Section: US & Canada
Russia sanctions fail to stop Ukraine fighting
The Obama administration condemned new attacks by Russian-backed forces in Ukraine Thursday, and the European Union extended sanctions against Moscow and its allies because of the continued fighting. “We have shown that the EU is ready to take further measures,” EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said at a meeting …...
Pro-Kremlin Youth Group Creatively Promotes ‘Patriotic’ Propaganda
As Russia’s President Vladimir Putin faces international pressure over Ukraine and a failing economy, unofficial domestic groups are rallying to his support. One such youth organization, CET, or Network, uses creative multimedia to appeal to Russia’s urban youth with patriotic propaganda. VOA’s Daniel Schearf reports....
Russian power struggle: Could Putin lose his leverage over Moscow elite?
Russia faces an economic crisis, but with the ruble falling, the superwealthy are buying the latest luxury cars and may end up being the source of President Vladimir Putin’s biggest power struggle, the CBC’s Susan Ormiston reports from Moscow. …read more Source:...
Britain Demands Explanation of Russian Bombers Flying Near Airspace
Britain summoned Russia’s ambassador Thursday to explain why two Russian Bear long-range bombers flew close to British airspace, forcing British authorities to divert civil aircraft. The Foreign Office said in a statement that Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets were scrambled to intercept the Russian bombers, which were in a “U.K. area of...
New recruits tearfully waved off in Kiev
Tearful scenes play out at a recruiting office in Kiev as dozens of reservists were called up to participate in the fighting in the east of Ukraine. Video provided by AFP …read more Source: USA...
EU to Extend Existing Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine
BRUSSELS—The European Union extended by six months an existing set of sanctions against Russian and pro-Russia separatist officials because of the continued fighting in eastern Ukraine and was planning further action, officials said Thursday. “We have shown that the EU is ready to take further measures,” EU foreign affairs chief Federica...
Ukraine: Russia-Backed Rebels Overrun Another Town in East
ARTEMIVSK, Ukraine—Ukraine’s military conceded Thursday that its forces had been overrun by Russian-backed separatist forces in another town in their battle to hold onto a strategically valuable railway hub. A soldier wounded in combat for the town, Vuhlehirsk, said armored vehicles and tanks were used in the attack on government positions,...
EU Official Expects Clashes but No Rash Actions From Athens
ATHENS, Greece—The first European official to visit Greece since the country elected a new left-wing government said Thursday that he expects clashes over how to lighten the country’s bailout — not rash actions from Athens. European Parliament president Martin Schulz said he had concluded after discussions with 40-year-old Prime Minister...
New Russia sanctions: How far will they go?
The grip of Western sanctions around the neck of the Russian economy may be squeezed even tighter this week, as the death toll in Ukraine rises. …read more Source:...
Belarus Backtracks After Spooking Market With Debt Restructuring Talk
Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko spooked bond markets on Thursday by speaking of a possible restructuring of $4 billion of Belarussian foreign debt falling due this year, then softened his comments to refer only to refinancing. During a marathon news conference the veteran Belarussian leader made the bombshell comment that Belarus might...
