TODAY: Putin wants to use BRICS to defend against Western sanctions; BRICS announce HQ of bank and plot a currency reserve; Russia and Ukraine still trading accusations over fighting; former Interior Ministry officials admit to abusing power; activist faces 5 years for tugging policeman’s sleeve; obscenity law to trash independent film. 22 dead in Moscow train accident.

President Vladimir Putin wants to use the BRICS formation to prevent future ‘sanction attacks’ by the United States and its allies.  In addition to launching their $100 billion development bank, to be based in Shanghai and governed by India, leaders of the BRICS countries also announced a currency reserve pool during their summit yesterday.  In support of Russia’s aim to counter Western dominance, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said the pool ‘will help contain the volatility faced by diverse economies as a result of the tapering of the United States’ policy of monetary expansion’.  Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that the BRICS aimed to ‘speak out against one-sided steps in global politics and economy’.  Russia and Ukraine continue to make equal and opposite accusations against each other regarding cross-border attacks.  President Vladimir Putin says it won’t be easy, but that Russia can improve its ties with the European Union.