Section: Voice of America (USA)
‘Don’t Waste Your Time,’ Zelenskiy Tells Putin After Citizenship Offer To Ukrainians
Ukraine’s President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy has told Moscow “not to waste time trying to lure Ukrainian citizens with Russian passports,” after Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow could ease the process of granting Russian citizenship to Ukrainians. Ukrainians understand that Russian citizenship means “the right to be...
Death Toll in East Ukraine Coal Mine Blast Climbs to 17
The death toll from a coal mine blast in a separatist eastern region of Ukraine rose to 17 on Saturday, rebel authorities said. The gas blast on Thursday ripped through the mine in Yurievka village in the self-proclaimed republic of Luhansk, which broke away from Kyiv in 2014 and is run by Moscow-backed rebels. “The tragedy took the life of...
Putin: Moscow Mulling Citizenship Offer for All Ukrainians
Russian President Vladimir Putin says his administration is considering a plan to ease the process of granting Russian citizenship to all Ukrainians, not only those in war-torn parts of eastern Ukraine. Putin made the remark on April 27 at an infrastructure development summit in Beijing. On April 24, Putin announced a presidential decree that...
Russia Condemns Ukrainian Language Law
Russia has condemned a new Ukrainian language law that enforces the use of Ukrainian over Russian in the public sphere. Ukraine has a sizable Russian-speaking minority, residing mostly in the country’s east, which is controlled by Moscow-backed rebels. For its part, Russia has angered Ukraine by making it easier for the residents of...
US, Russia Wait to See Which Direction Ukrainian President Will Go
This story originated in VOA’s Russian Service. Pete Cobus contributed reporting. KYIV, UKRAINE — Following Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s landslide victory this week, top U.S. and European Union officials were quick to offer kudos and vows of continued diplomatic support. But some Eastern European-based experts say...
Ukraine’s Parliament Adopts Controversial Language Bill
Ukrainian lawmakers have approved a language law that seeks to increase the use of Ukrainian in a country where Russian is also widely used. The Supreme Rada on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to support the bill which will force increased use of Ukrainian in the media and in public administration. The office of the U.N. Human Rights Commissioner...
Kim, Putin Vow Closer Ties at Vladivostok Summit
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed closer ties as they began their first summit Thursday in the far-eastern Russian city of Vladivostok. Kim, who is searching for economic help amid deadlocked nuclear talks with the United States, said he hopes to solidify relations with Moscow and looks forward to...
Ukraine Cries Foul As Russia Offers Citizenship in Separatist Areas
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree simplifying the procedure for people living in parts of eastern Ukraine held by Russia-backed separatists to obtain Russian citizenship, drawing a swift and angry response from Kyiv and criticism from the West. …read more Source: Voice of...
Kim Jong Un in Russia for Putin Meeting
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has arrived in the far eastern region of Russia for his first ever meeting with Vladimir Putin, which Kim says is the initial step toward closer ties with Moscow. Wearing a black fedora hat and matching dark overcoat, the smiling Kim was greeted by Russian officials and a military band Wednesday in the port city of...
Much Yet to Do: EU Urges New Ukraine Leader to Push Reforms
The European Union delivered formal congratulations to Ukraine’s novice president-elect on Monday but made clear it expects TV comic Volodymyr Zelenskiy to pursue halting reforms, including fighting corruption. In a joint letter as Zelenskiy’s landslide victory over President Petro Poroshenko was confirmed, European Council President...
