Terrorist search sets off jitters as Olympics approach

(ALEXANDER DEMIANCHUK / REUTERS)

Putin has deployed up to 60,000 police personnel, troops and special forces in Sochi.

Showdown looms as Ukrainian protesters battle police

Showdown looms as Ukrainian protesters battle police

After a night and day of clashes, both protesters and police prepared late Monday to push for an advantage.

Islamist group claims last month’s blasts in Russian city

The bombings killed 34 people and heightened security fears before next month’s Winter Games in Sochi.

Ukraine’s protesters vent frustration at their leaders

Ukraine’s protesters vent frustration at their leaders

Two months into the Maidan encampment against the president, there’s little change to point to.

Taking a page from Russia, Ukraine writes harsh new laws

Legislation that curtails free speech and assembly draws vehement reaction from the opposition.

Gates: British defense cuts weaken military tie with U.S.

Gates: British defense cuts weaken military tie with U.S.

The former U.S. defense secretary says cuts have reduced Britain’s ability to be a “full partner.”

Russia denies visa for U.S. journalist

Russia denies visa for U.S. journalist

David Satter, a widely published writer, was working for the U.S.-financed Radio Liberty.

U.K. police investigating U.S. helicopter crash

U.K. police investigating U.S. helicopter crash

Authorities in England cordoned off flooded marshes to investigate the crash of a military helicopter that killed four U.S. Air Force members.

Attention, Olympians: No carry-on liquids allowed

Attention, Olympians: No carry-on liquids allowed

Russia bans travelers from boarding an airplane with any liquids, no matter how small the amount.

Photos from around the region

In Ukraine, violence persists amid protests

Days after hundreds of opposition supporters tried to storm parliament, Russia urges Europe not to interfere in Kiev.

Some of the world’s coldest places to live

These places don’t need a polar vortex to get frigid.

2014 Winter Olympic Games preparation

Appearances notwithstanding, most of the Olympic venues in Sochi, Russia, have been declared ready.

Ukraine demonstrators keep up protests

Protesters are upset over financial assistance from Russia and an attack on a popular journalist who is an opposition activist.

Santas around the world

Santa Claus seems to be spending less and less time at the North Pole.

Rifle designer Mikhail T. Kalashnikov dead at 94

The weapons designer for the Soviet Union is immortalized in the name of the world’s most popular firearm.

Protests in Ukraine

Hundreds of thousands fill streets of Kiev, turning their attention to recasting their country’s frayed and corrupt political system.

Thousands continue protests in Ukraine

Ukrainians call for their president’s resignation after the government suspends an E.U. partnership agreement.

Pro-E.U. protesters clash with police in Ukraine

Demonstrators continue to rally in Kiev, demanding that the government sign a landmark agreement with the European Union.

Grocery-store roof collapses in Latvia

A large section of a supermarket’s roof caves in, killing at least 47 people and injuring others in Riga, the capital.

Cyclone Cleopatra bombards Sardinia, Italy

Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta declared a state of emergency and set aside $27 million for emergency relief Tuesday.

Plane crash in Russia kills 50

A Boeing 737 crashed and burned while trying to land at the airport in Kazan.

Russia commemorates WWII soldiers

A military parade honors the troops who in 1941 marched in Moscow’s Red Square before departing for the front lines.

Meteorite fragment recovered in Russia

A chunk thought to be the largest part of the space rock that exploded over the Urals in February is recovered from a lake.

Animal views

Lion dental exam, cats in costume, arboreal frog, moose crossing and more.

Halloween around the world

Ghosts and witches, jack-o’-lanterns and vampires: Kids and adults dress up to celebrate.