He met Chinese President Hu Jintao in St Petersburg on Saturday as part of efforts to know each other and to create a proper atmosphere for the upcoming visit.
UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Udinese on Thursday while Hamburg SV stunned Galatasaray to deny the Istanbul side the chance of a May final in their home city.
Images from the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match played between Switzerland and Sweden in St Petersburg on Tuesday
Russia will back the expansion of the G-8 if its partners in the club voice such a proposal, Putin said before the formal opening of the summit.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants India, along with four other developing countries, to be included in G8 for securing multilateral deals on climate change, trade and a common line on Iran.
India's Leander Paes and his German partner Andre Begemann made it to the finals of the St Petersburg Open by recording a straight-set victory over the Russian pair of Mikhail Elgin and Alexander Kudryavtsev in the men's doubles event. The Indo-German duo defeated the Russian pair 6-3 7-6 in a match that lasted around one and half hours.
The Indo-Czech pair lost 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(7) to Julian Knowle of Austria in the first round
In a condolence message to his son Sanjay Dutt from St Petersburg, where he is on a State visit, President A P J Abdul Kalam, said Sunil Dutt had made significant contributions to the fields of art and public life.
Making a suo motu statement on his recent visits to Germany, St Petersburg (Russia), Evian (France) and China, Vajpayee described as 'significant' the memorandum of understanding signed by India and China on border trade through Nathu La Pass.
Police believe Loibl -- who is from St Petersburg, Florida -- traveled to Grimmie's concert in Orlando Friday night specifically to shoot her.
Zenit St. Petersburg, led by Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas, won the Russian Premier League title.
Russia has pledged to crack down on racism as the country faces increased scrutiny ahead of the World Cup, which it will host from June 14 to July 15 in 11 cities.
World's worst city in terms of traffic congestion is Jakarta.
Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel werw hardly missed as Belgium looked a yard quicker, spread the ball around with ease and dealt competently with the occasional Russian threat.
Liverpool received a relatively kind draw for the group stage of this year's Champions League
The former world number one said that his target for next season was to win a medal at the Olympic Games in Athens.
A restaurant in St Petersburg has struck a chord with the hordes of soccer fans in town for the World Cup by serving up pizzas featuring the faces of some of the tournament's biggest stars.
The Russian hinted at retirement after rallying to beat Nicolas Kiefer in the first round action at the St Petersburg Open.
Russia face Egypt in their second match in St Petersburg on Tuesday after a resounding 5-0 victory over the Saudis that has catapulted them to the top of Group A, ahead of Uruguay on goal difference.
The Russian Federation has gone a step further and shut down all activities of the British Council, which promotes greater understanding of the UK and the English language. The foreign ministry said it would also close a consulate in St Petersburg.
Midfielder Denis Glushakov flicked the ball over goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic in the 31st minute as New Zealand defenders rushed back to try to clear it off the line. New Zealand's Michael Boxall got a touch on the ball and was credited with an own goal.
Miranchuk made all the difference with a sublime individual performance
Love Storiyaan comes alive in the courageous and fearless voice of six spirited romantics speaking direct dil se, applauds Sukanya Verma.
Spain will beat Russia in Sunday's World Cup last 16 match in Moscow -- at least if you believe Harry, the so-called 'oracle' otter in Sochi who has so far correctly forecast the hosts' two victories and one defeat at the tournament.
Iran became the first team to arrive in Russia for the World Cup on Tuesday, nine days before the opening match of the June 14 to July 15 tournament.
What's Rashmika doing in Russia? Vicky can dance! What's Kapil doing with Tiger and Ahan?
Seven-times champions AC Milan, knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona in the last two seasons, were drawn against the Catalans again in the group stage of this season's competition on Friday.
Nigeria have no sympathy for the struggles of Argentina striker Lionel Messi at the World Cup and will do everything they can to bring his tournament to a premature end when the teams meet in St Petersburg on Tuesday.
Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis notched up their 38th straight win to reach the semi finals of the women's doubles event of the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy on Saturday.
Russian police reportedly raided an art gallery in St Petersburg to seize a painting that allegedly depicted President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in lingerie.
The Gate has now come to represent German unity and freedom since the end of the Cold War and divided country.
In the third-tier Europa Conference League, English Premier League club Leicester City will face Danish side Randers and Scottish club Celtic will take on Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the knockout playoff round.
Asian quarter-finalist Sachin (49kg) scored an emphatic victory over Mexico's Gustavo Antonio Alvarez to enter second round of the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday.
