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Russia

Russia has the largest area of any country, extending over northern Asia and large parts of Eastern Europe. It is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. In February 2022, it launched an invasion of Ukraine.

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A general view of the Moscow City Court after a preliminary hearing in a new case against jailed Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny

A general view of the Moscow City Court after a preliminary hearing in a new case against jailed Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny

Moscow court jails Russia-born US citizen for 'espionage'

Gene Spector is the latest US citizen to be jailed, with some freed in prisoner exchanges.

Russian cargo ship Ursa Major transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Russian cargo ship Ursa Major transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Russia says two missing after ship explodes off Spain

Moscow says a vessel linked to its defense ministry sank in the Mediterranean and that two of the crew are missing.

A view shows the carcass of a baby mammoth, which is estimated to be over 50,000 years old

A view shows the carcass of a baby mammoth, which is estimated to be over 50,000 years old

50,000-year-old baby mammoth carcass discovered in Siberia

Scientists have unearthed a baby mammoth more than 50,000 years old from the frozen soil in a remote region of Siberia.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (center L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (center R) shake hands during a meeting in the Kremlin.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico (center L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin (center R) shake hands during a meeting in the Kremlin.

Slovakia's appeal for Russian gas

Ukraine will not renew gas transit contracts for Russian gas into Slovakia. The EU member state is upset.

A TV screen shows file images of North Korean soldiers

A TV screen shows file images of North Korean soldiers

Over 1,000 North Korean casualties in Ukraine war — Seoul

South Korea says there have been over 1,000 North Korean soldiers killed or injured since joining the fight.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin. December 22, 2024, Moscow.

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russia's President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin. December 22, 2024, Moscow.

Slovakia's PM Fico visits Moscow amid Ukraine gas dispute

Prime Minister Robert Fico said his "working meeting" with Putin in Moscow was a result of Ukraine's gas transit stance.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visits a German Navy vessel in 2023

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visits a German Navy vessel in 2023

German defense minister warns of Russian 'hybrid warfare'

Boris Pistorius said Berlin must be on alert for any hybrid attack by Moscow, amid concerns of election interference.

John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor, speaks during a forum discussion (file photo)

John Bolton, former US National Security Advisor, speaks during a forum discussion (file photo)

Bolton: 'Putin knows how to play with Trump'

Donald Trump's former national security adviser speaks with DW's Washington bureau chief, Ines Pohl.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during an annual national live televised question-and-answer session and press conference at Gostiny Dvor.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during an annual national live televised question-and-answer session and press conference at Gostiny Dvor.

Putin sees shortfalls in Kirillov killing, but not in Syria

Putin's year-end state TV marathon came soon after a top general's killing in Moscow and Bashar Assad fleeing Syria.

A man holds a flag adopted by the Syrian new rulers, after Syria's Bashar Assad was ousted, in central Damascus, Syria.

A man holds a flag adopted by the Syrian new rulers, after Syria's Bashar Assad was ousted, in central Damascus, Syria.

Which countries win, which lose from the upheaval in Syria?

The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has direct consequences for several countries. DW takes a closer look.

Igor Kirillov in a green military uniform

Igor Kirillov in a green military uniform

Igor Kirillov — the Russian top general killed by Ukraine

Igor Kirillov ran Russia's nuclear, biological and chemical defense forces.

A view shows a scene of an explosion in which Russian general Igor Kirillov was killed

A view shows a scene of an explosion in which Russian general Igor Kirillov was killed

Russia detains suspect over General Igor Kirillov's killing

After Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow, Russian authorities have detained an Uzbek man.

A person stands in front of a destroyed building and next to the charred remains of an electric scooter

A person stands in front of a destroyed building and next to the charred remains of an electric scooter

Ukraine claims responsibility for killing of Russian general

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov died after an explosive device was detonated in a residential area in Moscow.

Seagulls seen by Crimean Bridge across the Strait of Kerch

Seagulls seen by Crimean Bridge across the Strait of Kerch

Ukraine: Oil spill off Crimea poses huge environmental risk

With oil from a huge spill now reaching the shores of the Kerch Strait, environmental groups are fearing the worst.

People raising the Finnish flag

People raising the Finnish flag

Helsinki court orders seizure of Russian properties

Finland recently ordered the seizure of Russian assets at the request of Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftogaz.

Police at the scene of the explosion in Moscow

Police at the scene of the explosion in Moscow

Russia: Bomb kills senior general Igor Kirillov in Moscow

Lieutenant General Kirillov was the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) reviews troops alongside former Syrian President Bashar Assad (L), and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) during a visit to Hmeimim air base on December 11, 2017

Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) reviews troops alongside former Syrian President Bashar Assad (L), and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) during a visit to Hmeimim air base on December 11, 2017

What will happen to Russia's military bases in Syria?

