Obama speaks with Putin on Snowden, but no sign of movement
President Barack Obama raised U.S. concerns directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday over Moscow's handling of former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, but there was no sign of a breakthrough on Washington's demand that Russia expel him.
Russia slams West's 'propaganda storm' on Syria chemical arms
Russia's U.N. envoy on Thursday sharply criticized what he described as Western nations' "small propaganda storm in a glass of water" regarding allegations that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons against its own people.
Russia says Syrian opposition blocking peace conference
A Syrian opposition leader is undermining chances for proposed peace talks by saying that foes of President Bashar al-Assad will only attend if they make military headway first, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Russia's Putin urges moderate changes in NGO 'foreign agent' law
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that a law branding some non-governmental organizations "foreign agents" should be changed to prevent harassment of groups that are not involved in politics.
EU not planning to rethink Egypt aid programs
A European Union official said on Thursday he did not know of any plans for the bloc to change its aid programs for Egypt after the army ousted President Mohamed Mursi.
Russia increasingly impatient over Snowden's airport stay
Edward Snowden should find another country to seek refuge, a Russian official said on Thursday, signaling Moscow's growing impatience over the former U.S. agency spy contractor's lengthening stay at a Moscow airport.
Russia worried by lack of progress towards Iran nuclear talks
Russia voiced concern on Thursday that no progress has been made towards organizing new talks between Iran and six world powers on Tehran's nuclear program, despite the election of a relative moderate as Iran's president.
North Korea to discuss nuclear talks in Moscow
North Korea's chief nuclear negotiator will meet senior Russian officials in Moscow next week, state media reported, amid signs of a new push to get Pyongyang to re-join protracted talks over ending its atomic program.
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