legislature, Yang told a press conference that the Sino-Russia strategic partnership of coordination is a model of international relations, especially of relations between big powers. China-Russia relationship is mature, stable, healthy and full of vigor

• March 11, 2010

New Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych suggests he would allow Russia's Black Sea Fleet to remain in Ukraine.

• March 5, 2010

Ukraine's new President, Viktor Yanukovych, visits Moscow to return ties with Russia to a "strategic partnership".

• March 5, 2010

The European Court of Human Rights is set to rule on a $98 billion claim against Russia by bankrupt oil company Yukos. Former executives say the company was broken up illegally by the Kremlin.

• March 5, 2010

Authorities in Belarus have declared Germany's legendary hard rock band Rammstein a threat to the state. They've banned an upcoming concert in Minsk, saying letting it go on would be a "costly mistake" for the country.

• February 23, 2010

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko drops her legal challenge against her rival's victory in Ukraine's presidential election.

• February 20, 2010

Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yanukovych is taking steps to force out the government of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is contesting his recent victory in the country’s presidential elections in court.

• February 19, 2010

A court in Ukraine has suspended the results of presidential elections after a complaint of electoral fraud. A decision on the validity of the poll is expected within days, ahead of a planned inauguration ceremony.

• February 17, 2010