Vladimir Putin

Artists voice support for Russian gay rights on eve of showcase Games.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina criticised over New York concert.

Huge toll of early deaths through excessive consumption of Russia's national drink.

Is there a more controversial nominee than whistleblower Edward Snowden?

Latest headlines and news on January 29, 2014.

The radical feminist group staged a topless protest against Russian president Vladimir Putin and in support of the pro-EU demonstrators in Ukraine.

Protests in Ukraine become more violent as two people have reportedly been shot dead by police.

Naval experts say £1bn new submarine will give UK and US 'a run for their money'.

Co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates is more highly regarded than Barack Obama, Pope Francis or Vladimir Putin in an international poll.

Blast on trolleybus at busy marketplace in Dzerzhinsky district labelled terror attack and follows previous day's explosion.

From Putin's coming out to Beyoncé's Illuminati-backed coup we bring you our predictions for 2014.

Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alekhina determined they still want Putin out.

Kremlin critic greeted be former German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher.

Humanitarian reasons cited by Russian president as motive behind the decree

Vladimir Putin's announcement that he will pardon Mikhail Khodorkovsky is one of the stand out announcements in Russia

Russian president says he will pardon Kremlin critic after 10 years in confinement

Ukrainian government budget proposal sees positive economic outlook for country in 2014 after Russian aid deal

Russian president says he is not working with NSA leaker Edward Snowden

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said that he has asked the European Union for financial support.

Ria Novosti and Voice of Russia replaced by Rossiya Segodnya in further Kremlin media crackdown.

Business between the Ukraine and the west continues despite political tensions between EU and Moscow

Claims that disgraced former PM set for political return dismissed as pure fantasy.

Ukraine's late pullout from historic trade deal with Europe puts protesters on the streets.

Beatles legend writes open letter to Russian president to release 30 activists held for two months.

Russia's homophobia problem is assuming ever more nightmarish proportions, says Larry Poltavtsev.

Moscow security body advises paintball could be used in simulated combat exercises.

Golden Girls's 2014 calendar contains skimpily dressed models minus nudity.

The idea of a power-sharing arrangement may be unpalatable but it is the least worst option to avert armageddon, says Middle East expert Michael Kerr.

Verdict is seen as a blow to freedom of expression and a bid to stifle dissent.