Section: Voice of America (USA)
Ukraine War, and Putin’s Comments, Stir Worry in Kazakhstan
At a summer camp north of Moscow attended by youth vetted and groomed by Kremlin-sponsored organizations, Russian President Vladimir Putin was warmly welcomed when he visited recently, taking questions from campers, including one about Kazakhstan. After complimenting longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, Putin then insulted him, dismissing the...
Eastern Ukraine Calm After Cease-Fire Announcement
A cease-fire between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists appears to be holding Saturday in Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine, raising prospects for at least a temporary halt to five months of warfare. However, Russia vowed Saturday to react if the European Union imposes a new round of economic sanctions against Moscow as a means of...
Ukraine’s Refugees in Kyiv Not Ready to Go Home
Talk of a possible cease-fire deal in eastern Ukraine has raised hopes for an end to months of deadly clashes between pro-Russia rebels and government forces. But refugees who fled west to avoid the fighting are skeptical and refusing to return home. VOA’s Daniel Schearf reports from Kyiv. …read more Source: Voice of...
NATO Mulls Tightening Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine
<p>NATO leaders meeting for a second day at a summit in Wales on Friday are set to consider more sanctions against Russia over its widely perceived support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.</p> <p>The 28-member defense alliance is also expected to approve a rapid reaction force and the deployment of military equipment to...
HRW: Ukraine Rebels Use Civilians for Forced Labor
A leading human rights group is accusing rebels in eastern Ukraine of arresting civilians and using them for forced labor, in some cases near frontline battle positions. Human Rights Watch released a report on Friday alleging civilians are being arrested for minor alleged infractions, such as drinking beer in public, breaking curfew or unlawful...
Renewed Fighting in Eastern Ukraine Ahead of Possible Truce
Heavy fighting was reported Friday in eastern Ukraine, just hours before Kyiv and rebel leaders were to meet for peace talks that both sides hope can lead to a cease-fire. Witnesses heard explosions and gunfire on the eastern outskirts of the strategic port city of Mariupol, a continuation of fighting that was also reported there late Thursday....
Obama, NATO Allies Prepare New Sanctions on Russia
U.S. officials say Russia faces new sanctions for continuing to support rebels fighting government forces in Ukraine. The crisis has been the center of discussions at a NATO summit in Wales, as President Barack Obama and other leaders prepare Friday to announce their next step in dealing with Russia. With fighting continuing in eastern Ukraine,...
McCain Urges ‘Crushing’ Sanctions for Russia, Arms for Ukraine
An influential member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, John McCain, has urged leaders of NATO countries to arm Ukraine to defend itself against what he says is a clear Russian invasion. The outspoken Republican said they should also impose “crushing” sanctions against Moscow to check Russian aggression. Senator McCain had blunt...
Russia Confident Warship Deal With France Will Proceed
Russian authorities say they expect their deal to buy two warships from France will go through, despite the announcement in Paris that delivery of the first vessel has been suspended. That statement Thursday follows comments by French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday that Russia’s intervention in eastern Ukraine meant conditions...
NATO Pledges More Support for Ukraine
NATO leaders increased defense cooperation with Ukraine at their summit in Britain Thursday, pledging more help on security and governmental reforms, but not lethal military aid. VOA’s Al Pessin reports from the conference site in Newport, Wales. …read more Source: Voice of...
