Russian businessman robbed of $48,000 in St. Petersburg
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 06:33 GMT
Somalia pirates hold 300 sailors captive - Russian shipping daily
Over 300 sailors are being kept hostage by Somali pirates, who have dealt a severe blow to busy shipping routes off the East African state, a Russian maritime news website said on Wednesday.
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 07:16 GMT
Israel targets tunnels to Egypt as attacks on Gaza lessen
Israeli aircraft on Wednesday attacked the network of tunnels linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt as the bombing campaign in the Palestinian enclave eased, Israel's military said.
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 07:30 GMT
Officials confirm bail release of ailing ex-Yukos executive
Russia's penitentiary authorities confirmed on Wednesday the release of terminally ill ex-Yukos official Vasily Aleksanyan on a 50 million ruble ($1.8 million) bail.
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 07:34 GMT
Spain extradites suspected Chechen militant to Russia
Spain has extradited to Russia a suspected Chechen militant who was arrested in the country in 2006, a spokeswoman for the Russian General Prosecutor's Office said on Wednesday.
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 07:51 GMT
Israel says proposals for truce with Palestinians unrealistic
Israel considers all international proposals on a ceasefire in Gaza unrealistic and insists that Palestinian militants should stop attacks first, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 08:57 GMT
Russians wish for jobs, health and happiness in 2009 - survey
Russians expressed their New Year's wishes as finding a new job, staying healthy, and happiness among their family members and close friends, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
// Dec. 31, 2008 - 08:59 GMT