Elegant dancers take Swan Lake to new level with spirited stunts and acrobatics

A Russian betting firm wants to buy psychic World Cup octopus Paul as a bookmaker and pay him a salary of $NZ7000 a month, according to local media.

A prolonged heatwave across Russia combined with a prodigious consumption of vodka has led to dozens of drownings every day.

Russian 'femme fatale' Anna Chapman has had her citizenship and passport revoked by Britain's Home Office.

The children of deported Russian spies were unaware of their parents' activities and their real identities.

A professional diver from Vladivostok is teaching his dog the tricks of the trade.

Rob Gray finds that all you really need to ride around the world is a motorbike and a fair bit of determination.

The sons and daughters of four couples accused of spying for Russia can't even be totally sure of their names.

The so-called 'Stalingrad stunner' slept, shopped and schmoozed her way across London and New York's high society.

An ex-KGB officer claims that Russian intelligence services are running 40 to 50 couples as deep cover agents in the US.

Georgian authorities have removed a massive statue of Joseph Stalin from the main square of his hometown, Gori, in a secret late-night operation.

Despite warnings of bandits, corrupt police and endless forests, the 51st Traverse team make good progress through Russia.

Dismayed by the negative way it is portrayed in games, Russia is planning to promote itself with a series of patriotic titles.

In many countries, a couple with 17 children would be deemed irresponsible; in Russia, they're given a medal.

A visit to a tiger sanctuary and a beer-infused sauna are all in a day's work for the 51st Traverse team.

Rob Gray marvels at the contrasts in hospitality as he and his friends set off on their overland motorbike trip from Vladivostok to London.