Russia has detained four men on terror charges for their alleged involvement in a massacre at a Moscow concert hall, where at least 137 people were killed. The death toll may rise as over 100 individuals are currently hospitalized.

Voters in Russia express their support for Vladimir Putin in the upcoming election, believing his re-election will bring peace. Despite the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine, supporters, including an Orthodox nun and an elderly voter, see no contradiction in their stance, aligning with the Russian Orthodox Church's backing of Putin's 'traditional family values' against a 'decadent liberal West.' State television heavily features Putin, and the election excludes opposition candidates. The desire for peace is a common theme among voters, despite the conflict in Ukraine and recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian border regions.

A Russian court has extended the detention of US-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, who works for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, until April 5 on charges of failing to register as a 'foreign agent' and spreading 'false information' about Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Kurmasheva, who faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, had her passports confiscated and was arrested last year. Her employer and the US State Department have condemned the charges as politically motivated. Another US journalist, Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal, is also detained in Russia on espionage charges. RFE/RL is advocating for the US to designate Kurmasheva as 'wrongfully detained' to gain additional diplomatic support for her release.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Moscow to develop bilateral cooperation, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts between Russia and Azerbaijan.

Members of the local electoral commission are traveling across frozen Lake Onega in northwestern Russia to facilitate early voting in isolated communities for the presidential election. Current President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to secure another six-year term despite the ongoing domestic issues related to Russia's campaign in Ukraine.

Voters in Russia express strong support for President Vladimir Putin, believing his re-election will bring peace and stability. Despite facing no real competition, Putin's campaign is framed as a show of support for his military actions in Ukraine. The article highlights the perspectives of various voters, including an Orthodox nun and elderly citizens, who trust Putin's leadership and view the military offensive as a necessary measure. The Kremlin's control over media and the exclusion of opposition candidates are also noted.

Diana Kidzhi, a 27-year-old chief mate on the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker '50 Let Pobedy,' is breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated field. As the most senior woman in Russia's growing nuclear icebreaker fleet, she commands respect and navigates the Arctic Ocean, contributing to Moscow's strategic interests in the region. Despite facing initial skepticism and gender biases, Kidzhi's determination and skill have earned her a prominent position. She aspires to become a captain, setting a precedent for future generations of women in maritime professions.

The article discusses the impact of global warming on Arctic ice, highlighting the experiences of Dmitri Lobusov, captain of the Russian nuclear icebreaker '50 let Pobedy'. It details the thinning of Arctic ice over the years and the scientific consensus on climate change, while also presenting differing views on the role of human activities. The article underscores the rapid warming in Russia and its implications for the Arctic environment.

Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated at a security conference in the Moscow region that the Ukrainian army's resources are nearly depleted and that despite Western support, Kyiv is not achieving results.

Almost five thousand people have fled their villages near Russia's southwestern border with Ukraine due to intensifying shelling. They are seeking shelter in accommodation centres provided by the city of Belgorod, with many settling temporarily at the Belgorod Sports arena. The mayor of Belgorod, Valentin Demidov, is working to re-settle people quickly into dormitories and premises suitable for permanent residence.

Seven people were killed in border villages around Shebekino due to intense shelling, following an incursion from Ukraine. Displaced residents, including Burlakova and her family, fled to Belgorod where volunteers and local authorities provided aid. The Belgorod region has faced increased drone and artillery attacks, with over 4,000 people placed in temporary accommodation. Volunteers, including those from the Orthodox Marfo-Marinsky monastery, have been actively distributing humanitarian aid. Some residents, like Tatiana Kozheleva, expressed dissatisfaction with the defense efforts in the region.

The article reports on the mass exodus of residents from Shebekino to Belgorod due to intense artillery bombardments amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It highlights personal stories of affected individuals, the efforts of the regional government in Belgorod to accommodate refugees, and the broader impact of the conflict on Russian border regions. The Russian army's actions and the Ukrainian authorities' denials of involvement in incursions are also discussed.

Several thousand people from Shebekino and nearby villages fled to Belgorod due to intense shelling by Ukraine. Humanitarian aid is being distributed by volunteers and religious organizations. The Belgorod region has faced increased attacks, and local authorities have provided temporary accommodation for over 4,000 displaced individuals. Some residents expressed concerns about the lack of defense for their region.

Thousands of residents from Shebekino, a town in the Belgorod region, have fled to Belgorod city due to intense shelling from Ukraine. The evacuees, now housed in a sports arena, describe the dire situation and express frustration over the lack of media coverage and government attention. Despite the chaos, some maintain support for Putin and the Russian army, hoping for a resolution that allows them to return home.

The conflict in Ukraine has forced thousands of Russians, including Antonina Zaikina and Margarita Nikolaeva, to flee from Shebekino to Belgorod due to intense artillery bombardments. The Russian army claims to have repelled a Ukrainian invasion attempt in Belgorod, while Ukrainian authorities deny involvement. Refugees are receiving humanitarian aid and temporary shelter in Belgorod, with many praising the regional governor, Viacheslav Gladkov, for his organized response. Despite the dire situation, some refugees, like Ksenia, remain hopeful for a Russian victory and a return to their homes.

Muscovites in areas affected by a drone strike, which the Kremlin attributed to Kyiv, expressed surprise and concern over the Ukraine conflict impacting their daily lives.

Muscovites expressed surprise and concern following a drone attack on residential buildings in Moscow, which the Kremlin blamed on Kyiv. Residents questioned the effectiveness of air defence systems and the open borders with countries supporting Ukraine. The attack has heightened tensions and anti-Kyiv sentiments among some residents, while authorities reported minor injuries and damage.

