CNN International will turn the spotlight on Russia during a week of special programming starting on Monday, December 11.“Russia Week” investigates the country behind the headlines, and includes in-depth reports from CNN’s Moscow-based team.

CNNI Anchor Becky Anderson will also host news programs from Moscow each day.

Russia has hit the headlines all year — from cutting off energy to its neighbors in the Ukraine last winter to the current mystery surrounding the poisoning of former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, in London.

Themed “Putin: Power and Politics”, CNN’s daily special reports investigate Putin’s role in shaping the Russia of today: Confident, assertive, but with critics who say he retains links with the darker side of the Soviet era.

Other topics include the resurgence of violent nationalism among young Russians, Russia’s use of energy as a policy tool, and the rise of the oligarchs.

Becky Anderson co-anchors from Moscow for “Your World Today” and “World News Europe,” joined by an extensive line-up of studio guests from across Russia.

Special reports also air throughout the day from CNN’s Moscow-based correspondents Matthew Chance and Ryan Chilcote, and other CNN reporters.

CNN viewers will be able to share their opinions and thoughts on Russia via iReport.

Russia Week packages air throughout the week on CNN, including on Your World Today (Monday to Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., CET.)

World News Europe will be anchored live from Moscow by Becky Anderson (weekdays 9 to 9.30 p.m. and 10 to 10.30 p.m. CET.)

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