This winter is marvelous! There is much snow here and the weather is cold enough to keep snow dry. That's unusual for St. Petersburg with its long dark winters full of slush...

I visited Pskov oblast a week ago. Pskov winter is even better because there is no the metropolis warm maden by millions of cars, pedestrians, house heating, factories etc.

1/ - Dvortsy village near Bezhanitsy town

On 15th December Pacific microstate Nauru recognised Abkhazia, rebel region of Georgia occupied by Russian military forces and recognised by Russia, Nicaragua and Venezuela.