Section: The Epoch Times (USA)
Ukraine Sees Fewer Russian Troops in Conflict Zone
KIEV, Ukraine— Ukrainian military officials say they have observed a reduction in the presence of Russian troops in areas at the heart of fighting between government troops and separatist rebels. Security spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Monday that Russian personnel stationed in field camps in Ukraine have been observed returning to their home...
West Alarmed at Hungarian Leader’s Power Tactics
BUDAPEST, Hungary— As a young politician, Viktor Orban won plaudits for championing civil rights and free elections. Now as Hungary’s prime minister, Western nations are alarmed at the way he is trying to consolidate power, including a government crackdown on rights groups. One of the groups being targeted is the Hungarian Civil Liberties...
World War 3 to be Hybrid Warfare Scenario? US and Latvia Hold War Games Amid Tensions
Some of Russia’s neighbors in Europe should be prepared to deal with new hybrid warfare challenges presented by Russia under President Vladimir Putin amid fighting in eastern Ukraine, a Latvian official has stated. His comments come as US and Latvia are carrying out war games amid tensions with the Kremlin. US and Latvian troops this week...
Leaders Of Ex-Soviet Countries Discuss Closer Ties
MINSK, Belarus—Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country does not oppose ex-Soviet states seeking closer ties with Western countries, but has criticized them for not taking Moscow’s interests into account. Leaders from the 11-member Commonwealth of Independent States met Friday in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, to discuss closer...
Ukraine President Signs Law to Purge Supporters of Old Regime
KIEV, Ukraine—Ukraine’s president has approved legislation to purge government bodies of officials linked to the rule of the country’s previous leader, Viktor Yanukovych. President Petro Poroshenko’s office said in a statement Thursday that the law is aimed at restoring public trust in authorities. Yanukovych was overthrown in...
Prosecutors: 1 MH17 Passenger Had Oxygen Mask On
THE HAGUE, Netherlands— Dutch prosecutors say the body of one passenger of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was found wearing an oxygen mask, raising questions about how much those on board knew about their fate when the plane plunged out of the sky above Eastern Ukraine in July. Prosecution spokesman Wim de Bruin says the passenger, an Australian,...
Russia to Compensate Its Elite Affected by Sanctions
MOSCOW—Russia’s parliament gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would grant compensation to individuals hit by Western sanctions, a move that the usually compliant opposition criticized as a Kremlin attempt to buy the loyalty of the elite. The bill, which also allows Moscow to seize the assets in Russia of foreign individuals...
World War 3: Poland and Baltic States Fear Russian Invasian as Pro-Russian Rebels Fight Ukraine Forces in Donetsk
Officials in Poland and other Baltic states fear a Russian invasion if pro-Vladimir Putin forces end up seizing more of Ukraine as multiple sides say the conflict could erupt into a World War 3 soon. Russia seized Crimea early in the conflict and pro-Russian separatists have gained other ground since then. Officials in Poland, among other...
UN Says Hundreds Killed During Ukraine Cease-fire
KIEV, Ukraine— At least 331 deaths have been reported in eastern Ukraine since last month’s cease-fire deal between Russian-backed separatists and government troops, the United Nations said Wednesday. Hostilities are persisting in the main rebel-held city of Donetsk, as well as around the towns of Debaltseve and Schastye. Donetsk airport,...
Putin Undermined Democracy From the Get-Go
WASHINGTON—Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has been the source of much speculation in the West as to his true nature and motivation. He was elected president twice in 2000–2008, and again to a six-year term in 2012. So he is not a czar, though widespread fraud was well documented in the third election. Freedom House, which tracks freedom...
