The 2014 Winter Olympics takes place in the Russian resort of Sochi on 7-23 February . Russia has been under pressure from Western countries to improve its human rights record since a series of high-profile arrests and prosecutions for alleged abuses during last year's protests against President Vladimir Putin. Addressing the IOC in 2007 in support of Sochi 's bid to become host , he said : `` It is a unique place . The Winter Games can be dangerous with 10-11 % of athletes picking up injuries . Russia has spent $ 50 billion , and rising , on the Sochi Games .
The 2014 Winter Olympics takes place in the Russian resort of Sochi on 7-23 February . Russia has been under pressure from Western countries to improve its human rights record since a series of high-profile arrests and prosecutions for alleged abuses during last year's protests against President Vladimir Putin. The Winter Games can be dangerous with 10-11 % of athletes picking up injuries . Russia has spent $ 50 billion , and rising , on the Sochi Games .