At last Russia has decided that it will not be in the sidelines any more. After much speculation among western powers about its role in the four-year long Syrian war, Russia has come out full force to defend its long time regional ally, President Assad.

Turkish F-16 fighter jets are scrambled after a Russian warplane violates Turkey's air space on Saturday, the foreign ministry says.

Putin's action is a clear message to the West that Russia is a world power to be reckoned with. He is ready to use his military power to back his diplomatic goals. He is also sending a message to the West to not meddle with Russia over Ukraine.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter will not resign despite major sponsors Coca-Cola, Visa, Budweiser and McDonald's calling for him to go immediately.

US President Barack Obama says the Russian bombing campaign in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad is driving moderate opposition underground and "only strengthening" Islamic State.

Members of the US-led coalition against Islamic State call on Russia to cease air strikes they say are hitting the Syrian opposition and civilians.

In quest for immortality, a Russian scientist has made a bizarre claim linking ancient bacteria to immortality.

Russia appears to have begun carrying out air strikes in Syria against opponents of President Bashar al-Assad, a US defence official says.

President Vladimir Putin secures parliament's unanimous backing to launch air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, paving the way for imminent Russian military intervention in its closest Middle East ally.

US President Barack Obama has said defeating Islamic State in Syria would only be possible if President Bashar al-Assad stepped down.

Russia is considering whether to follow the US and its allies in conducting air strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets, President Vladimir Putin says.

Iran demands an apology from Saudi Arabia over the deaths of 769 people at the hajj pilgrimage, accusing its rival of seeking to evade blame.

Russia and Estonia have exchanged two convicted spies over a bridge separating the countries.

Ukraine has said it will ban Russian airlines from flying into the country as part of sanctions over Moscow's support for rebels in the east.

Russia's recent movements near Syria's city of Latakia suggest that Moscow plans to establish a "forward air operating base" there, the US has said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow evening to brief the Bangladeshi leaderships on the deal signed between Iran and global superpowers recently.

Two Russian cargo planes carrying 80 tonnes of humanitarian aid have landed in Syria, Syrian state media say.

Russia plans to finally bury the remains of Tsar Nicholas II's son and heir Alexei and daughter Maria alongside their family in Saint Petersburg.

US and Nato express concern over reports that Russia is increasing its military presence in Syria.

Parliament passes the Nuclear Power Plant Bill 2005 allowing formation of a company to run the country’s first nuclear plant.