For Putin, winning reelection could be easier than resolving the many challenges facing Russia

For President Vladimir Putin, winning reelection will probably be the easy part. His sweeping grip on Russia's political scene has virtually assured him another six-year term that would extend his two dozen years in power. More daunting will be the thorny challenges that lie ahead....

AP PHOTOS: Moscow hosts a fashion forum with designers from Brazil, China, India and South Africa

MOSCOW (AP) — An international fashion forum in Moscow has brought together designers from Brazil, China, India, South Africa and other countries, an event that underlined Russia’s shift away from the West amid the fighting in Ukraine. The forum that wrapped up earlier this month...

Ukraine says any Russian presidential voting in its occupied regions would be 'null and void'

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine on Saturday condemned Russia’s intention to organize presidential election voting in occupied Ukrainian territory next year. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said any such balloting held in the occupied regions in the country would be “null and...

With Putin's reelection all but assured, Russia's opposition still vows to undermine his image

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Behind bars in penal colonies or in self-exile abroad, Russian opposition figures vow they will still put up a fight against President Vladimir Putin as he seeks yet another term in office in an election in March. Although they believe Putin will be declared...

Ukraine's human rights envoy calls for a faster way to bring back children deported by Russia

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman voiced hope Friday that a coalition of countries formed to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia will be able to come up with a faster mechanism to repatriate them. Over 19,000 children are still believed...

Russia puts prominent Russian-US journalist Masha Gessen on wanted list for criminal charges

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Russian police have put prominent Russian-American journalist and author Masha Gessen on a wanted list after opening a criminal case against them on charges of spreading false information about the Russian army. It is the latest step in an unrelenting...

Putin will seek another term as Russian president, aiming to extend his rule of over two decades

Vladimir Putin on Friday moved to prolong his repressive and unyielding grip on Russia for at least another six years, announcing his candidacy in the presidential election next March that he is all but certain to win. Putin still commands wide support after nearly a quarter-century...

Key events in Vladimir Putin's more than two decades in power in Russia

Significant dates in Vladimir Putin’s 24 years in power in Russia: Dec. 31, 1999 — In a surprise address to the nation, President Boris Yeltsin announces his resignation and makes Putin, the prime minister he appointed four months earlier, the acting president. May...

Putin to seek another presidential term in Russia, extending his rule of over two decades, state media say

Kremlin foe Navalny's lawyers to remain in detention at least through mid-March, Russian court rules

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A Moscow court extended on Thursday pre-trial detentions for three lawyers who once represented imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The three were arrested in October on charges of participating in an extremist group, a case widely seen as a means to ramp up...