In a striking shift, US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin are embarking on a tentative path toward closer ties and possible military cooperation, as the bitter rift over Ukraine gives way to common cause against the Islamic State group.

The outrage of ordinary Muscovites was sparked by Boris Nemtsov’s assassination on Friday, but many fear apathy will return in the face of a remorseless enemy, says Anna Nemtsova

A former KGB colonel turned opposition MP who has angered the Kremlin with his criticism and involvement in street protests against president Vladimir Putin was stripped of his parliament seat today.

Vladimir Putin said today he will run for Russia’s presidency in 2012, almost certainly ensuring he will retake the office he previously held and foreshadowing years more of a strongman rule that many in the West have called a retreat from democracy.