Russia
Moscow correspondent Andrew Roth
Civilians in the rebel-held part of the Syrian city of Aleppo are enduring what the humanitarian chief has described as a "living hell" as Russian and Pro-Assad forces continue to bombard the rebel… Audio
US favouring Syria jihadist group, says Russia
The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, has accused the United States of further fuelling the war in Syria.
Prosecutors say flight MH17 was hit by missile from Russia
Prosecutors investigating the 2014 downing of flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine say it was hit by a missile which was brought in from Russia. Audio
"Russia does not need to win these wars, it just can't lose"
The Interpreter editor James Miller talks to Checkpoint about Russia's motivation in the Syria conflict. Video, Audio
Russia correspondent Andrew Roth
Washington Post correspondent in Moscow Andrew Roth on Russia's role in Syria and reports about Vladimir Putin forming a new super spy agency. Audio
US and Russia face off over Syria at UN
The US and Russia have faced off over Syria in a UN Security Council meeting chaired by John Key, who told the council it would have "blood on its hands" if it didn't find a solution soon Video, Audio
Vanuatu and Russia agree on visa-free travel
Vanuatu and Russia have signed an agreement to allow for visa-free travel between the two countries.
Pro-Putin party dominates Russia parliamentary vote
Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited the ruling United Russia party headquarters after exit polls show it won parliamentary elections. Video, Audio
Putin's United Russia gains early election lead
United Russia, backed by President Vladimir Putin, has taken about half the votes in the country's parliamentary election, early results suggest.
US admits bombing that killed Syrian soldiers
The United States has admitted carrying out an air strike in northeastern Syria believed to have killed scores of Syrian government soldiers.
Russian sports minister denies hacking WADA
Russian sports minister denies suggestions that the hacking of confidential medical records belonging to leading American sports stars has anything to do with his country.
Cautious optimism for success of Syria's ceasefire
The ceasefire in Syria has begun, as President Bashar al-Assad vows to retake every piece of land from opposition forces and rebuild the country. Audio
Russia excluded from 2018 winter Paralympics
Russia, already suspended from next month's Rio Paralympics, have also been banned for the winter edition in 2018 because of their doping programme.
Putin mends broken relations with Turkey
The leaders of Russia and Turkey have patched up a damaging quarrel, pledging to restore close economic relations.
Bone Music: Soviet bootleg records on xrays
It was the midst of the cold war, and state censors had banned western music, and even some Russian music was deemed "dangerous". But ingenious music lovers found a way to listen to the forbidden… Audio
David Goldblatt: the Olympics - then and now
Kim Hill talks to David Goldblatt, one of the world's most celebrated sportswriters, about his new book The Games: A Global History of the Olympics. Audio
Five dead after Russian chopper shot down over Syria
A Russian military helicopter has been shot down in Syria, killing all five people on board.
Will Rio be free of dopers?
The New Zealand men's rowing four will not compete at the Rio Olympics after Russia confirmed it would put together a crew for the event. Audio
Veteran NZ Olympics journalist says IOC decision is fair
Veteran Olympics journalist Joseph Romanos says IOC has made a fair decision in allowing Russian athletes who can prove they're clean to compete at Rio. Audio
NZ backs IOC decision to let Russians compete at Olympics
The NZ Olympic Committee says it backs the IOC's decision not to impose a blanket ban on Russian athletes at the Rio games. President Mike Stanley says the IOC had to balance individual justice with… Audio
