'Don't Decommunize This!'
The women fighting to preserve Ukraine's Soviet murals.
VISUAL REPORTS
U.S. Senator Portman: U.S. Weapons To Help Ukrainians 'Defend Themselves'
In an interview with RFE/RL on April 2, U.S. Senator Rob Portman said lethal defensive weapons that the United States will soon deliver to Ukraine could help bring peace to the country by deterring future aggression by Russia-backed separatists.
Russian Diplomats Expelled By U.S. Arrive Home
Two planes carrying Russian diplomats who were ordered out of the United States following the poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain have landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport on April 1.
Russia Launches New Military Satellite Into Space
Russia says it successfully deployed a new military satellite into orbit. Video issued by the Russian Defense Ministry showed a Soyuz-2.1V rocket carrying the satellite blasting off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on March 29.
Russian Girl’s Protest Becomes Internet Meme
Tanya Lozova, a 10-year-old girl from Volokolamsk, has become an Internet sensation after directing a throat-cut gesture toward Andrei Vorobyev, the governor of the Moscow region, during a demonstration against a toxic local landfill.
VOX POP: Did Russia Poison Ex-Double Agent Sergei Skripal?
An overwhelming majority of respondents to an informal street poll in Moscow did not believe that Russia poisoned the former spy and his daughter on March 4 in Salisbury, England. Many respondents said there is no reason for Russia to do such a thing at this time, some decried the lack of evidence, and some said Skripal is no longer of interest to Russia. One person said that, regarding Russia’s security services, “anything is possible.” (Russian Service)
OTHER NEWS
7:40am -- Good Morning!
[Excerpt from Current Time TV’s daily, first-read for Russian-speaking audiences.]
Deputies from the United Russia party have introduced a bill in the State Duma that will make it easier to suspend websites, including foreign websites, that publish information impugning the honor, dignity and business reputation of persons and organizations. The blocking of the Telegram messenger app is expected this week, possibly even tomorrow.
Kremlin Aide Says Trump Invited Putin To White House
Kremlin adviser Yury Ushakov told Russian news agencies on April 2 that, during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his electoral victory last month, U.S. President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Putin to visit the White House.
Lavrov Accuses U.K., U.S. Of Spreading 'Lies'
Russia’s top diplomat has accused the United States and Britain of spreading "lies and disinformation" about the nerve-agent poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal, while Moscow said it would kick out a Montenegrin diplomat in response to the Balkan country's own expulsion of a Russian official.
Russia 'Outraged' Over Decision To Extradite Alleged Hacker To U.S.
Russia says the decision to extradite an alleged Russian hacker from the Czech Republic to the United States is aimed at "undermining" bilateral relations between Moscow and Prague.
Jehovah's Witness To Face Trial In Russia On Extremism Charges
Human Rights Watch is calling on Russian authorities to drop the charges against a Jehovah’s Witness adherent who is set to go on trial this week, and to put an end to their "ruthless persecution" of the religious group.
Kremlin Dismisses Political Link To Tycoon's Arrest
The March 31 arrest on embezzlement charges of Ziyavudin Magomedov, a billionaire businessman whose construction conglomerate has been involved in building World Cup soccer venues, is one of the highest profile moves toward an influential business tycoon in years.
Ukraine’s Economic Relations With Russia Continue To Grow
Despite war and sanctions, Russia remains Ukraine’s number one trading partner, and trade volumes between the two countries are growing. Ukrainian economist Borys Kushniruk attributes the relationship to Ukraine’s continuing dependence on Russian exports, including nuclear fuel, and underscores the need for Ukraine to orient itself more closely toward Europe and diversity its export markets. (Ukrainian Service)
Kazakh Authorities Raid Offices Of Forbes Magazine
Kazakh authorities have raided the editorial offices of Forbes Magazine's local edition, briefly detaining a senior reporter and seizing his notes and computer files.
Berdymukhamedov Appoints His Son As Deputy Foreign Minister
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov has appointed his son Serdar as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. On March 25 Serdar was reelected to the country’s parliament with more than 91 percent of the vote. (in Russian, Turkmen Service)
MAJLIS PODCAST: Is There Now More Media Freedom In Uzbekistan?
PHOTOGALLERY: Funeral For A Cosmonaut: The Death Of Yury Gagarin