Seven days in photographs, August 21-27

On August 26, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree suspending the construction of a highway running through Khimki forest north of Moscow until additional public consultations are held.

On August 26, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held talks with his Swiss counterpart, Doris Leuthard, who paid a working visit to Russia. Along with the international issues, the leaders discussed the expanding Russian-Swiss economic ties.

On August 25, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited Olga Bay in the Kronotsk natural reserve in Russia’s Far East. Putin, who portrays himself as an environmentally concerned leader, said eco-tourism must be developed in this unique place.

On August 27, the prime minister set off on 2,000-km trip along the newly completed Chita-Khabarovsk highway, driven by a desire to see Russia’s regions “with his own eyes.” Putin said he would not drive the whole way himself.

Russia’s Federal Security Service recovered an archive of militants’ documents during a special operation in the course of which security personnel killed Chechen militant leader Magomedali Vagabov, who was believed to be behind the March 29 suicide bombings on the Moscow metro that killed 40 people and injured 100 others.

On August 25, legendary Dublin band U2 played their first ever gig in Moscow in front of tens of thousands of their fans. The musicians appeared on the stage after a one-hour delay and at that very moment heavy rain poured down on Moscow. Despite the rain, the band started their show with the song Beautiful Day, which was changed by Bono in the end with the words "It's raining."

The Youth Olympic Games finished in Singapore. The Russian team took second place in the overall medal table with 18 golds, 14 silvers and 11 bronzes.