Section: Voice of America (USA)
Belarusian President Dismisses PM Amid Economic Woes
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country’s prime minister, as the former Soviet state struggles with the effects of Russia’s economic crisis. Lukashenko’s presidential office says he dismissed Mikhail Myasnikovitch, who had served in his post for four years, and replaced him with his chief of staff,...
Ukraine, Pro-Russian Rebel Prisoner Exchange Continues
Several Ukrainian prisoners are set to be handed over to Kyiv Saturday by pro-Russian separatists, a day after the two sides exchanged hundreds of prisoners. Saturday’s exchange will complete a prisoner swap. The office of Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko says Ukraine handed over 222 rebel captives Friday, while separatists...
Visa Stops Supporting Bank Cards in Crimea
International credit and debit card company Visa Inc. said on Friday it could no longer support bank cards being used in Crimea, following U.S. sanctions imposed earlier this month. The United States last Friday prohibited U.S.-registered companies from investing in Crimea or providing services to firms operating there, among sanctions imposed...
Russia’s New Military Doctrine Lists NATO, US as Major Threats
Russia has adopted a new version of its military doctrine, naming NATO and the United States as major threats to its national security. President Vladimir Putin approved the new doctrine Friday. Its core remains unchanged from the previous version. The new sections outline the threat Russia sees in NATO’s expansion and military buildup, and...
Ukraine Peace Talks Break Down
Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian rebels will not be meeting in Belarus’ capital Minsk for another round of peace talks. Belarussian officials on Friday announced the breakdown of the negotiations but did not give a reason. Talks between Ukrainian government negotiators and their pro-Russian separatist counterparts have failed to produce...
China Challenges India for Lead in Polishing Diamonds
India’s long-held position as the world’s top diamond polisher is being challenged by soaring output from China, compelling the South Asian country to seek help from ally and top rough diamond supplier Russia to defend its market share. India has traditionally relied on the middlemen in trading hubs of Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Dubai for...
World Leaders Give Christmas Day Blessings, Speak Out Against Injustices
After a particularly violent week leading up to the Christmas holiday, world leaders used their yearly holiday messages to heal and speak out against injustices. Bells at the Church of the Nativity summoned the faithful to Mass in the little town of Bethlehem, where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad...
Russians Head Into Holiday Facing Economic Malaise
Russian preparations for the New Year holiday are clouded by economic recession and a tumbling currency, the ruble. Nonetheless, people in the Russian capital appear to be in a festive mood. Despite economic worries, Moscow’s residents and visitors are flocking to Christmas fairs to enjoy seasonal and amusements. But a fiscal freeze is...
Russia: Kyiv’s Move to Join NATO Dangerous for Europe
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership posed a danger to European security and that the West was using Kyiv’s bid to join the Atlantic alliance as a way to fuel confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. The Kyiv parliament’s renunciation of Ukraine’s neutral status this week as a...
Russia Says Currency Crisis Over, but Inflation Set to Soar
Russia said its currency crisis was over on Thursday but warned that inflation is set to climb above 10 percent, adding to the problems facing President Vladimir Putin’s government as it fights its worst economic crisis since 1998. The ruble plunged to all-time lows last week on heavy falls in the price of oil, the backbone of the Russian...
