Zurab Tsereteli, Polarizing Russian Sculptor of Colossal Works, Dies at 91

In bronze, he glorified figures like Peter the Great and Vladimir Putin, often to the public’s distaste. Some works, like a giant Columbus and a 9/11 memorial, were reviled.

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Russia Arrests Former Governor of Kursk Region

Aleksei B. Smirnov, together with his deputy and other accomplices, was accused of embezzling money earmarked for building defenses that failed to prevent a Ukrainian attack in Kursk.

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Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Is in Russia, the Kremlin Says

The Kremlin spokesman would not say whether the Trump aide, Steve Witkoff, would meet with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

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Kremlin Stays Mum on Agenda for Putin’s Call With Trump

The call, scheduled for Tuesday, will be the first known conversation between the two leaders since Mr. Putin laid out numerous conditions for a cease-fire with Ukraine.

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Plans for a Chinese Port in the Black Sea Roil Georgia Politics

Georgia’s government sparked an uproar by announcing that a port project on the Black Sea will be awarded to a company from China after canceling a contract with a consortium that included Western firms.

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As Moscow and Washington Discuss Ukraine, Russians Hope for Normalcy

Many people in Russia expressed relief that an end to the conflict in Ukraine seemed nearer and that the hardships of war, and the shunning of their country by much of the world, may soon end.

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Married Russian Figure-Skating Stars Are Among Victims of Plane Crash Near Washington, D.C.

A Boston skating club confirmed that Yevgeniya Shishkova, 52, and Vadim Naumov, 55, were on the plane that crashed after colliding with a military helicopter.

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Kremlin Confirms Readiness for Putin to Meet Trump

The president-elect had said the Russian leader wanted to meet him to discuss the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin stopped short of that, saying it could only happen after he takes office.

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Amid Anti-Western Drift, Georgia Inaugurates a Conservative President

Even though a figurehead, Mikheil Kavelashvili occupies a symbolic role as the country moves further from the West and toward Russia and China.

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What We Know About the Plane Crash in Kazakhstan

The Embraer 190 was traveling to Grozny, Russia, but crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people onboard. Investigators are focusing on Russian air defense as the likely cause.

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