TODAY: Russia backs Red Cross calls for Syria ceasefire as Syria denies reports that Russia is sending troops; gay rights activists call for international ban on officials behind gay propaganda law; United Russia loses mayoral race in Tolyatti; Yaroslavl opposition candidate gaining ground; NTV objects to boycott; protesters arrested in Nizhny Novgorod for erecting tents on city square.

In a statement worded more strongly than any previously issued, Russia has joined the Red Cross in calling for a daily two-hour ceasefire in Syria.  The Syrian Defense Ministry is denying reports that Russian warships have arrived off the Syrian coast to deploy peacekeeping soldiers.  Vladimir Ryzhkov explains the opposition push to get the U.S. to replace Jackson-Vanik with a Magnitsky act.  Moscow officials have refused to grant permission for a rally to call for justice in the Magnitsky case.  Gay rights activists in St. Petersburg are asking the U.S., Europe, Australia and Canada to ban entry to officials behind the newly-approved ban on gay propaganda.