Ahead of a parliamentary election on Sunday, President Vladimir Putin's grip on power is as strong as ever. But when the time comes, here are some potential successors.

Russia also placed the local businesses of French retailers Auchan and Leroy Merlin under temporary external administration, according to a presidential decree.

The former UK PM said: "I don't know what warped logic drove Putin to blow up a stationary Ukrainian locomotive on the Polish border this morning".

In May, Russia's state-controlled polling agency VTsIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Center) changed its methodology after Putin’s approval rating dropped to 65.5 percent, a slump of 12.2 percentage points since December and the lowest level since the start of the war.

The legislation was named for the late South Carolina Republican. It gives the president authority to impose tariffs on top importers of oil and natural gas from Russia, such as China and India.

There is no doubt over the outcome of this vote, but for the Kremlin they are still an important moment.

Finland built 124 miles of border fencing after Russia allegedly weaponized migration as hybrid warfare against the Nordic NATO member state.

The Lindsey Graham Russia sanctions bill is on a path to become law after the House votes in favor.

The bill was championed by GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died suddenly just one day after announcing a deal had been reached with the White House to move forward.

China and Russia conducted a joint naval operation near U.S. territory off the coast of Alaska this week in an action experts said was the largest of its kind ever.

The frictions in Russia’s wartime economy are growing, as massive military spending balloons the budget deficit. Consumers and businesses are gloomier.