Euro zone business growth slows in July, prices fall: PMI

(Reuters) - Euro zone private business growth slowed more than expected this month, despite widespread price cutting, as manufacturing and service industry activity both dwindled, a survey showed on Thursday.

German business '100 percent behind sanctions' if Putin doesn't help

(Reuters) - A German business leader who has previously warned against economic sanctions on Russia has come out in support of tougher action if President Vladimir Putin fails to cooperate on stabilizing the situation in Ukraine.

Ukraine crisis: US and EU boost sanctions on Russia

The US and EU have bolstered sanctions against Russia over its alleged support for separatists fighting in Ukraine.

Russian shares fall sharply on Western sanctions

Russian shares fell sharply on Friday as investors weighed the impact of western sanctions over Ukraine.

Russian central bank keeps rates on hold, prioritises financial stability

MOSCOW, March 14 (Reuters) - The Russian central bank kept its key lending rates unchanged at a regular meeting on Friday, after unexpectedly raising them two weeks ago when assets tumbled on President Vladimir Putin's declaration he had the right to invade Ukraine.

Russia likely to give Ukraine financial aid, official says

MOSCOW, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Russia will likely give Ukraine vital financial aid when President Viktor Yanukovych meets with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Tuesday, officials said.

BRICS 'Big Five' find it hard to run as a herd

DURBAN, South Africa (Reuters) - At a summit in South Africa on Wednesday, Vladimir Putin likened the BRICS nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - to Africa's "Big Five" game beasts of trophy hunting lore - the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.

Retail Chains' Race for Russia

Thanks to relative political stability and strong oil and gas prices, Russia's retail turnover more than quintupled from 2001 to 2011 and now exceeds US$600 billion annually.