Sophie Lambroschini

Germany: Emigrants From Ex-Soviet States Struggle To Adapt (Part One)

A large majority of Germany's 2.5 million repatriates or "Aussiedler" -- immigrants granted citizenship on the basis of their German ancestry -- come from the Soviet Union's successor states, mostly Russia and Kazakhstan. They are ethnic Germans from the Volga region and Crimea, deported by Josef Stalin in 1942 under gruesome conditions to Central Asia and Siberia. Fewer are arriving each year -- with 70,000 new repatriates in 2003 compared to a record 397,000 in 1993. But German authorities argue that despite decreasing numbers, their integration is becoming more difficult, because most of the latest arrivals speak no German. Now, Germany is introducing tougher rules in 2005 to limit entry to people who actually master the language. In the first of a two-part series about the challenges faced by repatriates in Germany, RFE/RL correspondent Sophie Lambroschini reports on how Russians and Kazakhs are adjusting to life in Wittstock, a small town in former East Germany.

Germany: Sport Helps Emigrants From Ex-Soviet States Succeed (Part 2)

A large majority of Germany's 2.5 million repatriates or "Aussiedler" -- immigrants granted citizenship on the basis of their German ancestry -- come from Soviet successor states, mostly Russia and Kazakhstan. They are ethnic Germans from the Volga region and Crimea, deported by Josef Stalin in 1942 under gruesome conditions to Central Asia and Siberia. But now, as they and their families struggle to adjust to life in Germany, they face huge challenges. In the second half of a two-part series on repatriates in Germany from the former Soviet Union, RFE/RL correspondent Sophie Lambroschini looks at the efforts of a former Soviet boxing coach to help newly arrived youth -- and to forge a new generation of German boxing champions.

Germany: Court Appeal By Hizb Ut-Tahrir Highlights Balancing Act Between Actions, Intentions

A date has been set for a German court to hear an appeal by the radical Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir against the ban imposed on its activities almost two years ago. The case illustrates the thin line Germany is balancing in its efforts to combat Islamic radicals who have not been implicated in any terrorist activities but who are nevertheless perceived as a threat.

Russia: Is The Education Ministry Trying To Rewrite History?

The Russian Education Ministry's recent decision to review the country's history textbooks follows the recent ban of a book that had been popular with many Russian history teachers for its thought-provoking approach. This weekend, in yet another move, the Kremlin is due to receive a report on the "patriotic content" of textbooks. The trend has teachers worried about the temptation to revert to comfortable, Soviet-style "truths" -- and even some of the historians charged with vetting new texts appear to be having second thoughts.

Russia: Powell In Moscow For What Some See As Frank Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Moscow today for talks with top Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes at a time of some strain in the countries' bilateral relationship over disagreements in Iraq and other issues. In comments after the talks, both Putin and Powell affirmed that relations remain strong. RFE/RL Moscow correspondent Sophie Lambroschini looks at what tensions might lie below the surface.

Russia: 80 Years After His Death, Russians Remember -- Or Try To Forget -- 'Uncle' Lenin

Vladimir Lenin, the Russian Bolshevik leader who devised and led the 1917 October Revolution that catapulted the Communists into power, died 80 years ago today. The anniversary is attracting moderate public interest. But while Lenin's legacy still spurs heated debate, it appears to be slowly fading from Russians' collective memory.

Russia/India: Both Sides Happy As Defense Deal Is Signed

Moscow and New Delhi today signed a $1.6 billion deal finalizing India's purchase of a refurbished Russian aircraft carrier, fighter jets, and helicopters. Observers say it's a sweet agreement for both sides, allowing Russia to bolster its sagging arms industry and India its regional strategic capacity.

Russia: Investigation Into Death, Illnesses Of Soldiers Is Cold Comfort To Hospitalized Conscripts

One Russian conscript recently died from pneumonia and dozens of others are hospitalized in the Russian Far East after they reportedly stood outside for hours on an airfield waiting for their plane to refuel. The case is far from exceptional, according to conscripts, their families, and human rights organizations. They say the Russian armed forces routinely fail to ensure adequate medical and health care for soldiers.

Russia: Moscow May Be Stalling Any Withdrawal From Georgian Bases

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov yesterday reiterated that Moscow has no intention of speeding up the process of withdrawing its forces from its two remaining bases in Georgia. His statements follow indications that the United States would consider partial financing of the withdrawal. Experts agree that Russia is trying to stall more than it is trying to haggle over terms.

Russia: Leadership Struggles With Yukos Affair

The Russian Audit Chamber has disclosed details of its coming probes into big business. Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov has renewed his defense of the Yukos energy giant . Later this week, the Moscow city court is set to hear an appeal by jailed Yukos boss Mikhail Khodorkovskii challenging the legality of his pre-trial detention, which was prolonged late December 2003. RFE/RL reports that the Russian leadership still appears to be split on how to handle the business dealings of the country's oligarchs, and the Yukos affair in particular.

Russia: Nine Candidates Prepare To Lose In Presidential Elections

This week, nine potential candidates fulfilled initial conditions to run against the main contender in Russia's presidential election on 14 March -- incumbent President Vladimir Putin. With traditional opposition figures bailing out, the selection of relatively weak politicians reflects the political context of the ballot. It takes place just three months after opposition parties were almost obliterated in parliamentary elections, and at a time when the Kremlin's hold over public life is on the rise.

Russia: Artists Facing Prison For Controversial, Religious-Themed Work

One year after a Moscow museum ran a provocative art exhibit challenging the sanctity of Russian Orthodox Christianity, two museum officials and three artists are facing charges of up to five years in prison for inciting religious hatred. As RFE/RL reports, the case has spurred a debate on the limits of free expression in Russia and has many wondering about the political undertones.

Georgia: Moscow Watches Warily As Saakashvili Comes To Power

Moscow is reputed to be wary of Georgia's new president, Mikheil Saakashvili, a U.S.-educated lawyer who is openly pro-Western in his views. Since Eduard Shevardnadze's forced resignation in November, Tbilisi's relations with its powerful neighbor have gone on a roller-coaster ride of mutual accusations and promises to cooperate. How will Saakashvili's presidency affect Moscow's long-term ambitions in the region?

Russia: African Pop Star Tries To Show Russians Sweeter Side Of Racial Diversity

"Narcisse" is Russia's first African pop star, riding to fame on a summer hit in which he described himself as a "chocolate bunny." Narcisse talks to RFE/RL about the song and how its touch of humor may have helped ease racial tensions between Russians and Africans.

Russia: For African Students, Affordable Education Still Comes At A Price

November's deadly blaze at a People's Friendship University dormitory left over 40 foreign students dead and focused attention yet again on the plight of Africans and Asians living in a Russia that is more openly racist and xenophobic than in the Soviet years when the university was founded. In 1960, the university -- then named after the Congolese revolutionary and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba -- was created as a showcase for the best and brightest of Third World students who traveled to Moscow for a subsidized, quality education. The school's fortunes have faded since the Soviet collapse, but it is still a draw for many foreign students with few higher-education alternatives -- despite the many dangers. RFE/RL visits People's Friendship University to talk to African students about their experiences there.

Russia: Putin Tells New Duma It Should Serve As Model Of Democracy

Russia: Putin's Live Q & A Marks Official Start Of His Re-Election Campaign

Russia: Tale Of Life In Soviet Orphanages Wins Russian Booker Prize

Russia: Moscow Hosts Talks On Strengthening Chinese Military Ties

Russia: Where Did The Motherland Bloc Come From -- And Where Is It Going?