VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: One-Way Sovereignty
The upper house of Russia’s parliament is reportedly considering a bill that would define sovereignty and criminalize violations against it.
The Oligarchs List
The controversial list was widely criticized for being a "copy-paste" of Forbes' Russia rich list.
VOX POP: Is It Possible To Avoid Further Deterioration In Russia -- U.S. Relations?
Most respondents to an informal street poll in Moscow were cautiously optimistic, with several saying that improvement is possible if people are “kinder” to each other. One said that confrontation will continue, since no one is willing to admit mistakes; another warned that further deterioration will have negative consequences for all humanity. (Russian Service)
'We Are Choking' -- Air Pollution Protest In Kosovo
Hundreds of people protested in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, against dangerous levels of air pollution.
OTHER NEWS
Russians Have Fun With U.S. Treasury's 'Oligarchs List'
Russian social-media users did not appear to be impressed with the fruits of the U.S. Treasury Department's monthslong effort to identify "oligarchs" and officials close to President Vladimir Putin.
Russian Intelligence Chiefs Travel To Washington
The directors of Russia's three main intelligence and espionage agencies all traveled to the U.S. capital in recent days, in what observers said was a highly unusual occurrence coming at a time of heightened U.S.- Russian tensions.
Putin Names Air Force Regiment After Estonia's Capital
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree naming the 23rd fighter aviation regiment the "Tallinn" regiment, after the capital of neighboring Estonia.
Russian Ex-Governor Convicted On 'Absurd' Bribery Charges
A Russian court has convicted former Kirov Oblast Governor Nikita Belykh of taking a bribe, delivering a widely expected guilty verdict after the high-profile trial of the prominent liberal politician.
Police Search Russian Journalist's Home In Connection With Terror Case
Police in Moscow have questioned Pavel Nikulin, an independent journalist who came under fire from the state last year over an article about a Russian man who joined Islamist militants in Syria.
Pre-Election ‘Terrorism’: How The FSB Tackles Pre-Election ‘Threats’
The Russian federal security service (FSB) has reported detaining members of a so-called “network” who were allegedly plotting a terrorist attack ahead of Russia’s March presidential elections. From year to year, the closer Russia gets to the elections, the more successful the operations of the FSB appear to be. These include dozens of captured “militants,” and even the prevention of an assassination attempt against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Current Time TV has compiled a list. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Sports Court Lifts Lifetime Olympic Bans For 39 Russians
The world's top sports court has overturned lifetime Olympic bans for 39 Russian athletes in a blow to the International Olympic Committee's policy following the Russian sports-doping scandal.
Russia Lauds Successful Launch Of Satellite Rocket
Russia has successfully launched a Soyuz 2.1a rocket carrying 11 satellites from the Vostochny Spaceport in Russia’s far east Amur region. Rocket failure during a previous launch in November resulted in the loss of 19 satellites. (Russian Service)
Ukraine Tax Chief Nasirov Fired Amid Embezzlement Probe
The Ukrainian government has fired tax and customs service chief Roman Nasirov, who was suspended from the post after his arrest on suspicion of embezzlement in March 2017.
In Ukraine, Ultranationalist Militia Strikes Fear In Some Quarters
A January 28 gathering in Kyiv is the latest incident to raise alarm among Ukrainian rights defenders about the far-right ultranationalist Azov movement, a controversial group with a military wing that has openly accepted self-avowed neo-Nazis, and a civil and political faction that has demonstrated intolerance toward minority groups.
Poland Bill Would Sanction Speech Linking Polish State To Nazi Crimes
The Polish Senate has approved a bill that sets fines or up to three years in jail for anyone who refers to Nazi German concentrations camps as "Polish death camps" or accuses Poland of complicity in Nazi crimes.
Powerful Uzbek Security Service Chief 'Dismissed'
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has dismissed longtime National Security Service chief Rustam Inoyatov, removing an influential insider who had been seen as his rival.
Proxy Users Face Blocked Internet Access In Ashgabat
Customers of a state-run internet provider in the Turkmen capital, Ashgabat, report being disconnected while trying to use proxy servers to access websites that are blocked inside the country. One person told RFE/RL that when he called the company’s customer service, he was asked whether he was using a proxy and told if he continues, his internet access would be blocked altogether. The provider refused to comment on the matter. (in Russian, Turkmen Service)
MOST READ/RUSSIA: Lavrov’s Syrian Misunderstanding
A Syrian National Dialogue Congress, convened at Moscow’s invitation in Sochi on January 29-30, was marked by misunderstanding. Some attendees booed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov while he was giving a speech, accusing Moscow of killing thousands of innocent civilians through air strikes. (over 69k views on Russian Service website)
CAUCASUS BLOG: Is History Repeating Itself In Abkhazia?
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Turkmen Leader Takes Aim At Fat Cats In Government