Vladimir Putin

(Newser) - A rabbi from an ultra-orthodox Jewish group is ultra-powerful in Russia's shrinking oligarchy, using Putin's patronage to raise funds and revive Judaism across the country, the Wall Street Journal reports. But critics charge him with selling his soul for the cozy position, downplaying anti-Semitism and becoming an apologist for the...

(Newser) - Vladimir Putin threatened to stonewall a key defense treaty if the U.S. doesn't back down on anti-missile bases in Eastern Europe, and lashed out against "foreign meddlers" in Russian politics. In his annual speech to parliament, Putin also repeated his pledge to stand down when his term ends...

(Newser) - Robert Gates was in Moscow today trying to soften Russian resistance to American anti-missile bases in Poland and the Czech Republic, but so far the Russians aren't buying. The Defense Secretary is pushing proposals that would invite the Russians to share data, cooperate on research, and participate in joint testing...

(Newser) - An exiled Russian billionaire says he is bankrolling a coup to overthrow Russian President Vladimir Putin. Boris Berezovsky tells the Guardian: "It isn't possible to change this regime through democratic means. There can be no change without force, pressure." Asked if he is fomenting a revolution, he responds:...