Section: Voice of America (USA)
Ukraine to Investigate Suspected Cyberattack on Energy Grid
Ukraine will investigate a suspected computer malware attack on its energy grid, the energy ministry said on Thursday, an incident the country’s secret service has blamed on Russia. A power company in western Ukraine, Prykarpattyaoblenergo, said on December 23 that a swath of the area it serves had been left without energy, including the...
Analysts: More Problems Ahead for Russian Space Agency
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin liquidated the Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, on Monday — and replaced it with a state corporation, still called Roscosmos. The plan, to take effect January 1, was decided a year ago following a series of embarrassing rocket failures and high-profile corruption. Russia lost a defense satellite Dec. 5,...
Leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany Back Extension of Ukraine Peace Deal
The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany have agreed to extend the Minsk peace accord on Ukraine into 2016, the Kremlin said in a statement on Wednesday, following a phone call between the four leaders. Extension of the agreement was widely expected as a cease-fire has been broadly holding in eastern Ukraine since September, though...
Ukraine Cease-fire Is Shaky, Germany’s Steinmeier Says
The cease-fire in eastern Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russian separatists is becoming more fragile, Germany’s foreign minister warned Tuesday. Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned violations of the cease-fire that occurred over the Christmas holiday. “I urgently call on all sides to strictly adhere to the cease-fire in the...
In Russia, Recession Takes Bite Out of Holiday Feast
For most Russians, it’s not New Year’s without a Salad Olivier, a dish meant to augur prosperity. This year, soaring food costs mean the tradition can also be a painful reminder of how rapidly many Russians’ wealth is fading amid recession and Western sanctions. The mix of chicken, potatoes, peas, carrots and mayonnaise –...
Uptick in Ceasefire Violations, 2 Years Into Ukraine Conflict
Nearly two years after Russia began sending troops and equipment to help separatists in Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, the Ukraine crisis has shown no signs of ending. Russia and Ukraine signed the Minsk II Agreement back in February to help bring about a ceasefire. The U.S., meantime, has provided $265 million in aid to defend Ukraine’s...
Russian Officials Get Quirky Holiday Gift: A Book of Putin’s One-Liners
Some of Vladimir Putin’s saltiest one liners have been turned into a book by his supporters who have sent a batch to the Kremlin touting it as the ideal holiday gift for patriotic Russian officials. The tome, entitled “The Words that are changing the World,” is the latest expression of admiration from fans who cast the president...
Crimeans Enter 2016 Struggling, but Optimistic
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the central square of Crimea’s largest city is festooned with bright festive decorations, including a soaring artificial tree that flashes and winks. But areas just a few steps away are sunk in darkness, the street lamps turned off because of an electricity shortage. Sevastopol and the rest of Crimea are...
Russia’s Legal Battle for Ukraine Debt Fraught With Politics
Russia plans to sue Ukraine in an English court to recover a multibillion-dollar loan Moscow made to Kyiv in December 2013, just weeks before Ukraine’s then-President, Viktor Yanukovych, facing a popular uprising, fled to Russia. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered officials to prepare a lawsuit against Ukraine for refusing...
US Foreign Aid Budget Targets Terrorism, Mideast Instability
The massive, year-end spending bill passed by Congress on Friday contains a boost for foreign aid, putting a strong focus on anti-terrorism efforts and addressing instability in the Middle East. It also aims to protect American diplomats and facilities abroad and to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. Overall spending for State and...
