Charles Maynes

Amid NATO's expansion, and sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine, there's increasing tension in Russia's Kaliningrad region, which is geographically isolated from the rest of the country.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russian has blocked shipment of grain. Negotiations have taken place for weeks, mediated by Turkey and the U.N., to oversee safe passage of the shipments.

Brittney Griner's defense argued her case and defended her character in a Russian court on Thursday, one week after the WNBA star pleaded guilty to drug charges.

Griner appeared moved by the testimony of her friends, tearing up repeatedly during Thursday's proceedings. Her longtime team doctor added that Griner has never failed a drug test.

WNBA star Brittney Griner plead guilty to drug charges in Russian court Thursday.

The WNBA star admitted to bringing cannabis into Russia but said she had packed in a hurry and did not intend to break the law. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison.

In response to the West's support of Ukraine, Moscow is renaming streets where the U.S. and British Embassies are located. The new names honor pro-Kremlin separatists fighting to break from Ukraine.

Russian prosecutors outlined drug charges against WNBA star Brittney Griner when her trial started in Moscow on Friday. The Biden administration says she's being wrongly detained.

Griner, 31, is "a bit worried" because of the trial and the potential of a prison sentence, he lawyer tells NPR, "but she's a tough lady and I think she will manage."

The Kremlin is threatening to retaliate against NATO member state Lithuania, after the Baltic state decided to block some goods into a Russian territory known as Kaliningrad.

A Russian court has again extended the arrest of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner. Her trial on drug charges starts July 1.

The star with the U.S. Olympic and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury was bracketed by four security officers and a dog as she was led down a stairwell to a courtroom for Monday's hearing.

The Russian president blamed the U.S. for fostering crises in global relations, food security, inflation and trade. He also said he had no objection to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union.

Russia is warning foreign journalists that they could lose the right to stay unless the situation of Russian journalists in the U.S. improves.

More than three months into the Ukraine war, one of its major consequences is taking the spotlight: growing concerns of a global food crisis.

Ukrainians call a legendary 10th-century ruler Volodymyr the Great. Russians call him Vladimir the Great. Here's a story on their dueling statues — and historical narratives — in Kyiv and Moscow.

The lawyer for the 31-year-old athlete said Friday her pre-trial detention in Russia has been extended by one month. Griner faces a trial on drug possession charges in mid-June.

Victory Day is Russia's biggest holiday, marking the end of World War Two. In a speech in Red Square, President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to justify his attack on Ukraine.

Russians celebrate Victory Day on Monday, May 9. The annual event marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, but it has taken on added importance this year because of Ukraine.

Russian criticism of Western military aid to Ukraine is not new. But recent rhetoric reflects efforts to build public consensus for the need of a protracted — if not existential — war with the West.