Corey Flintoff

After the 1917 Russian Revolution, there was a debate over what to do with the spectacular jewels that had symbolized the power and wealth of the czars. Most have remained in the Kremlin, but some can't be traced.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a measure that would ban Americans from adopting Russian children. The ban is designed as retaliation for a new U.S. law that sanctions Russian officials accused of human rights violations.

Russian lawmakers are trying to bar Americans from adopting Russian children. It's meant as retaliation against unfavorable U.S. legislation, but opponents of the ban say it treats Russian children as pawns in a political game.

The up-scale mall on Red Square is called GUM. It's in the former state-run department store, a Soviet-era monument that was once famous for long lines and unsmiling service. It's been turned into a glittering showplace for high-end foreign brands that most Russians can only look at.

Many Russians will join their Georgian neighbors in feasting on Georgian specialties for St. Barbara's Day. But the countries' political relations have led to restrictions on imports of Georgian wine and mineral water. A recent thawing offers hope for a sweeter future.

The Russian military is plagued by problems: A top heavy senior officer corps and a defense industry that churns out obsolete equipment, to name just two. Analysts in Russia say the U.S. should be worried about a weaker Russia, which may be becoming a front line in the battle against Islamist extremism.

President Vladimir Putin's decision to sack his defense minister has created widespread speculation about his motives. The defense minister was embroiled in a scandal, but analysts say Putin's decision may point to a larger battle over the future of Russia's military.

The NHL lockout has sent many Russian players home to play for a league very much in need of star power as it tries to revive hockey's popularity in a place where the sport was once dominant.

Russia's Young Guard has demonstrated outside Mormon meeting halls in Moscow. Members claim the Mormon church is a totalitarian cult that believes in multiple gods and has ties to the CIA and FBI.

Foreign adoptions are a hot-button issue in Russia; some Russian officials have even called for a ban. Despite the political sensitivity, Russia and the U.S. are working out an agreement designed to improve the adoption process for prospective parents and children.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent word welcoming President Obama's re-election. But the Russian government and state-run media sought to discredit the American electoral process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen wincing shortly after piloting a hang glider on national TV. The Kremlin is downplaying reports that he's suffering from back pain. The 60-year-old leader has cultivated a macho image by riding a horse bare-chested in Siberia and diving to an archaeological site in the Black Sea.