It should be called the 'Pacific region', he suggests.
The senior politician called for a change of identity for the vast eastern third of Russia, as the country angles itself towards Asia.
Epicentre was in mountains of Kamchatka peninsula with a powerful 7.3 magnitude.
Wildfires ablaze early in year due to lack of snow, posing threat to railway in Russian Far East.
Old Soviet resorts to be restored for new generation of visitors.
Drone footage shows army of surfers paddling a chunk of ice in Ussuri Bay.
Showing for party founded by Vladimir Putin mirrors the rest of Russia, but ultranationalist Liberal Democrats nudge Communists to third place.
Customs procedures and rules on foreigners staying in duty-free region will be relaxed in move that will bolster the economy and boost trade from 2016.
Animal charity WWF Russia in plea for help to prevent repeat of 1980s winter crisis that killed 90% of species in the region.
At least three are dangerously close to population centres in Irkutsk region.