Section: San Francisco Chronicle (USA)
Russia steps up military modernization — but at what cost?
Russia’s Armata tank, which its creator says can be turned into a fully robotic combat vehicle, is the crowning glory of a sweeping military modernization drive that is rumbling forward amid a perilous confrontation with the West over Ukraine. […] President Vladimir Putin’s expensive arms build-up faces major hurdles as...
Educated Ukrainians flee east Ukraine for new lives in Kiev
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Alesya Bolot worked for a contemporary arts foundation that converted an abandoned factory into a mecca for young and bright people with daring ideas. Educated, middle-class people like Bolot, whose arts center was turned into a rebel training camp and prison, represent a big chunk of those who opt for Ukraine-controlled...
Pope tells Putin: ‘Sincere’ peace efforts needed for Ukraine
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said their talks concentrated on the Ukraine conflict and the Middle East, where the Holy See is worried about the fate of the Christian minority. The United States, using diplomatic channels, had encouraged the Vatican to use the private papal audience as an occasion to join the West in condemning...
Putin visits Italy, pope after G-7 snub over Ukraine
Putin meets Wednesday with Premier Matteo Renzi in Milan before heading to Rome for an audience with Pope Francis, who has declined to join the West in condemning Moscow for its actions in Ukraine in an apparent bid to not upset relations with the Orthodox Church. …read more Source: San Francisco...
Poll: Americans and Europeans differ on aid to Ukraine
MOSCOW (AP) — A new survey shows that Americans are less willing than Europeans to send economic aid to Ukraine, where the government is struggling to keep the economy afloat while battling Russian-backed separatists. […] Americans would be more willing than Europeans to use military force against Russia if it were to attack a neighboring...
NATO spearhead troops practice fast deployment in Poland
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Hundreds of NATO troops with heavy equipment began a military exercise in Poland on Tuesday, testing the alliance’s rapid response readiness in the face of new security challenges on its eastern flank. The so-called spearhead force was agreed upon at a NATO summit last year in reaction to Russia’s role in the...
From fossil fuels to epidemics: What the G-7 decided
BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel went into the Group of Seven summit in the Bavarian Alps with a broad agenda, but combating climate change was a top priority. Merkel had pressed for the ambitious commitment to “decarbonize” the world economy, hoping to help generate momentum ahead of a U.N. conference in December on...
Bush says Russian aggression requires stronger US action
BERLIN (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush is warning Russia’s Vladimir Putin that a Bush presidency would mean a more active U.S. role in countering Russian aggression, especially in Ukraine and eastern Europe. Bush, like most Republican White House prospects, supports economic sanctions on Russia and sending military...
Ukraine fuel depot fire kills 1, several injured near Kiev
The Emergency Situations Ministry says firefighters are focusing on trying to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby military unit. The fire, which erupted late Monday at the depot near the village of Hlevaha just southwest of Kiev, has filled the skies with plumes of black smoke and prompted the evacuation of residents in surrounding areas....
G-7 sets far-off goal to move away from fossil fuels
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose turn it was to host the annual gathering, pressed for a commitment to “decarbonize” the global economy — that is, to eliminate most carbon dioxide emissions from burning oil, gas and coal. Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, which traps the sun’s heat and warms the atmosphere. The leaders...
