Russia

The European Union is currently pumping about US$118 million a day into Russia due to its dependence on natural gas. The new REPowerEU plan is a chance to cut that figure down fast, and accelerate the transition to green energy in the process.

Described by his PR team as "like Russia's Elon Musk," serial entrepreneur Mikhail Korkorich says his new company Destinus is building a hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions, transcontinental cargo drone capable of hypersonic Mach 15 cruise speeds.

In an echo of the Cold War, Russia's first newly manufactured Tupolev Tu-160M (NATO designation Blackjack) supersonic nuclear heavy bomber completed its maiden flight on January 12, reaching a height of 600 m (2,000 ft) during its 30-minute test.

Two exceptionally well-preserved cave lion cubs have been found in the Siberian permafrost. Tens of thousands of years old, the cubs are among the most complete Ice Age specimens known, allowing close examination to determine how they lived and died.

Cantilevering dramatically out of a small hill, the Russian Quintessential is conceived as both a stunning piece of modern art and a weekend getaway. Its reflective facade and tubular form contains a compact but comfortable-looking dwelling inside.

Russia's Foundation for Advanced Research has already flown a 60-kg prototype of its Cyclocar VTOL aircraft, which uses a super-responsive cyclical propeller propulsion system. A full-size, long-range, six-seat Cyclocar is expected within a few years.

Scientists have revived microscopic animals that had been frozen in the Siberian permafrost for 24,000 years. The Bdelloid rotifers, or “wheel animals,” went right back to moving, eating and reproducing like the Ice Age was only yesterday.

UK firm Kettle Collective has unveiled plans for an ambitious megatall skyscraper that could become the world's second-tallest if realized. Envisioned for Saint Petersburg, Russia, the twisting tower would reach a dizzying height of 703 m.

Foster + Partners has completed its first office building in Russia. Commissioned by the Russian Copper Company, the tower sports an eye-catching energy efficient exterior that's inspired by the chemical structure of copper.

Coop Himmelb(l)au is no stranger to unusual buildings and its latest project is sure to be another head turner. It consists of an ambitious redesign of an existing sports arena with a striking exterior that's meant to evoke a person skating.

In 1959 a group of Russian hikers died under mysterious circumstances – and their story, now known as the Dyatlov Pass incident, has intrigued the world ever since. A new study, backed up by simulations, suggests a snow slab avalanche is responsible.

Days after Pfizer revealed vaccine trial data, Russian authorities have announced their vaccine candidate is also demonstrating promising results. Experts call the Russian data encouraging, but caution the results are premature and based on low numbers.