He was also known as the Mad Monk, although he was not actually a monk, but a starets (ста́рец), or religious pilgrim. He was believed to have been a faith healer. He can be considered one of the more controversial characters in 20th century history, although Rasputin is viewed by most historians today as a scapegoat. He played a small but extremely pivotal role in the downfall of the Romanov dynasty that finally led to Bolshevik victory and the establishment of the Soviet Union.   more »

Vladimir Putin has indicated full support of Dmitriy Medvedev for the post of President of the Russian Federation. Medvedev, who is presently First Deputy Prime Minister has indicated enthusiastic support for the concept of eco-villages. Medvedev will be the candidate of the Edinaya Rossiya Party. ...   more »

Its tiny beep signaled the dawn of the space age and changed the world as Sputnik circled the Earth in a scientific triumph for the Soviet Union...

Now a resurgent Russia, flush with cash from booming energy prices, is determined to reclaim the lead in space as it marks Sputnik’s 50th anniversary. It has announced plans to send men to the Moon by 2025 and plans to land a probe on Mars in a joint project with China in 2009. ...    more »