Winds of Change

'If the Russian word "perestroika" has easily entered the international lexicon, this is due to more than just interest in what is going on in the Soviet Union. Now the whole world needs restructuring, i.e. progressive development, a fundamental change'.
 
Mikhail Gorbachev, 1987

Storm clouds of terror and dictatorship are gathering over the whole country... They must not be allowed to bring eternal night.

Boris Yeltsin 1991

We are determined to organize a real celebration in 2014, a festival of sport, deserving of its unique mission: to unite people around the world with really significant values - a healthy lifestyle, tolerance and equality.

Vladimir Putin on the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, June 13

I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul; a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country.

George W. Bush re Vladimr Putin, 2001

I would like to thank everyone who has been following the Yukos case all these years for the support you provided to me, my family and all those who were unjustly convicted and continue to be persecuted.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky on his pardon, Dec 13

Photo Features

Baku, Capital of Azerbaijan on the East bank of the Caspian Sea.


Tbilsi, Capital of Georgia, deep in the mountainous Caucasus.


Semey, Eastern Kazakhstan, located on the fringe of the nuclear 'Poylgon'


Pavlodar, Eastern Kazakhstan, sitting on the river Irtysh bank.


Astana, Northern Kazakhstan, newly constructed in the frozen steppes.


Almaty, Southern Kazakhstan, the former capital, a multi-cultural city.


Moscow, Russia's sprawling capital.  Europe's biggest urban jungle.