Scheme would allow epic journeys from London to the Japanese capital with major international crossing between Sakhalin and Hokkaido.
The Russian president has turned to his close ally Sergei Shoigu, former Emergencies Minister, after the Defence Minister was engulfed in a corruption scandal.
Russian president's flight to Salekhard delayed after airport closed by freezing rain.
The ancient mummy of a mysterious young woman, known as the Ukok Princess, is finally returning home to the Altai Republic this month.