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VISUAL REPORTS

THE POWER VERTICAL: Why Minsk Failed

Two years after the Minsk cease-fire went into effect, Ukraine is no closer to peace than it was when the ink on the agreement dried.

Moldovan President Calls Planned NATO Office In Chisinau A 'Provocation'

Moldova's pro-Russian President Igor Dodon has told RFE/RL he thinks the planned opening of a permanent NATO liaison office in Moldova would amount to a provocation.

Belgrade Protesters Condemn Violence Against Women

Dozens of people rallied in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on February 14 as part of a global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women.

Turkmenistan's Singer, Race-Car Driver, Jockey Autocrat

Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who was just elected to a third term with a reported 98 percent of the vote, is fond of demonstrating his many talents on state TV.

OTHER NEWS

Russia Won't Discuss Crimea, Dismisses Report Of Contacts With Trump Team

Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says Moscow will not discuss the return of Crimea to Ukraine with the United States or any other country.

U.S. Says Russian Military Jets Buzzed U.S. Ship In Black Sea

The U.S. military said on February 14 that multiple Russian military aircraft buzzed a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Black Sea last week in "unsafe and unprofessional" maneuvers.

In Flynn Saga, Kremlin Allies See Effort To Thwart Improved U.S. Ties

Officially, the Kremlin has called the resignation of U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn an "internal matter" for Washington, but unofficially, leading Kremlin-connected politicians and analysts have attributed it to efforts by U.S. "hawks" to derail a possible improvement in U.S.- Russian relations.

NATO Meeting Attended By Mattis To Tackle Defense Spending, Terrorism

NATO defense ministers are expected to discuss defense spending and the fight against terrorism at a Brussels meeting attended for the first time by the new U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis.

Karelia Governor Is Fifth To Resign In Russia

The governor of Russia's northwestern region of Karelia has become the fifth regional leader to step down in recent days.

U.S. Condemns South Ossetia Name-Change Referendum

The U.S. Embassy in Georgia has condemned plans by separatist authorities in South Ossetia for a referendum on a proposed name change for the Russia-backed breakaway region.

Ukraine Premier Praises GDP Growth While Blasting Tymoshenko

Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman praised his country’s economic performance before a meeting of his Cabinet on February 14, citing 4.7 percent growth in GDP and successful cooperation between the government and ordinary citizens. He called opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko “the mother of Ukrainian corruption.” (Ukrainian Service)

Former Lawmaker Who Defected To Ukraine Lambasts Russia

Former Russian State Duma Deputy Denis Voronenkov, who defected to Ukraine last year, has called Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region "a mistake."

Russia Slaps Belarus With More Barriers As Food War Escalates

Amid recent tensions between Moscow and Minsk, Russian authorities announced this week that food exports from Belarus, including pork, oats, wheat, flour, and corn, will now require additional health checks before they are allowed to cross the border. (Belarus Service)

U.S. Citizen Wanted In Uzbekistan Detained In Georgia

A U.S. citizen wanted in Uzbekistan on suspicion of crimes related to terrorism has been detained in Georgia.

Montenegrin PM Warns Russia To 'Keep Hands Off' NATO Bid

Montenegro Prime Minister Dusko Markovic has told Russia and its allies within Montenegro to stop destabilizing the country as part of their opposition to Podgorica's NATO membership bid.

Serbia's Ruling Party Backs PM Vucic For Presidency

Serbian Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic says Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic will be the presidential candidate for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party in elections later this year.

MOST READ/RUSSIA: Russia’s Patriotic Enthusiasm Is Over

Popular writer Maxim Goryunov told RFE/RL that Russians are growing tired of conflict, and wish for a return to “blessed 2013,” when there were no sanctions, people could travel without fear of the exchange rate, and there were jobs. (over 40k views on Russian Service website)

MEDIA ADVISORY: RFE/RL Condemns Turkmenistan’s Treatment Of Journalists

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