BBC: Russia Germany: Merkel meets Putin to discuss crises in Syria and Ukraine
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has begun talks with President Vladimir Putin on her first visit to Russia since 2015.
The meeting, at Mr Putin's summer residence in Sochi, comes with bilateral relations in a trough over the war in Syria and Russia's annexation of Crimea.
They are to discuss both issues but no breakthroughs are expected.
Mr Putin will then meet Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday.
"Of course, we cannot but take advantage of this visit and discuss bilateral relations and the most problematic points, by which I mean Ukraine, Syria and possibly some other regions," Mr Putin said at the start of the talks with Mrs Merkel, quoted by Russia's Interfax news agency.
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MIDDLE EAST
Infighting in Syria's Ghouta leaves nearly 100 dead.
Syria war: Many dead in IS attack on displaced people's camp
Syrian forces used nerve gas in four attacks: HRW.
Kurdish forces 'take 90 percent' of Syria's Tabqa. U.S.-backed militias oust Islamic State from Syria's Tabqa old city.
Nearly half a million people displaced in western Mosul since February.
ISIL attack kills 10 Iraqi soldiers in Anbar.
Turkey's Erdogan says he has 'nothing to discuss' with EU. Turkey's EU dream is over, for now, top official says.
Hamas softens stance on Israel, drops Muslim Brotherhood link. Hamas recognizes 1967 borders, rejects Israel.
Meeting with Trump comes at time of crisis for Palestine leader.
ASIA
N. Korea vows to develop nuclear program at full speed in reaction to Trump policy.
North Korea: Trump keeps options open against 'smart cookie' Kim Jong-un.
Japan's opposition rejects involvement in a U.S.-led war.
China demands an 'immediate' halt to Trump's controversial US anti-missile system set up on a South Korean golf course after Seoul said it can now defend against Kim's missiles.
Indian anger over soldiers' bodies 'mutilated by Pakistan'.
US aims to eliminate IS from Afghanistan this year.
Myanmar's Suu Kyi to skip Washington summit of Southeast Asia foreign ministers.
AFRICA
Central African Republic violence kills 45 over 3 months.
Dozens of civilians killed in CAR violence: HRW.
UNICEF: 1.4 million children in Somalia at risk of acute malnutrition in 2017.
Egypt tribesmen kill 8 suspected IS militants in Sinai.
Gunmen kill police officers in brazen Cairo attack.
Armed attacks on ships in West African waters rise: report.
Nigeria's President Buhari urged to take medical leave.
EUROPE
Russia’s Putin to talk with the leaders of the West — separately. Merkel, Putin aim to ease diplomatic tensions in Sochi.
Merkel to meet Putin amid tensions over Syrian war, Ukraine crisis.
Brexit gets nasty as EU accuses Britain of unrealistic aims.
France's Le Pen lifts parts of rival's speech, aides brush off plagiarism accusations.
Greece, creditors reach preliminary deal.
State Department issues travel alert for Europe this summer.
Czech prime minister announces government resignation.
Separatism fears grow in Belgium as German speakers assert themselves.
AMERICAS
Trump: The US government needs a good 'shutdown' if Senate rules don't change.
25 arrested in Portland May Day violence after protesters hurl bottles, Molotov cocktails at police.
New York girds itself for Trump's first visit as president.
Venezuelan protests against government leave three dead.
Besieged Venezuela leader orders writing of new constitution. Critics reject Maduro's call for new constitution in Venezuela amid mass protests.
Brazilian farmers attack indigenous tribe with machetes in brutal land dispute.
Mexico sentences 8 soldiers to 26 years for helping Los Zetas cartel.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Taliban controls or contests 40 percent of Afghan districts: SIGAR.
Taliban and Islamic State clash in eastern Afghanistan.
Muslim, Christian leaders denounce terrorism at Egypt peace conference.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Alitalia to enter bankruptcy proceedings.
OPEC deal backfires: Saudis lose market share to Iran, Iraq.
Hollywood writers' strike averted after last-minute deal.
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