Damien Sharkov
Staff Writer
I am a Staff Writer for Newsweek's international desk. I report on current events in Russia, the former Soviet Union and the former Eastern Bloc. Email me in English, Russian, Spanish or French.
Blasphemy Day Marked as Convictions Continue
Stemming from mass riots in 2005, the holiday takes aim at punishments still doled out around the world for mocking religious figures and practices.
Merkel Rejects Ouster Claims Despite Ally's Shock Exit
German media is hotly debating the chancellor's slide in the polls as her party voted out her ally of 13 years.
Millionaire Couple's Murder Blamed on Family Row
The brother-in-law of a British millionaire in Thailand is a key suspect in a murder investigation, as a family member says tensions had been building for years.
Macron Would Welcome U.K. Back to EU 'for Sure'
"In fact when you look at the figures, at the reality, it costs a lot, it is much more complicated than initially they thought," Macron said of pro-Brexit officials.
Steven Seagal Wants to Be Governor in Russia
Seagal threw his hat in the ring to take the reins at Primorye, after a bungled run-off election.
Distracted Boyfriend Meme Is Sexist: National Watchdog
A Swedish internet provider opted to use the image to attract job applicants and sparked a backlash.
Manspreading Protester Splashes Bleach on Crotches
Former pageant queen has decried manspreading as an act of "gender aggression" and taken matters into her own hands.
Catholic Church: Over 3,600 Abuse Victims Revealed
The new report details allegations dating back from 1946 and implicates 4.4 percent of the German Catholic Church's clerics over that period.
Three Arrested After Murder of Millionaire Couple
Police believe that a family member helped the suspects dispose of the bodies.
In France, Macron's Popularity Hits Record Low
Macron's dwindling approval rating follows the trend of his predecessors François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.
Russia to Send New Anti-Aircraft Defense to Syria
Russia has blamed Israel for the downing of a Russian jet in Syria.
Pirates Storm Ship and Kidnap 12 Crew
The European shipowner announced that the pirates kidnapped 12 of the 19 crew onboard as hostage in the Gulf of Guinea.
Ganesh Chaturthi: End of Elephant God Birthday Festival
Ganesha is one of Hinduism's most beloved deities and the story of his birthday reveals the reason for his unique appearance and demeanour.
Priest Kills Himself in Church After Sex Assault Claim
A day after the archbishop of Rouen called on a priest to confess his "inappropriate conduct" towards a young woman, the clergyman was found dead in church.
Hundreds Dead and Missing in Lake Victoria Disaster
The vessel capsized in Africa's largest lake on Thursday, with an estimated 400 to 500 people on board.
Tourists Could Face Big Fines Under Venice Mayor's Rule
The proposed ban on sitting on monument steps is one of many ideas from mayor Luigi Brugnaro, and it is not going down well with locals.
Who is Cary Fukunaga? James Bond 25 Gets New Director
Producers of the spy franchise parted ways with director Danny Boyle before sequel to Spectre began production.
$60 Million Hacked From Japan Cryptocurrency Exchange
The hack followed several heists of the country's virtual currency markets, and was another blow to Japan's efforts to become a global leader in the exchanges.
India Bans Instant Divorce for Muslim Men
The so-called triple "talaq" is an utterance a husband can make to annul his marriage, so long as he makes it three times.
Romania Schedules Vote to Block Same-Sex Marriage
The country's constitution currently refers to marriage as a union between "spouses," a gender-neutral term.
Viral Clash With Macron Spikes Demand for Gardener
President was compared to Marie-Antoinette after telling man finding a job was easy.
Macron Launches Boutique With Macaroons and Merchandise
An Emmanuel Macron World Cup T-shirt will cost you almost $65, but the administration says it is for a good cause.
End of Volkswagen Beetle, 80 Years After First Model
Designed when Nazi Germany was about to invade Europe, the Beetle has survived many decades and reinventions.
Retired WISN-TV Anchor Dies in Motorbike Crash
Davis was hailed as "the real deal, a real person, a real man, and a real joy to be around" by a colleague.
Too Soon? Joe Biden: 'There Are No Problems in America'
The former vice president to Barack Obama spoke sarcastically after President Donald Trump's refusal to believe the new official death toll from the Puerto Rican government.
Spy Poisoning Suspects Went to U.K. to 'See Cathedral'
Two Russian men identifying themselves as the suspects in the poisoning of an ex-Soviet agent in the English countryside said they were just sightseeing.
Nazi-Saluting Protester Convicted in Germany
First conviction following several arrests made during a controversial rally, in which the country's top far-right groups joined forces.
Putin's Bodyguard Challenged to Pillow Fight
The #ZolotowChallenge is sweeping the nation after he asked Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for a fight.
Russia Is a Peaceful Country, Says Putin at War Game
"We do not and could not possibly have aggressive plans," Putin announced at a 300,000-strong military exercise near the Chinese border.
Mystery Submarines Blamed for Spike in Whale Deaths
Russia in particular has grabbed headlines with renewed submarine activity in the Atlantic.
