Russia is heading to the Beijing Olympics against a backdrop of international tension, and not for the first time. A build-up of Russian forces near neighboring Ukraine is causing concern in Washington and among the United States' NATO allies in Europe.
With tensions high, Russia aims for Olympic gold in Beijing kxly.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kxly.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Despite still being under doping-related sanctions which bar its name and flag from being displayed in official Olympic settings, Russia is hoping for one of the country’s biggest Winter Olympic medal hauls to date.