Ukraine condemns planned Russian presidential election in occupied territory

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine on Saturday strongly condemned Russia’s plans to hold presidential elections on occupied Ukrainian territory in the spring. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called the planned elections “null and void” and pledged that any international observers...

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...

Putin moves a step closer to a fifth term as president after Russia sets 2024 election date

Lawmakers in Russia set the country’s 2024 presidential election for March 17, moving Vladimir Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office. Members of the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament, voted unanimously Thursday to approve a decree setting the date. ...

Allies of Russian opposition leader Navalny post billboards asking citizens to vote against Putin

LONDON (AP) — Opposition activists in Russia came up with a way to get around Kremlin censorship while urging citizens to vote against President Vladimir Putin in an election next year: billboards disguised as a New Year's greeting. The Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by...