St.petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia - Thousands of people have rallied across Russia to denounce the government's economic policy and demand more freedom in a new challenge to the Kremlin reflecting increasing disillusionment and a growing potential for protests.

ST.PETERSBURG, Russia - Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev on Saturday sharply criticized officials in the ruling Kremlin-backed party for manipulating recent regional votes, saying it must learn to win fairly.

ST.PETERSBURG, Russia - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says Russia must modernize its economy and reduce its dependence on raw materials exports.