Russian News From Russia: August 18th, 2009!

Russia arrests 8 hijackers of Arctic Sea vessel:
The Russian frigate Ladny has freed the Arctic Sea cargo ship in the Atlantic without firing a single shot and arrested eight alleged hijackers, Russia’s defense minister said on Tuesday.

Russian PM Putin to attend MAKS-2009 air show:
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit on Tuesday the MAKS-2009 air show near Moscow and attend a meeting on the development of Russia’s aircraft industry.

More than 20 police died in south Russia blast – prosecutors:
More than 20 police were killed and seven people are still missing after a deadly suicide bombing in southern Russia’s Ingushetia on Monday, prosecutors said.

Blast in south Russia’s Dagestan injures four:
Four people were injured in an explosion in Dagestan early on Tuesday, the volatile southern Russian republic’s interior ministry said.

Russia, Mongolia hold joint military exercises:
Russia and Mongolia are holding joint tactical exercises to practice interoperability during peacekeeping operations, the press service for Russia’s Siberian Military District has said.

Death toll in Siberia hydropower plant accident rises to 12:
The death toll in an accident at Russia’s largest hydropower plant has risen to 12 people, with 64 still unaccounted for, the country’s emergencies minister said on Tuesday.

Czech Republic expels two Russian diplomats:
The Czech Republic has expelled two Russian diplomats, the CTK news agency reported on Monday.

LUKoil posts 3.4% rise in oil output, 12.4% drop in gas production:
Russia’s LUKoil posted on Monday a 3.4% rise in oil output year-on-year to 48.63 million metric tones and a 12.4% decline in natural gas production to 7.36 billion cubic meters.

Ingush leader accuses West of seeking to destabilize Caucasus:
The president of Ingushetia, who is recovering from an attempt on his life, accused on Monday the United States, Britain and Israel of seeking to destabilize the situation in the North Caucasus.

Train on autopilot: Russian Railways tests one-of-a-kind locomotive:
Moscow railway employees are testing an electric train that can operate almost unmanned. A computer system selects the optimum mode of operation and even monitors how the driver is working.

Non prescription medicine to become more widely available:
Russia’s Trade Ministry has proposed that grocers and supermarkets could start selling non-prescription medicines, with experts saying the new regulations may come to the rescue of troubled pharmacy chains.

Kids & alcohol: are drink producers & parents on equal terms?:
Curbing underage drinking is becoming a top priority for Russia. Police say family influence has more power than just punishing those who sell alcohol to minors. Is it really so? RT collects expert opinions.