Trump administration rolls out new sanctions over Russian occupation of Crimea
The Trump administration on Wednesday announced new sanctions related to Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula.
Russia
US-Russia Troop Confrontations Reported in Syria
U.S. troops reportedly blocked a Russian military convoy from reaching strategic oil fields in northeastern Syria on Sunday – the fourth confrontation between the two sides in Syria in less than two weeks.
Team Trump puts Hunter Biden, Obama on trial
President Trump’s defense team put Hunter Biden and former President Barack Obama on trial on Monday during the impeachment case in the Senate, questioning why Democrats weren’t outraged about Mr. Biden’s $3 million sweetheart deal with a Ukrainian gas company or Mr. Obama’s ‘caving’ to Russia on missile defense.
Putin, Pence arrive as world leaders gather for major Holocaust commemoration
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Israel on Thursday for a major Holocaust commemoration as speculation swirled that his trip could include an announcement on the fate of jailed Israeli-American Naama Issachar.
U.S.-Russia ‘engagements’ underscore danger of oil mission in Syria
President Trump says he is determined to keep control of Syrian oil fields as the country’s civil war plays out, but exactly how far the U.S. military is willing to go to protect those valuable energy reserves remains a mystery and represents a key question for the administration’s broader policy in the Middle East.
Standoff: U.S. troops block Russian forces from capturing Syrian oil field
U.S. troops last weekend reportedly found themselves in a standoff with Russian forces trying to gain access to key oil fields in northeastern Syria.
Netanyahu Welcomes World Leaders Arriving in Israel for World Holocaust Forum
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday greeted the 46 world leaders arriving in the Jewish state for this week’s World Holocaust Forum.
Critics see Putin’s constitutional changes as an attempt to extend his rule
Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a draft bill for sweeping constitutional changes Monday, in what some see as an effort by the leader to extend his two-decades-long rule after leaving office in 2024.
Palestinian demagogue claims Jerusalem will be seat of world caliphate
A Palestinian preacher claimed at an event last week at the Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem that three prophecies of Islam would soon be fulfilled, paving the way for a global Islamic kingdom with its seat in Jerusalem.
Russia Supports Iran Joining Moscow-Beijing Security Bloc
Just days after the Iranian regime fired missiles at military bases in Iraq and accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, Russia’s foreign minister has reiterated that Moscow supports full membership for Tehran in a Eurasian security bloc sometimes viewed as an aspiring counterweight to NATO and the West.
Putin fast-tracks effort to extend his rule in Russia
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fast-tracked work on constitutional changes that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024 while lawmakers quickly sealed his choice for new prime minister.
Iran Issues Threats, Russia and China React Negatively to E.U. Nuclear Deal Dispute Action
Russia and China have responded negatively to Tuesday’s decision by their European partners in the Iran nuclear deal to trigger a formal dispute resolution process in response to Tehran’s actions in violation of the 2015 agreement.
Putin Calls For Major Constitutional Amendments, and Medvedev and Cabinet Resign
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for major constitutional changes in his annual state of the nation address Wednesday, heightening speculation that the long-time leader is looking to hold onto power after his fourth presidential term expires in 2024.
‘A Bloodless Revolution.’ Putin’s Plan to Rewrite Russia’s Constitution Could Allow Him to Lead for Years to Come
In his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Putin announced his wish to reform the Russian constitution. ‘I truly believe that it is time to introduce certain changes to our country’s main law,’ Putin said. Shortly afterward the government resigned en masse, not in protest but seemingly to pave the way for these reforms.
Britain, France, Germany formally accuse Iran of breaking nuclear deal
Britain, France, and Germany formally accused Iran on Tuesday of violating the terms of its 2015 agreement to curb its nuclear program, which eventually could lead to the reimposing of U.N. sanctions lifted under the deal.
Russia warship comes close to colliding with US ship in Middle East
An American Navy ship was approached by a Russian Navy ship in the north Arabian sea last Thursday when the Russian ship made an ‘aggressive’ maneuver, US officials said, Russian officials, responding by pointing the finger at the US.
UN to vote Friday on new Syria cross-border aid resolution
Facing a Friday deadline that could halt the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than 1 million Syrians every month, the divided U.N. Security Council is set to vote on rival resolutions that would continue deliveries through border crossings to mainly rebel-held areas.
Erdogan, Putin launch new gas line, vow Mideast diplomacy
The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack
Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties.
Putin makes unannounced visit to the Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Syria where he has held talks with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syrian state media and Russia’s Interfax said on Tuesday.