Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional changes on Wednesday that would give him scope to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency, and picked a new prime minister after Dmitry Medvedev and his cabinet stepped down.
In a move that took Russia by surprise, Russian President Vladimir Putin abolished one of the country's state-run news agencies, RIA Novosti. He's reforming it, with a hardline supporter as the new head.
The Guardian correspondent Miriam Elder is in Cyprus' second largest city, Limassol, home to a large Russian expat community, and sometimes referred to as "LimassolGrad."
The Russian band Pussy Riot ignited a storm of controversy for its protest performance in a Russian cathedral. Arrested and eventually convicted, a trio of band members were sentenced to two year in prison. But Wednesday, a Russian court suspended the sentence of one woman.
Just over four years ago, Russian President Dmitri Medvedev was the United States' new best friend. But that's all changed now that Vladimir Putin is to be the president again.
Russians head to the polls soon to choose a new president — who will likely be an old president. Vladimir Putin is expected to win re-election relatively easy, but there's growing discontent with him and political corruption in Russia, which has sent thousands into the street in protest.
Vladimir Putin is almost certain to become Russia's President once again. But as The World's Laura Lynch reports, there is growing disillusionment with Putin over his perceived corruption and abuse of authority.
Thousands of people are expected to protest Sunday against alleged fraud in the parliamentary elections earlier this month.
Russia's educated, middle class rarely heads to the streets in protests. So, what's brought them out this time?
Russia President Dmitry Medvedev has used a video blog to promote badminton, describing it as a game for those seeking success.