Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated his 62nd birthday in the wilderness of Siberia as supporters from across Russia create tributes in his honour.

Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the AK-47 assault rifle, apparently wrote a regretful letter several months before his death asking the head of the Russian Orthodox Church if he was to blame for those killed by his gun.

Three members of the punk band Pussy Riot have each been sentenced to two years in prison on hooliganism charges following a trial that has drawn international outrage as an emblem of Russia’s intolerance of dissent.

Madonna appealed for the release of three members of the punk group Pussy Riot at her Russian concert last night.