TODAY: Azeri detained over Biryulyovo murder; Ukraine relations likely to suffer after EU deal; Czech Republic warns against rocking the boat; polypropylene factory opens; Navalny verdict expected; Rosneft moves in on China; gay swimmer compliments Putin; Dutch spat escalates.

Police detained an Azeri suspect in connection with the murder that provoked this week’s racially-charged riots in Biryulyovo;  the man’s father said that the arrest was politically motivated.  The Council of Europe expressed concern over the riots, calling on Russia to address its problems of racism and nationalism.  The European Union’s plan to sign a landmark agreement with Ukraine next month will rile Russia; a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry insists that ‘the purpose of our actions is not to apply pressure on these countries, but to protect our own market’.  Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says it would be ‘very difficult for Ukraine to join the [Russia-led] Customs Union’ after it signs the association agreement with the EU.  Following a complaint filed by the EU with the World Trade Organisation, the State Duma passed a bill that will require domestic car makers to pay the same recycling fees as foreign manufacturers.  The finance minister of Czech Republic has warned his country not to stress human rights concerns and thereby harm business relations with Russia.