The Far East of Russia

The senior politician called for a change of identity for the vast eastern third of Russia, as the country angles itself towards Asia.

Around 400 delegates are expected including representatives of 41 ethnic minorities representing around a quarter of a million people. 

It should be called the 'Pacific region', he suggests.

Vets fight for life of the young male Amur leopard.

Russia is to launch an unmanned mission to the Moon as the first blast-off from the new Cosmodrome currently being constructed in Amur region.

Epicentre was in mountains of Kamchatka peninsula with a powerful 7.3 magnitude.

Customs procedures and rules on foreigners staying in duty-free region will be relaxed in move that will bolster the economy and boost trade from 2016.

Fate of 13 still unknown as rescue efforts continue. 

The 7,000  year old volcano is the highest mountain in Russia outside the Caucases. 

The Russian president tells the Security Council this is a key priority for 'clear and principled decisions'.