Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly denounced Soviet-era political repressions, describing them as a crime that should never be forgotten.

An exhibition at the Royal Academy looks set to open as scheduled on January 26 after a Russian government agency approved the transport of paintings to London.

Pope John Paul II believes “the time is ripe” to return a revered icon to Russia, hoping to give a major push to improving relations between Catholics and Russian Orthodox Christians, his spokesman said today.