Section: The Washington Times (USA)
Vladimir Putin calls Obama, two discuss Islamic State, Ukraine
On a joyous day that saw the validation of Obamacare by the Supreme Court and the passage of key trade legislation, President Obama also received a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House said Thursday night. Mr. Putin and Mr. Obama discussed the fight against the Islamic … …read more Source: The Washington...
Russia to get 40 new intercontinental missiles this year
MOSCOW (AP) – Russia’s military this year alone will receive 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of piercing any missile defenses, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday in a blunt reminder of the nation’s nuclear might amid tensions with the West over Ukraine. Putin made the statement at the opening of …...
Night Wolves biker gang a key element in Vladimir Putin’s political firewall
MOSCOW — From shady dictators to shadowy Ukrainian separatists, Russian President Vladimir Putin has attracted some unusual allies. The Night Wolves, a Kremlin-funded, leather-clad, heavily tattooed motorcycle gang, are right up there with the strangest. A key element in Mr. Putin’s domestic political firewall, the 5,000-strong Night Wolves...
IOC’s Bach praises European Games harmony
BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) – International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach praised the inaugural European Games for promoting harmony between peoples Sunday, even as tensions between host nation Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia threatened to overshadow the sporting action. In a statement, Bach praised the sight of Russian and Ukrainian...
Russia’s crowdfunded war: Groups raise cash for ‘combat-ready’ units in Ukraine
Crowdfunding technology making news in the U.S. over gay wedding cake controversies is being used for a very different purpose in Russia: war. Russian groups are using private payment systems to help bankroll separatists in eastern Ukraine. Some, such as The Novorossiya Humanitarian Battalion, openly state a desire to produce … …read...
Pope Francis tells Vladimir Putin: ‘Sincere’ peace efforts needed for Ukraine
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in “sincere” international efforts aimed at bringing peace to Ukraine as the two men met privately at the Vatican on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Kenneth Hackett, said his country … …read more...
Russia bans baby detergent from Ukraine
The standoff between Russia and neighboring Ukraine reached new heights — or depths — Tuesday as health officials in Moscow announced a ban on baby laundry detergent made by Ukraine’s leading producer, citing what they said were violations of sanitary and epidemiological regulations. The ban is the latest in a … …read more...
Mideast problems command Obama’s attention on G-7 summit sidelines
ELMAU, Germany (AP) — President Barack Obama huddled with allies Monday on the sidelines of an international summit to address pressing Mideast problems while trying to convince European leaders to maintain sanctions against Russia in the face of fresh violence in Ukraine. Obama participated in the final day of the … …read more...
CROSSTALK: Terror question: When Russian-U.S. interests align
Relations between Moscow and Washington are obviously at an all time low due to events in Ukraine and the West responding with sanctions on the Russian Federation. Russia has recently withdrawn from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe and seems intent on ratcheting up military tensions rather than … …read more Source:...
G-7 leaders seek answers from Obama on Russia, Islamic State issues
With European euphoria for President Obama now just a memory, leaders of the G-7 summit that begins Sunday in Germany are hoping simply for the president to lead on emergencies ranging from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine to the Islamic State terrorist group. Mr. Obama, who was greeted by hundreds of … …read more Source: The...