed 18 in Russian City

Several killed in bombing at train station in Volgograd. City was targeted in October bombing as well.

Russia: West Understands that Assad is Better than Rebels

Russia's Foreign Minister says that Western diplomats are increasingly saying that Assad is better for Syria than Islamists.

Again: Russia Vetoes Resolution on Syria

Russia blocks a UN Security Council statement condemning the Syrian government's increasing military offensive on the city of Aleppo.

Moscow Criticizes Assad for Announcing Election Hopes for 2014

Regime's Russian ally issues rare criticism of embattled Syrian president over announcements of his intent to re-run for office.

Russia Joins Effort to Remove Syria's Chemical Weapons

Russia will send armored trucks to Syria as part of an international effort to remove its chemical weapons, says OPCW.

Tragedy: Israeli Family Killed in Russia Gas Leak

Mardi family's surviving son struggles to bring his family back to Israel for burial. 'My world has been destroyed'.

Kerry in Moldova Supports Ukrainian 'Spring'

Kerry praises Moldova decision to shift from Russia towards EU, encourages Ukraine to listen to will of the people.

Putin Meets Saudi Intel Chief To Discuss Syria and Iran

Meeting in Moscow focuses on Syria crisis and Geneva 2 talks, 'positive dynamics' of Iran deal, signals closer relations between 2 nations.

Ban Ki-Moon: Iran Should Participate in Geneva II Talks

UN Secretary General announces intentions to have Iran participate in Geneva 2, despite allegations that Tehran is involved in conflict.

Lethal Mortar Lands by Russian Embassy in Damascus

Mortar kills one injures 9 in Syrian capital, same day Syrian army recaptures strategic town north of Damascus.

Elkin: Russians Don't Want a Nuclear Iran Either

Dept. Foreign Minister Ze'ev Elkin says he is 'cautiously optimistic' that Russia would understand Israel's concerns over Iran.

Kerry: Deal 'Best Chance' to Stop Nuclear Iran

After meeting with defense officials, Kerry still backs precarious Iran deal, but also vows not to let Iran 'buy time.'

Report: Egypt to Receive $4 Billion in Russian Arms

Kuwaiti newspaper says deal aims to allow Egyptian military to 'achieve parity' with IDF.

Prime Minister Heads to Russia as Iran Talks Recommence

Netanyahu turns to Iran's most powerful ally in an attempt to prevent a 'bad deal' in nuclear talks.

Russia Tragedy: At Least 50 Dead in Passenger Jet Crash

44 passengers and 6 crew all reportedly killed when plane exploded as it landed.

Egypt and Russia Hold 'Historic' Talks

High level talks held in Egypt with visiting Russian FM and Defense Minister, no arms deal yet but promises of new strategic relations.

Russian Officials in Egypt to Discuss Arms Deal

Russian FM Lavrov and Defense Min. Shoigu arrive in Egypt to discuss arms deals between the two countries, further signaling alliance shift.

Saudi Arabia, Russia and China Elected to UNHRC

Irony: Countries with questionable human rights records win seats on none other than the UN Human Rights Council.

Putin Called Saudi King, Next US Ally Lost?

Russian President Putin calls Saudi King Abdullah, talk hints Saudi Arabia like Egypt abandoning US for Russia.

Egypt Announces Expanded Cooperation with Russia

Egyptian FM says his state expanding cooperation with Russia following cooling of relations with the US.

US Removing Navy From Mid-East As Russia Enters

US recalls aircraft carrier and destroyer from Middle East as Russia sends warships, signals shift in military influence.

Putin to Visit Egypt, Replace US Military Ties

The Russian President reportedly will visit Egypt this month, apparently to replace US role as military provider amid souring American ties.

Arab Media: Swiss Officials Confirm Arafat 'Poisoned'

Al-Jazeera reports that Swiss scientists studying Arafat's body confirm he was poisoned.

Egypt Turning from US to Russia for Military Aid

With US partially suspending military aid, Egyptian overtures to Russia show shifting alliances amid Kerry's Cairo visit.

Russia Sends Most Powerful Ships to Mediterranean

In show of force, Russia radically expands Middle East presence by sending 'aircraft carrier killer', nuclear battleship to Syrian shores.

Canada: Deportation Order for Israeli 'Immigrants'

Russian woman and her daughter who lived for six years in Israel denied refugee status in Canada, order given for deportation

Iran 'Gifts' Russia with Copy of US Drone

Iran says it has now mass produced the highly advanced US ScanEagle drone it says it downed last year.

Russia: Suspected Suicide Bus Bombing Kills Six

Russian police suspect a female suicide bomber was responsible for an explosion aboard a bus which killed at least 6.

Attack on Russian Chemical Weapons Site Foiled

Officials in Moscow say security forces foiled a potentially lethal attack on a highly sensitive chemical weapons storage facility.

Did Russia Rule Out Arafat Poisoning?

Russian expert quoted as saying Arafat ‘could not have died of polonium poisoning’ – but agency immediately denies.

Jewish Hero of Sobibor Death Camp Revolt to be Honored

As Russia prepares to mark 70 years since the Sobibor revolt, one Jewish officer finally finds his rightful place as the hero of the story.

Putin, Kerry Meet on Syria During APEC Summit

Russia's Vladamir Putin and John Kerry discuss Syria disarmament a day after Kerry hails the implementation of Syrian chemical plan.

Report: Russian 'Qaddafi Groupie' Sparked Embassy Attack

The actions of a Russian woman sparked an attack by Libyans against the Russian Embassy in Tripoli.

US, Russia Seek Norway Help To Destroy Syrian Chemical Arms

Norway's political stability and water make the Scandinavian country eligible for the task of destroying Syria's WMD's.

Libya: Russia Evacuates Embassy Staff

Libya says can't guarantee safety of staff amid violent protests.

Chabad Rabbi's Shooter Killed in Gunfight

Terrorist leader, who shot Rabbi Yaskov last July, was among 5 suspected terrorists killed by Russia’s main anti-terror agency.

UN Hits Back at Russia on Syria's Chemical Weapons

United Nations slams Russia's remarks that inspectors' report on Syria was "one-sided."

Syria Hands Russia 'Proof' of Rebel Chemical Weapons Use

Russian Deputy FM rejects UN chemical inspectors' report as "politicised, biased and one-sided".

Syria Expert says 'Assad Can Potentially Win this War'

It's been 3 years since the revolution began in Syria; the rebels' failure to become a real force will give Assad the victory.

Prof. Gilboa: The Time to Decide is Now, Obama

Leading scholar says 2013 is the time for decision, otherwise Iran will become a nuclear powerhouse.

Assad: U.S. Threat of No Bearing on Chemical Decision

In an interview with Russian state TV, Syrian President says Russia alone convinced him to cede his cache of chemical weapons.

Leaked UN Inspectors' Report: Attack Looks Like Assad's Work

Report by international inspectors on Syrian chemical weapons claims Bashar al-Assad was almost certainly behind Aug 21 attack.

Obama Asks Congress to Delay Votes on Syria

Obama asks to delay votes on authorizing military strikes against Syria in order to give Russian proposal a chance.

Syria FM: 'We Accept Russian Plan'

Syria has agreed to a Russian deal to turn over its chemical weapons to the international community to dodge a U.S. led strike.