Unilateral Cease-Fire May Be Declared in Ukraine
Ukraine announced it may declare a “temporary, unilateral, cease-fire” in the eastern part of Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Russia
Putin Has a New Toy as Russia Christens Fourth-Generation Top-Secret Submarine
As tensions continue to intensify between Russia and the West over Ukraine, Russia christened a fourth-generation top-secret nuclear submarine named Severodvinsk, on Tuesday.
Gas Cut to Ukraine, as Russia Has 38,000 Troops on Border
Russia has amassed as many as 38,000 soldiers on its borders with Ukraine and continues to supply arms and personnel to rebel forces in the eastern part of the country, Ukraine’s National Security Council chief said.
Satellite Images show Russian Tanks in Ukraine, NATO says
NATO provided new satellite images that reveal Russian tanks are operating in the eastern part of Ukraine and raise significant questions concerning Russia’s role in ‘facilitating instability’ in the region.
Russia Threatens to halt Gas Supplies to Ukraine
After Ukraine failed to pay its debt to Gazprom, the company says any future Russian gas supplies must be paid up front.
U.S. Quietly Sending Troops to Train Forces in Baltic States
As NATO refocuses on its eastern borders after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the U.S. is quietly deploying more troops to train special forces in former Soviet bloc states anxious about Moscow’s intentions.
Ukraine minister: 3 tanks crossed border from Russia
Ukraine’s interior minister says that three tanks have crossed into Ukrainian territory from Russia and were attacked by his country’s forces.
Russia on Iraq: ‘We told you so’
As the situation in Iraq begins to looks more and more like a complete state meltdown, Russia has stepped in with a familiar refrain: “We told you so.”
Ukraine Battles Separatists to Control Border with Russia
Ukrainian border guards stand grim-faced and nervous at the remote Marynivka checkpoint on the frontier with Russia, fearing an attack by pro-Moscow separatists at any time.
G7 willing to step up sanctions on Russia over Ukraine
The world’s leading industrialized nations threatened on Wednesday to impose harder-hitting sanctions on Russia if it does not help restore stability to eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian militias continue to operate at will.
Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan Establish New Alliance
The leaders of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan on Thursday created an economic union that intends to boost cooperation between the ex-Soviet neighbors, a pact which was at the source of the crisis in Ukraine.
Biden Challenges Cadets to Create ‘New World Order’
Under a blazing sun, Vice President Joe Biden challenged graduating Air Force Academy cadets on Wednesday to help create a “new world order for the 21st century.”
Congress: US should confront Russia on nuke treaty
Congress is stepping up pressure on the White House to confront Russia over allegations that it is cheating on a key nuclear arms treaty – a face off that could further strain U.S.-Moscow relations and dampen President Barack Obama’s hopes to add deeper cuts in nuclear arsenals to his legacy.
Ukraine Helicopters Strike Rebel-Held Airport
Ukrainian government helicopters have launched an unprecedented airstrike against pro-Russian rebels who seized an airport terminal in the eastern city of Donetsk, with reports of civilian casualties.
Russia mulling deal to build up to 8 nuclear reactors for Iran
Russia plans to sign a contract with Iran this year to build two more nuclear reactors at its Bushehr power plant as part of a broader deal for up to eight reactors in the Islamic state, a source close to the negotiations told Reuters on Thursday.
Christians Can’t Bury Dead in Uzbek State Cemeteries
Christians in Uzbekistan are being blocked from burying their dead in state-owned cemeteries as secular officials bend to pressures from Islamic religious leaders, according to Barnabas Aid.
Russian Authorities Target Christian-Run Projects
Christian organizations in Russia that teach secular education may face harassment from government officials, according to Barnabas Aid.
Kazakhstan: Tea and Prayers lead to Pastor’s arrest
A pastor in Kazakhstan was arrested last month for allegedly serving hallucinogens to his congregation while wielding a powerful psychological influence over them.
Islamic nations among world’s worst violators of religious freedoms
Of the 15 worst violators of religious freedom in the world, 10 are Islamic states.
Belarus: Religious kept within an invisible ghetto of state regs
Belarus continues to keep its religious communities confined within an invisible ghetto of regulations, according to Forum 18.