By Elena Fabrichnaya MOSCOW (Reuters) -Prolonged high interest rates in Russia may drive mergers and acquisitions of distressed assets, a study by leading law firms showed, though Western-led sanctions and a liquidity shortage among buyers are likely to restrain growth in deals for now.

Georgia was the poster child of post-Soviet countries on their way to democracy and freedom. US lawmakers hope a bill will help combat democratic backsliding.

Flight data showed how American and British reconnaissance aircraft flew from England toward Russia on Monday.

President Donald Trump issues Russian President Vladimir Putin a 50-day deadline to end Ukraine war or face 100% tariffs, prompting skepticism from the EU's chief diplomat and Kyiv's mayor over 50-day timeframe.

Pentagon officials said details were still being worked out, and experts doubted Mr. Trump’s threat of huge tariffs for Russian trading partners.

Trump makes major statement on Russia after announcing U.S. sending missiles to help Ukraine. Here's what to know and what he said about Putin

Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region, the country’s defense minister said Tuesday.