More than 50 servicemen in air drop close to  Russia's drifting ice base Barneo.

The endangered creature - which can live for more than 200 years - permitted to be caught despite being in the Russian Red Book.

New twist in case of lost anglers 'who ate human flesh to survive'.

Boris Fyodorov, 37, complains it was 'too warm', and now wants to try in minus 60C.

Girl walked 8 km all alone in minus 34C from remote family home to report her beloved grandmother's death, and beg help for blind grandfather.

Pet saves helpless child's life acting as surrogate parent in temperatures averaging minus 12C.

Model Amina Karat, 34, poses on the Saamys-Kumaga sands in Yakutia.

Destruction of trees by flames could see Batagai Depression ‘rapidly enlarge’ while remote local settlements also threatened.

At Akademgorodok, and a real favourite of this guide. Don't be fooled by the exterior, from the candlelit lobby this brilliant restaurant gives you the warmest welcome no matter how cold it is. In summer, there is also patio eating outside. 

A truly fine wine list and a mixture of sumptuous European, Asian and modern Russian food, plus a young and dedicated staff who ensure that your lunch or dinner will be memorable. 

One of Denis Ivanov's excellent restaurants in Novosibirsk and not always the one that attracts most media plaudits but for us this is a gem, showing the new Russia at its finest.