Section: The Epoch Times (USA)
France: Europe Hurting From Russia Sanctions, Needs to Act
LAS VEGAS— France’s economy minister says Europeans should work together to pressure Russia for a solution over Ukraine so that all sides can ease sanctions that are hurting European economies. Emmanuel Macron told The Associated Press that Europe has a “collective responsibility” to maintain pressure on Russia over its involvement in...
Despite Pressure, EU’s Sanctions Against Russia Could Last
PARIS—EU sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine are cutting both ways: hurting Russia as well as pinching some big European companies. But economic relief isn’t likely any time soon, diplomats and analysts say, since EU divisions make the sanctions tough to overturn. France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine are trying to set up...
For Some Russians, Mortgage Costs Soaring Due to Ruble Slide
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia—When they took out a mortgage on a small two-room apartment seven years ago, Oksana Li and her husband hoped to make a new home for themselves and their young son. Now, like thousands of other Russians, they are seeing that dream unravel as they are unable to make payments — even by working longer hours and a second job....
Germany Worried Tougher Sanctions May Provoke Russia
The plunging price of oil coupled with harsh economic sanctions from the West has put a lot of pressure on the Russian economy, some are worried this could provoke Russia . MORE:10 Signs (& Causes) Russia’s Economy Is in Serious Trouble Among the concerned is German deputy chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel. He gave a warning about pushing...
Ukraine Rebel ‘Batman’ Battalion Commander Killed
KIEV, Ukraine— A Ukrainian security official says a prominent rebel commander in the separatist eastern region of Luhansk has been killed. A website of the separatist Luhansk People’s Republic said that Alexander Bednov, head of a battalion called “Batman,” was killed Thursday when separatist security forces tried to arrest him. An arrest...
Struggling EU Hopes 2015 Bring Better Fortunes
BRUSSELS— Beset by critics and buffeted by economic woes, European Union chiefs might have been forgiven for thinking that at least Pope Francis would apply some balm for the New Year in his address to the EU parliament. Not so. Even the pontiff spoke of a continent that was “elderly and haggard” facing a world which “regards it with aloofness,...
Russians Optimistic for 2015 Despite It All
MOSCOW— At the vast skating rink in Moscow’s Gorky Park, Russians say they’re looking forward to a 2015 that will be as smooth as the ice, despite the country’s economic and political difficulties. The ruble has sunk, tensions with the West are up, but the troubles seem to have produced a surge in national pride. “Russians are a...
Putin Sends New Year’s Message to Obama
MOSCOW— Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in a New Year’s message to U.S. President Barack Obama that Moscow is looking for equality in bilateral relations next year. The Kremlin on Wednesday published several dozen New Year’s messages addressed to heads of states and international organizations such as the Olympic Committee...
Russia Says Ukraine’s Import of US Nuclear Fuel Risky
MOSCOW—Russia says Ukraine’s deal to buy U.S.-made nuclear fuel for its Soviet-built reactors could trigger a nuclear accident. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk of Ukraine announced Tuesday that his nation has reached a deal on nuclear fuel deliveries with Westinghouse to reduce dependence on Russian supplies. Russia’s Foreign...
Moscow Court Rushes Verdict to Putin’s Chief Foe Alexei Navalny
MOSCOW—A Moscow court on Monday moved up the date of its verdict in a criminal case against President Vladimir Putin’s top foe in an apparent bid to derail a planned protest. Earlier this month, prosecutors asked the court to convict Alexei Navalny of defrauding a cosmetics company and to sentence him to 10 years in prison. Navalny, who has...
