Russia and its military has proven prowess in learning lessons from its failures, writes Geoffrey Roberts

JULIAN BARNES transports us back to the former Soviet Union’s days of “endless terror” for his first novel since winning the Man Booker Prize in 2011. 

Like Stalin, Putin has nurtured a climate of fear and lawlessness, in which those who rally behind the Kremlin feel a duty to eliminate the leader’s opponents however they can, says Nina L Khrushcheva

DURING the Nazi occupation of Europe, some cities were more unfortunate than others. 

The mystery of the golden Amber Room continues to shine, says Kya deLongchamps

You would think when you reach the age of 101 you would start to slow down, but Alexander Kaptarenko is gearing up for a very special day.

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival - Chic

Seventy years ago today Hitler’s armies at Stalingrad surrendered after 200 days of the most savage fighting. Geoffrey Roberts on the moment the long, crooked and twisted journey to today’s democratic Europe began

General Zhukov is seen by many as a hero who defeated Hitler and by others as an egotistical brute. Either way he lives on in public consciousness in Russia today, writes Geoffrey Roberts

Leningrad: Tragedy of a City under Siege, 1941-44

Hitler’s attack on Russia on this day 70 years ago was the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, writes Geoffrey Roberts

The Concert Ticket

THERE’S a prison in the Peter and Paul Fortress in St Petersburg.

THE Amber Room, Katherine Palace, St Petersburg in Russia was commissioned by Frederick I of Prussia in 1701, and was presented later to Czar Peter the Great.

Irish intelligence services kept reports of Joe Dolan’s tour of Russia in a classified file marked Communist Activities, newly released papers reveal.

IF Daniel Craig thought he had problems dealing with 007 critics, erstwhile fans and know-it-all Fleming buffs, wait till the St Petersburg communists get a hold of him.

Director Woody Allen has defended his decision to shoot his latest movie 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' in Spain, insisting he would have filmed in any European city, had he been offered the opportunity.

With his Shaq-like dimensions and fearsome features, Nikolay Valuev — history’s tallest heavyweight champ — intimidates foes and titillates fans, but can Don King’s colossus fight? L. Jon Wertheim reports.

The European Union has ordered restrictions on bird markets and shows and urged nations to present a program of vaccination for zoo birds as part of increased measures to head off the spread of bird flu.

The European Union today said it was extending a ban on the importation of pet birds and feathers to cover most of Russia.

An emotional wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Soviet War Memorial in London today as the loss of 27 million soldiers and civilians from the former USSR in the Second World War was commemorated.

Joint work against terrorism, boosting oil and gas supplies and cooperation on Arctic issues were expected to dominate talks this week between Russian officials and Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, who arrived in Moscow today for a three-day visit on the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

A car carrying fishermen on a lake near St Petersburg has sunk through the ice, killing six of the eight anglers inside.