Seasonal greetings to all parts of the world marking Christmas Day on 25 December, even though we have to wait a little longer!

Some 35 Russian higher educational institutions are attending the annual Chinese showcase of international universities.

In a sign of the times, children are taught 'to love the motherland' after the return of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia.

Greenpeace claim authorities underestimate the scale of destruction, amid warnings of lack of resources to fight fires. 

Environmentalists call for World Bank to halt funding for projects that could alter flow of rivers leading into lake with water nearing critical low.

Swift response by the Russian president to Canada's move to claim seabed under the North Pole and surrounding waters.

On a visit to the Far East, he strongly hinted they should give up summer holidays to complete unfinished tasks.

Seasonal greetings from the east of Russia where there are no less than seven different Father Christmas figures to bring joy to children in winter. 

An ash column reached 7 kilometres above sea level on Wednesday morning.