Crisis in Russia

Siberian tycoon is behind new $44 million franchise agreement with McDonald's.

Pro-Vladimir Putin demos one year on from the Kiev uprising.

Animal charity WWF Russia in plea for help to prevent repeat of 1980s winter crisis that killed 90% of species in the region.

Exports overseas increase to highest levels in seven years but Russia still slips behind rivals as Asia turns to other countries for wood.

Insatiable demand sees turnover increase, profits continue and new branches open as American owner says brand is 'living on its own'.

Birds that Vladimir Putin tried to save have 'almost disappeared' due to illegal shooting.

Despite the cold weather, growers in Irkutsk are managing to sell their own fruit developed in greenhouses and pollinated by foreign bees.

Meanwhile, Emergencies' Minister vows better space monitoring of flooding as plans underway to stop a repeat of 2013 crisis.

Rescue effort underway to provide emergency feeding sites for the helpless animals, with the wild boar population also in trouble.