The Dakar 2010 Rally madeits start in the Argentinean capital, Buenos Aires on Friday. And the Russian KAMAZ-Master Truck team say it is nothing but victory that they will be looking for in the event.

Despite the efforts of the international Navy forces patrolling the Gulf of Aden, Somali pirates have captured their first ship of the year on the first day of 2010.

Soviet sci-fi writer, 76-year-old Boris Strugatsky, has accused Oscar-winning director James Cameron of plagiarism.

Russian Premier League sides CSKA and Dinamo Moscow are both reportedly interested in Liverpool striker Andrey Voronin.

It is holiday time in Russia, and Moscow has a variety of entertainment on offer. Children and their parents have painted a white, snow-covered city park all the bright colors you can think of.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has sent his condolences to the people of Pakistan after a deadly attack that claimed at least 95 lives.

Iran claims it will produce its own nuclear fuel for a research reactor by the end of January if the West does not supply the material.

A massive fire has broken out at Marun, Iran

Russian pole vault queen Yelena Isinbayeva has soared to glory once more, being named athlete of the year for the second time in a row.

The New Year has brought a price rise for vodka in Russia - with the imposition of a minimum price of 89 rubles, or about three dollars, for half a liter.