ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOGRAPHS In the 1990s, Russian President Boris Yeltsin's image turned from bravery and color into one of weakness and bewilderment. His successor, Vladimir Putin, (below) is credited for reigning in post-Soviet chaos but criticized for turning away from democracy. In the 20 years since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has exploded with wealth and glitzy developments such as the Moscow City Center (above).
Army procurement missteps and an administration decision to lift sanctions on Russia's state arms exporter prevented a Navy contractor from getting Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan's air force in time for the summer fighting season, according to current and former defense officials and military contractors. (Defense Technology Inc.)
A man puts a flower tribute at the entrance in front of the Embassy of Norway in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, July 23, 2011, in memory of the explosion's and shooting's victims. A homegrown terrorist set off the explosion that ripped open buildings in the heart of Norway's government, then went to a summer camp dressed as a police officer and gunned down youths as they ran and even swam for their lives, police said Friday. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says relations with the U.S. can improve only after "an agreement regarding the architecture of the European missile defense system." (Associated Press)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton participate in a joint briefing at the State Department in Washington on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, looks to shoot the puck in the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series with the New York Rangers Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in Washington.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, here at an ASEAN summit in 2010, are expected to sign a bilateral agreement soon allowing intercountry adoptions to resume fully. It is said to be "nearing finalization." (Associated Press)
Rescuers try to locate passengers from a tourist boat that sank on the Volga River in central Russia on Sunday, July 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations)
ASSOCIATED PRESS Alex Ovechkin's thunderous hit on Jaromir Jagr during Russia's game against the Czech Republic was the highlight-reel hit of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Jagr, a former Capital, is returning to the NHL to play for the rival Flyers.
