VISUAL REPORTS
Protests Over Journalist's Killing Continue In Slovakia
Tens of thousands of Slovaks demonstrated on April 5 in Bratislava in one of the largest protests since the February murder of investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee.
Serbian Teens Play War Games At Russian Paramilitary Camp
Thirty teenagers from Serbia traveled to Russia to attend the International Military Patriotic Youth Camp, a program run by an ultranationalist group to prepare for the possibility of war.
VOX POP: Who Is Guilty In The ‘Cold War’ Between Russia And The West?
Respondents to an informal street poll in Moscow had divided views. Some blamed the West, arguing that America is “no longer first” in the world, and so is imposing punitive sanctions on Russia. Others said both sides are to blame, as with any argument. One couple said Russia is at fault because it annexed Crimea. (Russian Service)
Snipers And Goats: Life Under Fire In A Ukrainian Village
Vodyane village, in Ukraine’s Donetsk oblast, lies less than a kilometer from the positions of Russia-backed separatists. Despite nearly daily firefights, 10 locals (and 30 goats) have decided to stay.
OTHER NEWS
Kremlin ‘Regrets’ Facebook's Removal Of Russian Media Accounts
The Kremlin says Facebook's removal of accounts controlled by Russian media was a hostile step that smacked of censorship. Facebook has announced it deleted dozens of pages linked to a Russian "troll factory" accused of using social-media sites to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Facebook Axes Moscow Mayor's Office Webpage Amid 'Troll' Purge
It appears the Moscow mayor's office may have been swept up in Facebook's purge this week of accounts linked to a notorious Russian "troll factory" accused of meddling in U.S. politics.
Russia Seeks To Block Telegram In Showdown Over Internet Freedom
Russia's state media regulator has asked a court to block the messaging app Telegram following the company's refusal to give the Federal Security Service access to users' messaging data.
Yulia Skripal Speaks Out, Says Strength 'Growing Daily'
Yulia Skripal, who, with her father, suffered exposure to a nerve-agent attack last month, called the poisoning incident "somewhat disorientating." Britain's Foreign Office says she has been informed of an offer by the Russian Embassy of consular assistance but she has not taken it up.
Increased Russian Military Presence On Azov Sea Raises Concerns In Ukraine
The head of the Ukrainian Center for Military-Legal Studies Alexander Musienko has told RFE/RL that Russia is planning to increase its military presence in the Azov Sea, in part to protect the bridge across the strait of Kerch, which is currently under construction. (Crimea Realities website)
Russian Navy To Move Fleet From Astrakhan To Daghestan
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has announced that the Caspian fleet will relocate from Astrakhan to Daghestan in a move that will strengthen security in the Caspian Sea. The fleet, ships from which took part in missile strikes against Syria in the fall of 2015, includes missile patrol boats, small rocket and artillery ships, amphibious assault ships, and minesweepers. Some experts believe the fleet may play a strategic role in the Black Sea, Middle East and Central Asia. (Caucasus Realities website)
Russian Historian Acquitted Of Child Pornography, Convicted On Weapons Charge
A Russian court in Karelia has acquitted historian and human rights activist Yury Dmitriyev of child-pornography charges that his supporters say were politically motivated, while handing him a 2 1/2-year suspended sentence with parole-like restrictions on a charge of illegally possessing a weapon -- parts of a smooth bore rifle.
Belgium Provides Visas To Gay Men From Chechnya
Belgium says it has given humanitarian visas to five gay men from Chechnya who face persecution for their sexual orientation.
U.S. Welcomes Georgian ‘Peace Initiative’ In Break-Away Regions
The United States says it welcomes a package of proposals put forward this week by Georgia's government aimed at improving the lives of people living in Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Fight Over Declaration Clouds EU's Upcoming Western Balkans Summit
Discord over the form and substance of a final joint statement for the European Union’s flagship Western Balkans summit in Sofia threatens to derail the meeting more than a month before it is to take place.
BLOGGING CENTRAL ASIA: Tajikistan Moves Against Islamic Party
INFOGRAPHIC: Chemical Weapons Around The World