Residents of Belgorod, a Russian border city, exhibit a sense of fatalism amidst ongoing bombings and incursions from Ukraine. Despite the frequent shelling and drone attacks, there is no visible panic, and daily life continues with people enjoying public spaces. Locals express a mix of concern and trust in the authorities to address security gaps exposed by the latest raid. Historical memories of WWII and symbols of the current conflict are prominent in the city. Many residents, including Marina Saprykina and Viktor Kruglov, have adapted to the situation, while others like Galina and Evgeny Sheikin express confidence in President Putin and readiness to defend the city if necessary.

Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrates his 70th birthday amidst praise from allies, including Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kiril who stated Putin was placed in power by God. Despite international isolation following military operations in Ukraine and recent setbacks, Putin remains committed to Russia's prominence on the world stage. He views the fall of the USSR as a geopolitical catastrophe and seeks to counter NATO and EU expansion. A referendum during the pandemic allowed Putin to potentially stay in power until 2036. His stance on Ukraine is firm, seeing it as a red line and a victim of Western conspiracies. Putin's actions are driven by a desire to restore Russia's influence and halt the progression of time, as interpreted by political analyst Alexéi Makarkin.

The German government has taken control of the operations of Russian oil company Rosneft's refineries in Germany to secure the country's energy supply. This move aims to mitigate risks to energy security and reduce dependency on Russian energy, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of this action in a press conference. Rosneft condemned the decision as illegal and a violation of market principles. The German government had previously taken similar actions with Gazprom Germania to ensure gas supply, allocating significant financial aid to prevent its collapse. The focus is now on the Schwedt refinery, crucial for supplying the Berlin region, as Germany aims to eliminate Russian oil imports by the end of the year.

Kazakhstan celebrates its thirtieth anniversary of independence with a focus on digital transformation. The International Leadership, Stability, and Progress conference in Nur-Sultan highlights the country's economic progress and sustainable development over the past 30 years. Kazakhstan ranks high in the UN's e-Government Survey, and the country is advancing its digital services, with over 90% of public services now digital. However, a shortage of skilled IT professionals poses a challenge. The country is also seeing significant developments in AI, robotics, and blockchain technology, attracting substantial foreign investment and becoming a major player in Bitcoin mining.

Kazakhstan marks 30 years of independence with significant economic progress and digital transformation. The country ranks high in the UN e-Government Survey and is advancing its digitization program to improve public services. The Ministry of Digital Development aims to educate 100,000 IT specialists in the next four years. Nazarbayev University is making strides in AI and robotics. Kaspi.kz, a financial company, successfully completed an IPO on the London Stock Exchange and is now a major technology giant. Kazakhstan is also the world's second-largest Bitcoin miner, attracting substantial foreign investment and creating skilled jobs.

Russia, under Vladimir Putin's leadership, prioritizes the exploitation of Arctic resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. The region serves as a hub for Russian LNG exports, with companies like Novatek and Total involved. The Northern Sea Route, becoming more accessible due to climate change, is key to delivering hydrocarbons to Southeast Asia. Russia's unique nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet, managed by Rosatom, is expanding to support increased Arctic traffic. Despite environmental concerns, Russia acknowledges the economic opportunities for local and global economies and plans to continue leveraging the Arctic's potential.

A massive icebreaker navigates the Arctic Ocean, highlighting the impact of climate change. Captain Dmitry Lobusov, with years of experience, notes the thinning ice and increased fog, attributing these changes to global warming. Russia's Rosgidromet reports significant ice cover reduction since the 1980s, with the Arctic warming faster than the global average. President Vladimir Putin has shifted from climate skepticism to action, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Despite acknowledging global warming, Polar explorer Viktor Boyarsky downplays human impact. The article underscores the undeniable changes in the Arctic environment.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on the Arctic, as observed by Dmitry Lobusov, captain of the Russian icebreaker '50 Let Pobedy'. Lobusov notes the significant reduction in perennial ice, which is thicker and more difficult for icebreakers to navigate. Russia's meteorological service, Rosgidromet, confirms that Arctic ice is now much thinner than in the 1980s, and the ice cover is rapidly melting, hitting record lows. Russia, which is warming at an accelerated rate, has seen President Putin shift his stance on climate change, now taking steps to reduce carbon emissions. Despite this, Viktor Boyarsky, a Polar explorer, believes that human activity is not the primary cause of global warming and views its effects as reversible, a position at odds with the scientific consensus.

A Russian icebreaker navigates the Arctic, highlighting the significant impact of climate change on the region's ice. Captain Dmitri Loboussov, with decades of experience, notes the thinning and reduction of multi-year ice. Despite scientific consensus on climate change, some, like explorer Viktor Boyarski, downplay human influence. The article underscores the rapid warming in Russia and the resulting environmental changes, including receding glaciers and increased fog at the North Pole.

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised a 'harsh' response to Western provocations in his annual address, while thousands protested for the release of opposition leader Alexei Navalny amid tensions with Western countries over Navalny's imprisonment and hunger strike, and Russian military buildup near Ukraine. Over 1,000 people were detained nationwide, with 351 in Saint Petersburg. Putin ignored Western calls to withdraw troops from the Ukraine border and discussed economic and health crises, promising more aid for families and addressing food price inflation ahead of legislative elections. He praised Russia's scientific achievements in developing three COVID-19 vaccines, aiming for herd immunity by fall. Despite a ban on protests, demonstrations occurred across Russia, with chants against Putin and calls for Navalny's release. UN experts expressed concern for Navalny's life and suggested he be allowed to receive medical treatment abroad.