One political scientist sees presumptive Republican nominee as 'manifestation of liberal democracy’s systemic crisis'; historian Vladimir Sogrin less alarmed
Links to several Russians, some of them reputedly close Putin associates, backed by ‘very strong evidence,’ Spanish judge says
Observer says Russia's economic downturn makes North Caucasus, already one of country’s poorest areas, particularly vulnerable to Islamic State influence
Activists demand immediate resignation of Ramzan Kadyrov, saying he must be prosecuted for numerous serious crimes; Chechnya's governor dismisses report as ‘gossip’
‘Nobody has presented a single piece of credible evidence’ proving allegations of civilian casualties caused by Russian airstrikes, President Putin’s spokesman said
Vilification of America ‘comes from the top’ and ‘Putin needs it to save his political regime,’ some observers say
Some experts say Russia following in footsteps of former Soviet Union which crushed itself with unsustainable military spending
Effort to vilify US is part of strategy by corrupt, authoritarian regime trying by all means to retain control over society, says Levada Center director Lev Gudkov
Observers in Moscow say Russian personnel in Syria are engaged in something more significant than routine repair work and training
Meeting will be second hosted by Russia, and just as the Olympics have put a spotlight on the country, many observers say G8 Sochi Summit also likely to have significant impact internationally
