Section: Voice of America (USA)
Ukraine’s Poroshenko: World Bank Approves $750 Million Loan Guarantee
The World Bank has approved a $750 million loan guarantee for Ukraine, President Petro Poroshenko said on Twitter on Tuesday, calling it proof of his nation’s “tangible progress on the reform path.” The World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other bodies support Ukraine with loan agreements conditional on Kiev passing...
Dispute Within Orthodox Church Could Deepen Conflict in Ukraine
Ukraine has elected the head of a newly unified Orthodox Church, following a split from the Russian Orthodox Church, announced Saturday. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has hailed the move as an important safeguard against future Russian aggression. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has condemned Ukraine’s church split from the...
New Ukrainian Orthodox Leader Gives 1st Liturgy, Urges Unity
In his first liturgy as head of the newly christened Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Epiphanius called for Ukrainians to unite under the new church and pray for peace in Ukraine. Ukrainian bishops met Saturday and voted to approve a charter for the new church and elect a leader. Moscow has vigorously protested Ukraine’s bid for...
Ukraine to Establish Independent Orthodox Church
Ukrainian Orthodox priests are holding a historic synod in Kyiv’s Saint Sophia’s Cathedral to establish a new national church, one that does not have ties to Russia. The clergy gathering Saturday follows a landmark decision by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodoxy, to remove...
Russian Orthodox Church Calls on UN for Help in Ukraine
The Russian Orthodox Church on Friday called on the United Nations, the leaders of Germany and France, the pope and other spiritual leaders to protect believers in Ukraine in the face of pressure on Moscow-affiliated clerics. Ukraine’s Orthodox clerics will gather for a meeting Saturday that is expected to form a new, independent Ukrainian...
EU Extends Economic Sanctions Against Russia
EU leaders extended punishing economic sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine for another six months on Thursday, amid heightened tensions over the Azov Sea clash. The EU first imposed the measures in July 2014 after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298 people, an attack blamed by the West on...
EU to Offer Ukraine Help Over Azov Sea at Summit
European Union leaders will offer Ukraine help for its regions affected by Russia’s actions in the Azov Sea when they meet Thursday, according to a draft summit statement seen by Reuters on Wednesday. But there is no mention of consideration of further sanctions against Russia, reflecting division among member states. Diplomats expect a...
US House Passes Resolution in Support of Ukraine
The U.S. House of Representatives has again called on Russia to end its hostilities against Ukraine. The lawmakers Tuesday passed a resolution reaffirming their “commitment to Ukraine’s independence and security.” The resolution came after Russia last month fired on two Ukrainian naval ships and rammed a third vessel in the...
Putin Defends Jailing of 77-Year-old Activist
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday defended the jailing of an elderly rights activist over calls to protest, stressing he wants to prevent events like France’s “yellow vest” revolt. The Russian leader was responding to an appeal to free 77-year-old Sergei Ponomaryov, a prominent rights activist who is serving 16 days in...
US Diplomat: Russia Gas Pipeline to Boost Grip on Ukraine, Europe
Russia is seeking to boost its power in Europe and grip over Ukraine with the proposed Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, the top U.S. energy diplomat said on Monday, in a step-up of Washington’s rhetoric against the pipeline. “Through Nord Stream 2, Russia seeks to increase its leverage of the West while severing Ukraine from...
