Section: Voice of America (USA)
Ukrainian, US Presidents to Meet in Washington
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is in Washington Thursday for talks with President Barack Obama and to give an address to lawmakers. Poroshenko, who declared a cease-fire with pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine on September 5, is widely expected to press U.S. officials for direct military supplies beyond the $70 million promised by...
Russian Economy Reeling after New Western Sanctions
A new wave of Western sanctions is hitting Russia’s economy hard. State-owned energy firms continue to bleed profits and Russia’s national currency plunged to a new low this week after the U.S. and the European Union announced new sanctions to punish Russia’s aggressive stance in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions could also prove...
Russian Lawmakers Propose Cutting Foreign Ownership in Media
Russian lawmakers proposed cutting foreign ownership in Russian media assets to 20 percent in an attempt to limit outside influences and protect Russia’s “information sovereignty”, a copy of a draft law showed on Wednesday. The law will consolidate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s control over media, which have largely...
Ukrainian Activist in Despair About Future of Her Country
Ukrainian activist IrIna Dovgan said she is not optimistic about the future of her country. The activist, who was accused of being a spy and tortured by pro-Russian separatists, has appealed to the U.N. Human Rights Council to support her country in its time of need. Dovgan said she still has nightmares about the torture and public humiliation to...
Poroshenko Faces Criticism, But Still Has Much Support
Just over three months after taking office, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is facing some increased opposition based largely on controversial decisions he has made in the country’s conflict with Russia. But as the president heads to Washington and New York to seek more help in the fight, he still commands significant support at home....
World Holds Its Breath, Mostly Hoping Scots Vote ‘No’
The world is holding its breath but mostly hoping Scotland will vote “No” to independence from Britain in Thursday’s referendum. For reasons of self-interest and geopolitics, major powers from Beijing to Washington and Moscow to New Delhi are quietly praying the United Kingdom holds together and does not create a contagious precedent of...
Despite Criticism, Ukraine’s Poroshenko Still Has Much Support
Just over three months after taking office, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is facing some increased opposition based largely on controversial decisions he has made in the country’s conflict with Russia. But as the president heads to Washington and New York to seek more help in the fight, he still commands significant support at home....
2 Killed in Eastern Ukraine Fighting
Fighting in the rebel-held eastern Ukraine city of Donetsk has left two civilians dead, the first reported since Ukrainian lawmakers voted to grant the region self rule. Municipal officials said two civilians were killed, and three injured, during heavy shelling in a residential neighborhood, but it is unclear when the shelling took place....
Future of Ukrainian Former President’s Estate Uncertain
More than six months after Ukraine’s former President Viktor Yanukovych fled revolution to Russia, authorities have yet to gain control of his palatial estate. Protesters occupy the grounds and opened it to tourists but they are also refusing to turn it over to the state. VOA’s Daniel Schearf reports from Mezhigirya, just north of...
US Congratulates Ukraine for ‘Making History’ in Forging Closer Ties with EU
The United States has congratulated the Ukrainian and European parliaments for simultaneous ratification of Ukraine’s Association Agreement with the European Union. Washington also called on Russia and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine to honor the Minsk cease-fire agreement. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf Tuesday...
