Putin backs proposal to give one hectare to each citizen or person willing to move to region in a bid to stimulate economy and boost population.

Armed man guns down a nun and worshiper during prayers on Sunday. 

Emergency chiefs say that increased activity means tour companies and residents must avoid going too close to eruptions.

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

Fate of 13 still unknown as rescue efforts continue. 

Ambitious plans unveiled for 250km/h train that would cut travel times and drive new business and tourism between two countries.

Speculation that reclusive dictator's debut foreign trip will see him visit Khabarovsk in September.

Built just five years ago, western sanctions over Ukraine stop international cooperation at climate change research facility in Arctic.

People begin to mop up their waterlogged homes: but what about the 'abandoned' dogs and cats?