My only knowledge of Russia came from Hollywood movies, James Bond films in particular - though I was aware that From Russia with Love was made back in 60s. 

What I wasn't expecting was just how beautiful everything looked under the sparkling white blanket of snow.

Former policeman dubbed 'the werewolf' even used his own patrol car to pick up his victims before subjecting them to horrific abuse and injuries.

Nurse Elena is coaled over after receiving 5 tons of coal for shedding 35 kilograms.

A daily bucket of icy water poured over the head 'helps block winter illnesses, and makes children optimistic'.

'Werewolf' Mikhail Popkov confessed to reign of terror to 'cleanse' streets of prostitutes, yet relatives say he is innocent.

As western Europe chills in unusually harsh weather, which it blames on Russia (of course!), here’s how we cope with the deep freeze.

The Kremlin's 'Mr Siberia' Viktor Tolokonsky tells 'Sphere of Influence' business magazine what our vast region means to him.