Soviet

Moscow has lost its aura and its grip, creating a disorderly vacuum that previously obedient former Soviet satraps, as well as China, are moving to fill.

Mikhail Gorbachev years – Era of the Soviet leader who ended cold war

The Interfax and state-run Tass news services cited the Moscow hospital where Gorbachev died. The Central Clinical Hospital said his death followed “a severe and prolonged illness,” according to Tass.

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War, dies aged 91

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet president, forged arms reduction deals with the United States and partnerships with Western powers to remove the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe since World War Two and bring about the reunification of Germany.

$40/ barrel possible; don't see OPEC cutting output: Expert

Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst with Energy Aspects says USD 40 a barrel is definitely a possibility. She says in these kinds of market it is difficult to call a bottom considering the last USD 20 move wasn‘t justified by fundamentals.

Putin rebuffs Obama as Ukraine crisis escalates

Moscow and Washington were still far apart on the situation in the former Soviet republic, where he said the new authorities had taken absolutely illegitimate decisions on the eastern, southeastern and Crimea regions: Putin

Ukraine reminds Santas about tax

Cash-strapped Ukraine on Wednesday reminded entertainers making money by posing as Did Moroz - the local version of Santa Claus - and his helpers to pay income tax.