Workers held banners proclaiming support for President Putin after the seizure of territory from neighboring Ukraine.
Russia President Putin said the withdrawal of Ukrainian military units, ending violence and launching a national dialogue are key issues.
"Our Church is not succumbing to any political temptations and refuses to serve for any political positions," Patriarch Kirill said.
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.
Wall Street Bank representatives are heading to Russia for a conference. It's not political, it's just business.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov slammed U.S. and EU sanctions over the Ukraine crisis Tuesday, saying they defied common sense.
The Europeans, unlike the Americans, are not hitting the head of Russia's state-owned oil company, Rosneft, with sanctions.
Shareholders have urged big oil firms like BP and Shell to control spending and give back more cash because of concerns over rising costs.
Russia's deputy foreign minister said that Moscow is prepared to respond to Western sanctions with a range of measures.
Across party lines and age groups, Americans want Russia to feel the heat.
The latest round of sanctions on Russia hits people close to Putin, but they won't make a dent in the world's sixth-largest economy.
The decision brings to 48 the number of people the EU has put under sanctions for, it argues, helping undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity.
The new sanctions list includes seven Russian officials and 17 companies, from the financial, energy and infrastructure sectors.
Templeton Group's Mark Mobius said his emerging markets fund holds about $200 million in Ukrainian stocks and $500 million in Russian equities.
Two people from the Russian president's inner circle are among the seven whose U.S. assets have been frozen, in this third round of sanctions.
The European Union is also expected to add targets to its Russia sanctions list on Monday.
Obama continues to seek unity - and stronger measures - vs. Moscow.
Extraordinary footage catches an attack on a Ukrainian military helicopter.
Russia's currency was downgraded Friday by S&P, and the rating may sink lower if further sanctions are imposed.
Russia's interest rate hike after an S&P downgrade signals growing concern the nation may trade economic growth for territorial ambition.