Russia is to launch an unmanned mission to the Moon as the first blast-off from the new Cosmodrome currently being constructed in Amur region.

Photographers win praise for work which had them in trouble with the Communist Party and KGB.

Award-winning director and screenwriter Janusz Zaorski says members of his own family were sent into exile in the east of Russia during the war years.

This exceptional collection of brightly coloured historic engines and carriages, dating from pre-revolutionary times, is fascinating as much for the casual visitor as the railway fanatic. 

You can climb into many of the old exhibits, and get a sense of the extraordinary Soviet locomotives that opened up Siberia in the age of steam.

From the city, you can get here by local train, perhaps combining a visit with sightseeing in Akademgorodok and at the Ob Sea.

Dmitry Medvedev rejected plans to set up a State corporation to run the economy in eastern Siberia and the Far East.

A potentially invaluable Stradivarius violin has been disclosed as a family heirloom by a resident of Western Siberia.

Former paratrooper conscript Timofey Menshikov wanted to escape modern life - and vodka - now faces reunion with family he left behind.

This is a satellite town, some 20 km to the south from the centre of Novosibirsk, amid enchanting woodland close to the Ob Sea. Accessible by local train or minibus from the city, too.

Set up in Soviet times by one of Russia’s greatest minds, mathematician Mikhail Lavrentyev, it allowed the young forward-thinking scientists who moved East from Moscow and St Petersburg a pleasant lifestyle, enabling them to work successfully.

It is home to 32 institutes and researching centres, the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Novosibirsk State University. 

A Soviet-era hotel which has undergone substantial and welcome renovation and now offers good value for money 3* facilities for its guests. 

Very good location on Lenina street makes it convenient for most amenities in the city centre.

With apartments, business deluxe, business single, business double and comfort class accommodation, it aims to meet most tastes.