PUTIN

Russia needs China's markets more than China wants Russian gas.

As Vladimir Putin travels to Shanghai, the relationship between the two former enemies has never been better. But key differences remain.

China is not the only country discussing oil and gas deals with Russia.

“I would like to emphasize once again that we were forced to make this decision,” Putin said in a letter to European leaders.

Russia's president has shown remarkable improvement since learning to skate in 2011.

Russian President Vladimir Putin flew to Sevastopol on Friday to celebrate the 1945 Soviet victory over the Nazis.

Russia took major steps to distance itself from separatists in the east this week. Could that help broker peace?

The decision, which contradicted the conciliatory tone set by Putin a day earlier, caused consternation in the West.

Pro-Russian separatists have decided to go ahead with Sunday's referendum on autonomy.

"Russians won't abandon their own," militants chant.

"It will be impossible to convince them to lay down arms," says Putin spokesman Dmitri Peskov.

Some long for "the good old days," while others fear them.

Detainees may face charges of inciting riots and murder for Friday's violence in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine says pro-Russians defending their grip on eastern city of Slavyansk have shot down two helicopters, killing at least one pilot.

SpaceX wants its contract, but the United Launch Alliance isn't going to let it go so easily.

In its quarterly call, the company assured shareholders that sanctions against a Russian oil company president won't impede business.

New U.S. and EU sanctions packages, announced with fanfare, were seen as so mild that Russian share prices rose in relief.

The former German chancellor's actions illustrate why Russia's role as Europe's energy provider is making it difficult for the EU to impose sanctions.

Sanctions? What sanctions? Western oil majors yawn at the West's sanctions against Rosneft CEO and other Putin allies.

Russia has responded to the killing of pro-Moscow separatists by starting military operations on the Ukrainian border.

As tension between the West and Russia continues to build, academics and politicians are proposing a fresh idea for the problem's mitigation.