Russia's capital, the epicenter of the country's coronavirus pandemic, is lifting restrictions as the Kremlin prepares for a massive military parade and a referendum on term limits.

More than 20,000 tons spilled in a remote Arctic region, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to declare a state of emergency. The company says thawing permafrost may have caused the spill.

Russia and Saudi Arabia, the world's two-largest oil exporters, stopped coordinating their crude production last week, sending oil prices tumbling.

The Kremlin says warnings of Russian interference in November's presidential election are just "American paranoia." Some analysts say there's little the Russians could do in any case.

A Soviet spy has died at the age of 103. Russians claim he saved the Polish city of Krakow from destruction by Nazis. Polish historians tell a different story.

"America used to be a beacon of freedom, liberty and anti-corruption efforts. Now a lot of Ukrainians feel like ... we are by ourselves," says a Ukrainian political commentator.

A week after he said Americans didn't care about Ukraine, Pompeo is in its capital Kyiv. Ukraine continues to be at the center of unflattering attention during President Trump's impeachment trial.

Ukrainians once viewed the United States as a model of democracy and clean government. After their country got wrapped up in the U.S. impeachment scandal, some are having second thoughts.

Vladimir Putin's plan to change the way Russia is governed has caught his opponents off guard. They know he's trying to hang on to power, but they don't agree on how to stop him.

The principal ministers of the Russian government resigned Wednesday in a move designed to ease a constitutional overhaul recently proposed by President Vladimir Putin.

Even after two decades in power, Russia's leader enjoys approval ratings around 70%. Supporters say he has returned the country to greatness. But a poll says over half of young adults want to leave.

In Russia a new generation is coming of age — one that has grown up entirely during the 20-year reign of President Putin. They have no memories of post-Soviet hardship.

Despite a moribund economy, Russian President Putin enjoys widespread popularity. His success lies in part in his ability to tap into a deep sense of resentment over the Soviet Union's collapse.

Ukraine and Russia exchanged prisoners Sunday in a deal negotiated by the countries' presidents. It is a tentative step toward resolving the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski said she was "disturbed" when she heard Mitch McConnell would coordinate with the White House on impeachment. Also, a typhoon has hit the Philippines.

A plane crashed in Kazakhstan shortly after takeoff Friday, killing at least 12 people.

Russian authorities seized an ally of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and shipped him off to do military service in the Arctic.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has criticized the impeachment of President Trump. Speaking at his annual press conference in Moscow, Putin called the charges "far-fetched."

"U.S. military aid represents a physical manifestation of American support, which is essential," retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges tells NPR. The U.S. has given $1.5 billion in such aid in the past 5 years.

The U.S. accounts for almost all the foreign military assistance that Ukraine receives in its fight against Russia. Little is actually used on the front line, but it provides symbolic support.