With the ouster of Assad, the future of Russia's military presence in Syria looks unclear.

A group of deminers sweep a forested, snowy area with detectors looking for land mines

A group of deminers sweep a forested, snowy area with detectors looking for land mines

Ukrainian war veterans help clear land mines

An estimated 2 million mines are scattered across Ukraine. DW spoke with veterans who are working to clear the land.

Russian warplanes at an air base in Syria

Russian warplanes at an air base in Syria

Fate of Russian military bases in Syria remains open

In the wake of the Islamist rebel victory in Syria, Russia is considering the future of its military bases.

A Ukrainian tank in a wooded area on the Ukrainian-Russian border

A Ukrainian tank in a wooded area on the Ukrainian-Russian border

Ukrainian forces struggle to retain control of Russian land

Whether the Ukrainians can hold onto parts of Russia's Kursk region is a question no one on the front lines can answer.

Archive photo of rail lines in St. Petersburg, Russia

Archive photo of rail lines in St. Petersburg, Russia

Russia: German accused of planning rail sabotage for Kyiv

Russian police have reportedly detained a German-Russian man for allegedly planning a sabotage act at Kyiv's behest.

Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukraine: Zelenskyy urges 'enduring peace' in Elysee talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv needs "effective guarantees for peace" amid the threat from Russia

A Russian soldier fires a weapon in the Kursk region

A Russian soldier fires a weapon in the Kursk region

Yemenis forcefully recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine

Witnesses told DW that hundreds of young Yemenis have been lured to Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine.

Several foreign ministers and staffers sit at a meeting of the OSCE in Malta

Several foreign ministers and staffers sit at a meeting of the OSCE in Malta

Russia's Lavrov on Malta: A war of words

The Russian foreign minister caused controversy at a meeting of the OSCE.

DW Sendung To The Point | Totale E

DW Sendung To The Point | Totale E

War and peace: A deal with Putin at the expense of Ukraine?

Is it time for a ceasefire and a NATO security guarantee to protect Ukraine from Putin?

Banner shows portraits of Putin and Assad in Aleppo, northern Syria, on Oct. 17, 2015

Banner shows portraits of Putin and Assad in Aleppo, northern Syria, on Oct. 17, 2015

With Ukraine a slog and Syria aflame, Russia is worn thin

Mired in its Ukraine war, Russia is unable to fully intervene in Syria. But the Kremlin can't abandon a strategic ally.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia in July 2024.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia in July 2024.

Will Russia tip the scales for Syria's Assad again?

Russia saved Syria's Assad regime in 2015. But this time, Vladimir Putin is fighting a war of his own in Ukraine.

A screenshot of a video from the JuicyFields website showing a group of masked men smoking

A screenshot of a video from the JuicyFields website showing a group of masked men smoking

JuicyFields cannabis scam: New revelations come to light

After DW's Cannabis Cowboys podcast, several European journalists investigated the scam. What did they find?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a family photo at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, on October 23, 2024

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a family photo at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, on October 23, 2024

BRICS currency: Is Trump's tariff threat justified?

Donald Trump has vowed 100% tariffs on imports from BRICS countries if they create a new currency to rival the dollar.

Niederlande Den Haag 2024 | Internationaler Strafgerichtshof (ICC)

Niederlande Den Haag 2024 | Internationaler Strafgerichtshof (ICC)

ICC chief criticizes US and Russia over threats

Judge Tomoko Akane did not name Russia or the US but referred to them as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

An LNG tanker docking at the Ras Laffan gas terminal in Qatar

An LNG tanker docking at the Ras Laffan gas terminal in Qatar

Is Europe on the brink of a new gas crisis?

A cold November, rising gas prices and the likely imminent end to a key pipeline gas contract have prompted concerns.

A blaze of fire and black smoke is seen behind the wires at an electrical substation in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

A blaze of fire and black smoke is seen behind the wires at an electrical substation in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

EU begins increased export of electricity to Ukraine

In a bid to keep Ukrainians warm this winter, the European Union will now increase electricity exports to Ukraine.

A Russian "STOP HIV/AIDS" badge

A Russian "STOP HIV/AIDS" badge

People living with HIV still face discrimination

Many HIV-positive people are stigmatized and face discrimination in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Sofya Velikaya and Alisher Usmanov pose after a fencing competition

Sofya Velikaya and Alisher Usmanov pose after a fencing competition

Usmanov retained as world fencing boss despite sanctions

While "expected" even by the defeated candidate, Alisher Usmanov's reelection as boss of world fencing was emphatic.

