Front line offensives in the Ukraine war carry over into the new year
Ukraine's military launched a precision strike at a Russian command post in Maryino in the Kursk region on Thursday, local media reported.
Russia Sport News
World Number One Aryna Sabalenka Sets Up Brisbane Semi-Final Against Russian Teen Mirra Andreeva
World number one Aryna Sabalenka stepped up her Australian Open preparations as she overpowered Marie Bouzkova in straight sets to reach the Brisbane International semi-finals on Friday. Sabalenka, who has won the last two titles at the Grand Slam in Melbourne, beat the Czech player 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour 45 minutes. She now plays Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Tunisia's Ons Jabeur 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). "Her movement is really great, she's trying to get to every ball and make you play an extra shot so that's really difficult," Sabalenka said of the 44th-ranked Bouzkova.
Volunteers plant trees as Syria's battered Aleppo returns to life
Almost one month after Islamist rebels toppled the regime of Bashar Al-Assad, volunteers in Aleppo are working to transform the ancient city's landscape, planting saplings in its streets and alleyways.
Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka Into Brisbane International Quarter-Final As Rising Stars Impress
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were in ominous form ahead of the Australian Open as both powered into the Brisbane International quarter-finals on Thursday. On a day when rising stars Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard underlined their potential, Djokovic cruised past fellow veteran Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 in 72 minutes. In the women's draw, world number one Sabalenka -- who is aiming to win the Australian Open for the third time in a row -- beat Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.
Time as Republic of Ireland assistant the career highlight for Roy Keane
Roy Keane has described his five years as Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill's assistant as "the highlight of my career".
Novak Djokovic Getting In Shape Before Australian Open, Thrashes Gael Monfils At Brisbane International
Novak Djokovic was in imperious form as he demolished Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Thursday, with the Australian Open just over a week away. On a day when rising stars Mirra Andreeva and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard underlined their potential, Djokovic cruised past fellow veteran Monfils in 72 minutes. Djokovic and Monfils played an entertaining match, but the 37-year-old Serb was always in control as he notched his 20th straight win over the Frenchman.
Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi's Decision To Share World Blitz Title Sparks Controversy
Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi's decision to share the World Blitz Championship title for the first time in history has sent shockwaves through the chess community, sparking widespread criticism. World number one Carlsen and Russia's Nepomniachtchi shared the Blitz title after three sudden-death games failed to produce a winner. This was the first time that the title was awarded to two players after the Norwegian asked whether it could be shared given the deadlock. The move has drawn sharp criticism, with former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik slamming the international chess federation for not thinking of a rule for such scenario.
Moldova braces for energy crisis as Russia halts gas supplies
On a cold morning in Chisinau, postal worker Petru Murzin expressed fears of a harsh winter, warning that many Moldovans will face "no heating, no light" amid an impending energy crisis.