Russia blast: Multiple explosions rock arsenal storing ‘13mln’ shells, hundreds fight blaze

Large explosions rock an ammunition depot in Russia’s Samara Region, where over 13 million shells are stored. Over 500 firefighters are combatting the blaze triggered by blasts, while dozens of residents in nearby communities have sought medical help.

June 18, 2013 17:04

Putin: Didn’t feel isolated, not all G8 leaders agree Assad used chemical weapons

There is no proof that the Syrian government used chemical weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the G8 summit. Some of the G8 countries share this view, he added.

June 18, 2013 15:11

Duma approves tougher fines for shooting at weddings

The Russian Lower House has passed a bill introducing tougher punishment for using firearms outside gun ranges, apparently targeting the practice of some ethnic groups who celebrate important events by shooting guns in the air.

June 18, 2013 14:12

Court ruling sidetracks Gazprom’s new $226 million HQ in St Petersburg

Gazprom's plans to construct a new $226 million headquarters in St Petersburg have been scuppered by a local court. The Kommersant daily says a judge has upheld local objections the site had cultural significance and could not be built on.

June 18, 2013 13:37

Syria in-depth analysis: Where the anti-Assad coalition went wrong

We don’t know what will come out of Geneva II, the US and Russian backed conference for a political solution to the Syrian crisis. But it is forcing rhetorical and diplomatic conversions upon those taking the road to Damascus.

June 18, 2013 13:11

$30bn in Russian money sent to Cyprus in 2 decades - study

Russians have transferred over $30 billion (around $1 trillion roubles) to Cyprus over the past twenty years, according to a study published by a group of economists from Russia, Finland and Canada.

June 18, 2013 12:38