Christmas trees weren’t always a part of Russian culture. In fact, they were banned for 20 years. Here's a brief history of this beloved holiday tradition. [More]

Nearly every nation has a unique ghostly legend, and in Ukraine there’s talk of shubin, a spirit said to dwell within the mines of Donbas. [More]

On this day in 1703, Russia got its first printed newspaper. [More]

The Government of Norway has donated half a million dollars to help preserve the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life in the Ukrainian city of Lviv... [More]

President Vladimir Putin broadcast the traditional New Year's Eve speech minutes before 2013, speaking about the future and what will make for "a mighty and unassailable Russia." [More]

HotRussianBrides.com hopes you have a happy and healthy 2013 filled with new friendships and hopefully your perfect match! [More]

Outside Ukraine's cities, a New Year's festival with roots thousands of years old survives. Learn more about Malanka, the New Year's celebration held in many of Ukraine's villages. [More]

Did you know that the first German university outside of a German speaking country was in Ukraine? [More]

German-born Catherine the Great quickly became one of the most powerful women in Europe. She presided over Russia's Golden Age, and ruled the country longer than any other woman in its history. [More]

Just like drinking champagne and tuning in for the President's speech on TV, watching old Soviet films is another New Year's Eve tradition in Russia... [More]

Faced with trouble finding qualified recruits, Russian officials are considered extending mandatory military service to include women as well as men. [More]