About: Crimea annexation
Russian Orthodoxy, a security issue in Ukraine
The politico-spiritual move away from Russian Orthodoxy, presented by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko as a major national security issue, has deeply angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has political ambitions in the region, writes Willy Fautré.
Russian senator says US warship in Black Sea should keep its distance
Visits to the Black Sea by US warships have nothing to do with US security and are motivated by domestic politics, prominent Russian senator Alexei Pushkov said on Sunday (20 January), warning they should stay away from the Russian coast.
Russian MPs prolong payments freeze to Council of Europe
Russia's parliament voted Thursday (17 January) against sending delegates or paying contributions to the Council of Europe, increasing the risk of ultimate exclusion from the rights body and the European Court of Human Rights.
Kazakhstan advocates closer ties between EU and Eurasian Economic Union
A senior official from Kazakhstan, one of the five members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), has called for greater cooperation between EEAU and the EU, ultimately aiming to create a single economic space from the Atlantic to Pacific. But a Commission spokesperson made clear it could only be a long-term goal, depending on political developments.
Putin to receive a rock star welcome in Belgrade
With T-shirts, mugs and murals bearing his face, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to receive a rock star welcome on Thursday (17 January) when he lands in Serbia, Moscow's key ally on the edge of Europe.
Kerch Strait attack testifies that Kremlin’s aggression has no limits
The leniency of the West encouraged Russia to take its aggression against Ukraine to a new level, writes Mykola Tochytskyi, who puts forward several recommendations.
Chizhov: The Ukraine conflict is not in Russia’s interest
In an exclusive interview, the long-serving Russian ambassador to the EU Vladimir Chizhov provided insight on his country’s position on the Azov Sea situation, which led to the cancelling of a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Argentina.
Putin defends seizure of Ukrainian ships, Poroshenko invites NATO in Azov Sea
President Vladimir Putin insisted on Wednesday (28 November) that Russian forces were in the right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend, while his Ukrainian colleague Petro Poroshenko invited NATO ships in the Azov Sea.
Russia to deploy new missiles to Crimea as Ukraine tensions rise
Russia said on Wednesday (29 November) it planned to deploy more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea as tensions rose with Ukraine over Moscow's seizure of three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews.
Yatsenyuk: Azov Sea tensions reveal lack of cooperation between Ukraine and NATO
In a long-ranging interview, the former Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk discussed the Azov Sea tensions and the upcoming elections in Ukraine. He reveals that he will probably run next time, giving a chance to Petro Poroshenko to be...
EU calls for de-escalation after Russia fires on and seizes Ukrainian ships in Azov Sea
Russia seized three Ukrainian naval ships off the coast of Russia-annexed Crimea on Sunday (25 November) after opening fire on them and wounding several sailors, in a move that risks igniting a dangerous new crisis between the two countries. The EU has called for de-escalation.
EU ministers to discuss militarisation of Azov Sea
EU foreign ministers will discuss a range of issues in Brussels on Monday (19 November), including for the first time the militarisation of the Azov Sea, which according to diplomats has been effectively blockaded by Russia.
US join EU in condemning ‘sham’ Donbas elections
The United States on Monday (12 November) dismissed leadership elections in separatist-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine as a "sham" one day after voters cast their ballots.
Ukraine sets up group to stop any attempt by Russia to influence elections
Ukraine has set up a group to stop any attempt by Russia to influence next year’s elections, a state security body said on Thursday (18 October).
Salvini ‘at home’ in Moscow, denounces EU sanctions on Russia
Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini denounced the "madness" of western sanctions against Russia, during a trip to Moscow Wednesday (17 October), and launched a fierce attack on the European Union.
Russian Orthodox Church breaks with Constantinople in row over Ukraine
The Russian Orthodox Church said on Monday (15 October) it had decided to sever all relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in protest over its endorsement of Ukraine’s request for an “autocephalous”, or independent, church.
Russia is undermining Europe’s key democratic institution
Russia’s possible return to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe would mean that even institutions created to defend European values are no longer able to do so, writes Volodymyr Yermolenko.
EU unlikely to heed British call for more Russia sanctions
The European Union is unlikely to heed London's call for it to match the latest US sanctions against Moscow over an attack on a former Russian spy in Britain earlier this year, diplomats in Brussels said.
Putin defends ‘private’ trip to Austrian FM’s wedding
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (22 August) defended his appearance at the Austrian foreign minister's wedding after his dance with the bride caused a furore.
Trump’s submission to Putin stuns EU allies
The political class in the US, as well as many of Washington's European allies were astonished to watch Donald Trump playing into Vladimir Putin’s hands at the Helsinki summit on Monday (16 July).
EU makes another attempt to press Ukraine to fight corruption
EU leaders used the 20th EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels on Monday (9 July) to press the country’s president, Petro Poroshenko, once again to take credible steps to fight rampant corruption.
Major risks apprehended over Trump’s Brussels, Helsinki visits
With a NATO summit in Brussels on 11-12 July and a tête-à-tête with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, this week will give Donald Trump a chance to elaborate on that surprising diplomatic doctrine, but only at the risk of further fueling tensions with the country's already deeply unsettled allies.
Conte to push for EU-Russia de-escalation at summit
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said yesterday (27 June) the renewal of EUuropean Union economic sanctions against Russia should not be automatic, as Rome seeks to resume EU funding to small Russian firms to ease tensions with Moscow.