A law enforcement officer stands guard during the LGBT community rally "X St.Petersburg Pride" in 2019

A law enforcement officer stands guard during the LGBT community rally "X St.Petersburg Pride" in 2019

Russian police raid Moscow nightclubs over 'LGBT propaganda'

As part of a government crackdown on "LGBT propaganda," Russian police raided several bars and nightclubs in Moscow.

A Russian flag is seen on a laptop, with a larger screen behind displaying computer code

A Russian flag is seen on a laptop, with a larger screen behind displaying computer code

What is hybrid warfare?

Western intelligence agencies accuse Russia of increasingly engaging in hybrid warfare since invading Ukraine.

Russland | Rubel | Geldscheine

Russland | Rubel | Geldscheine

Russia's economy under pressure as ruble weakens

The Russian rube has depreciated amid fresh US sanctions and mounting challenges for Putin to manage his war economy.

power generators in the streets of Lviv

power generators in the streets of Lviv

Russia targets Ukraine's energy infrastructure

Russia launches new wave of air attacks on Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv's use of long-range Western missiles.

To The Point (TOPO)

To The Point (TOPO)

Russia's strategy in Ukraine: Is Putin's war going global?

Putin's latest moves in Ukraine spell trouble for Ukraine and its NATO allies. Is a global war more likely than ever?

A bank teller holds in her hands 5,000 rouble banknotes

A bank teller holds in her hands 5,000 rouble banknotes

Russia in panic as US sanctions trigger ruble collapse

Russia's currency has fallen sharply in recent days, putting pressure on the country's strained financial system.

Houthi fighters are seen attending a military parade in Sanaa in September 2024

Houthi fighters are seen attending a military parade in Sanaa in September 2024

Ukraine war: Yemen's Houthis to fight for Russia?

Would the reported deployment of Yemeni Houthis to fight for Russia change the course of the war in Ukraine?

A blue microphone with the white image and text logos of German public broadcaster ARD rests on a mixing case

A blue microphone with the white image and text logos of German public broadcaster ARD rests on a mixing case

Russia: Kremlin orders 2 German ARD journalists to leave

The Kremlin expelled two German reporters on Wednessday in response to Berlin recently barring two Russians. Broadcaster

Deutschland | Demonstration der russischen Opposition in Berlin

Deutschland | Demonstration der russischen Opposition in Berlin

'Putin has already lost the war in Ukraine'

Vladimir Kara-Murza, an exiled Russian opposition activist, tells DW’s Tim Sebastian that Putin's regime will fall.

Vladimir Kara-Murza (center left), Yulia Navalnaya, Ilya Yashin and other protesters in Berlin on November 17, 2024

Vladimir Kara-Murza (center left), Yulia Navalnaya, Ilya Yashin and other protesters in Berlin on November 17, 2024

'Putin has already lost the war in Ukraine'

Vladimir Kara-Murza, an exiled Russian opposition activist, tells DW’s Tim Sebastian that Putin's regime will fall.

A woman smiles as she looks into the camera. Behind her are yellow walls with photographs taped to them.

A woman smiles as she looks into the camera. Behind her are yellow walls with photographs taped to them.

Punk resistance: Pussy Riot on Putin's Russia

Russian activist group Pussy Riot has a big exhibition in Munich. Maria Alyokhina tells us of her fight against Putin.

A conscript is seen at a local draft office before departing for military service with the Russian Army

A conscript is seen at a local draft office before departing for military service with the Russian Army

Russia offers debt relief to recruits for Ukraine war

Russia is seeking new ways to recruit fighters for the ongoing conflict that has impacted troop levels.

A photo of Kazan Federal University in Russia dated November 11, 2024

A photo of Kazan Federal University in Russia dated November 11, 2024

Iran alarmed by treatment of students at Russian university

Iranian students are believed to have been beaten at the Kazan Federal University in Russia.

A small group of people with bags and suitcases walk behind rusty anti-tank hedgehogs; a sign in the background is in bright Ukrainian yellow and blue

A small group of people with bags and suitcases walk behind rusty anti-tank hedgehogs; a sign in the background is in bright Ukrainian yellow and blue

Life under occupation: 'Russians say they came to liberate'

A single border crossing from Belarus allows Ukrainians in Russian-occupied areas access to the rest of the country.

A man holds a yellow brochure titled "If the crisis or war comes" in Swedish

A man holds a yellow brochure titled "If the crisis or war comes" in Swedish

Nordic countries ramp up civil defenses

Under threat from Russia, the nearby countries of Sweden, Finland and Norway are updating preparedness guidelines.

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian missile strike in Dnipro

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian missile strike in Dnipro

What is Russia's new 'Oreshnik' missile?

DW looks at what the missile can achieve and what signals Russia is sending by using it.