Russia's ban on American adoptions focused attention on Putin and world politics, while the real issue is the plight of the children who live inside the vast orphan system.

Over 100 people died in flash floods in the southern city of Krymsk. The disaster was both preventable and criminal. But it still needed to be cleaned up. Russian Life's history editor Tamara Eidelman was there and provides this first hand account of the aftermath of the disaster.

On rising and falling television stars, the TV ban on activist Ksenia Sobchak, and international support for Pussy Riot.

This week, depressing news about divisions and birth rates can only really be counteracted with a smile over the Orthodox church’s new take on sex.

News items on everything from the ISS to politics, from banyas to a new train station.

We may hate war, but we understand what is going on. But what about the animals? Who will help them?

Russia is pushing ahead with a new drive to populate the country’s remote and unpopular fringes. Starting this year, Russians can claim a hectare (about 2.5 acres) of land in the Arctic zone – absolutely free.

Considering some telling facts and figures from Russia, the war, and where things are now.