Putin News

Moscow - In what appears to be an effort to strengthen the Kremlin's grip on the national media and protect its national interests, President Vladimir Putin issued a decree on Monday liquidating the RIA Novosti, Russia's huge state-owned news agency.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev dampened amnesty chances for Pussy Riot members, Khodorkovsky, and others widely viewed as political prisoners.

Sochi - As the deadline for the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi draws near Russian President Vladimir Putin announces construction work at the Mountain Carousel ski resort is complete but will downhill champion Lindsey Vonn be fit in time?

The International Documentary Film Festival, held in Amsterdam, opened Nov. 20th for its 26th run. With almost 300 entries from around the world, films often tell poignant and powerful stories. One of those stories this year is titled "Putin's Games."

Moscow - On Sunday, Russia's President Vladimir Putin signed into a law an anti-terrorism law which requires the relatives of terrorists to pay for the damages their attacks have caused.

Russian has dropped piracy charges against 28 Greenpeace International crew and activists. Hooliganism charges remain, and could result in prison time.

Brussels - In a move likely to further infuriate Washington, a coalition of EU political groups has officially nominated US whistleblower Edward Snowden for the 2013 Sakharov Prize For Freedom of Thought.

Whilst many people may have suspected that governments were spying on them online, few in the west could have realised the extent of the surveillance. At least one positive has come out of this sordid affair and that is debate, but at a price — distrust

Russia's Vladimir Putin pens a powerful letter on the American approach to Syria. Why the decline of honeybees should worry the world. Inside the movie madness known as the Toronto International Film Festival. Welcome to this week's TopFinds.

In an open letter addressed to the American people and published in The New York Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin responds to President Obama's public address on Syria.