Ukraine’s vast coal sector has long been characterized by too much state ownership, too little development and some deadly mine disasters.

• January 14, 2011

Iran’s proposal for a diplomatic tour of its nuclear sites floundered on Thursday after China effectively rejected the invitation and Russia said such a trip could never replace United Nations inspections or negotiations with world powers.

• January 14, 2011

For Europe’s last old-style dictator, this has become the week when the walls close in, as neighbouring democracies move to deprive his regime of travel, money, skilled citizens and – perhaps most galling – hockey.

• January 14, 2011

A Serbian oil company controlled by Russia's Gazprom Neft announced that it secured a multimillion-dollar contract to drill for oil in Turkmenistan.

• January 13, 2011

European leaders said Wednesday Belarus could face stiff sanctions if dissidents arrested after the disputed election remain in prison.

• January 13, 2011

Ukraine in 2010 cut export of electric energy to the European countries by 59.4 percent against 2009 to 1.173 billion kWh, the Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Ministry said

• January 13, 2011

A long-stalled civilian nuclear cooperation agreement between Russia and the United States entered into force on Tuesday in a milestone for the "reset" in relations between the former Cold War foes.

• January 12, 2011

The opposition in Belarus, determined to continue the pro-democracy movement despite the violent crackdown after the presidential election on Dec. 19, began lobbying the European Union on Tuesday to adopt a new strategy: cutting contacts with the leadership while strengthening nongovernmental organizations.

• January 12, 2011