Section: KXAN (USA)
Analysis: Russia’s tone familiar after spy poisoning report
MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin has made no public comment on the sensational report by a British judge that concluded the Kremlin leader probably approved a 2006 plan to kill a Russian dissident in London. Instead, his subordinates went before reporters and portrayed it as a groundless accusation concocted by a relentlessly hostile West....
Poland welcomes increased British military presence
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Polish and British defense officials say there are plans for a stronger British military presence in Poland to reassure members on NATO’s eastern flank concerned about Russia’s resurgence. But Warsaw and London are giving mixed messages on the exact nature of Britain’s involvement. Polish Defense Minister...
Kerry says governmental corruption fuels extremism
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry took aim Friday at government corruption, saying it fuels crime, violent extremism and disillusionment with society that contributes to the global refugee crisis. He also said the Obama administration will seek a major boost in funding for refugee support this year and press for at...
Ukraine toughens position in negotiations to end conflict
MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Ukraine is hardening its position in negotiations to end the conflict in the country’s east, saying it must regain control of its entire border with Russia before elections can be held in the regions controlled by Russia-backed rebels. The agreement worked out last year by the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and...
Russian ruble slides to record low in Moscow trading
MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian ruble slid to a record low against the dollar Wednesday under pressure from the low oil price. The ruble traded above 81.8 to the dollar in Moscow on Wednesday evening, down by around four percent. That beat the mark of 80.1 set when the currency crashed in value in December 2014 before stabilizing. Russia’s...
Ukraine disputes Poland claim of taking 1 million refugees
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A Ukrainian official is disputing a claim by Polish prime minister that Poland has taken in 1 million Ukrainian refugees. The Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, Andrii Deshchytsia, said Wednesday that in fact Poland only granted refugee status to two Ukrainian citizens last year and that the many Ukrainians in Poland are...
Gorbachev says Russia must step up economy efforts
MOSCOW (AP) — Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, is warning that Russia needs to increase efforts to find a solution to its ailing economy. Gorbachev’s comments to the state news agency RIA Novosti on Tuesday came a day after the ruble hit an all-time low against the euro, as Russia struggles with a sharp decline in...
Russian ruble hits a new low as oil prices weaken
MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian ruble, battered by weak oil prices, on Monday fell to an all-time low against the euro and dropped to its lowest level in more than a year against the dollar. The Central Bank set the official exchange rate at over 85 rubles to the euro on Monday. The national currency declined by 2 percent to 79.1 rubles to the dollar...
Burkina Faso capital security tightens after jihadi attack
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — In the wake of a weekend attack that left up to 32 dead, security was beefed up across Burkina Faso’s capital Monday as businesses and banks reopened. The West African nation also announced a joint effort with Mali in the fight against jihadi elements in the West African region. “Please go ahead and search...
Survivors recall narrow escape from Burkina Faso attack
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — As al-Qaida fighters attacked the cafe where he worked, Clement Djiguende was saved by chance: A jihadist who had been firing at patrons simply ran out of bullets. The gun stuck for a moment. Then the militant, dressed in black and a turban, tried several times to reload. That’s when Djiguende and another...
