What I wasn't expecting was just how beautiful everything looked under the sparkling white blanket of snow.

First shipment leaves from Yamal Peninsula across the roof of the world as tankers head through the Northern Sea Route for first time.

My only knowledge of Russia came from Hollywood movies, James Bond films in particular - though I was aware that From Russia with Love was made back in 60s. 

Farmers say war machines are quicker, more fuel efficient, and easier to use on their 400 hectares of land than tractors.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backs easing of visa regimes in Asia-Pacific region for students and tourists.

The famously clear waters of Baikal - the world's deepest and oldest lake - are under threat from tourists, says leading scientist Maxim Timofeyev.

Permafrost preserved the ‘oldest blood in the world’ boosting hopes of bringing extinct species back to life.

Staycations have become a 'mass source of income' for businesses on the edge of Baikal, with predictions of more to come in 2015.