Investigators also find the lover of the mass murderer's wife: Mikhail Popkov claims his jealously led to him slaughtering at least 81 women.

As the world prepares to herald in the arrival of 2015, we look back at the winter celebrations of the Soviet yesteryear.

Inaugural trek through 10,000 year old Vasyugan Mire paves way for visitors to savour the unique flora and fauna.

Anton Redkov, 26, wedding planner from Novosibirsk, risks his life in flaming stunt

Russian number one admits pride when announcers say she hails from the remote oil town of Nyagan.

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'.