VISUAL REPORTS
Ukraine Conflict Goes High-Tech With Growing Use Of Spy Drones
In an example of the increasing battlefield sophistication of the three-year war, Ukrainian soldiers near the southeastern city of Mariupol rely on surveillance drones to monitor the positions of Russia-backed separatists.
VOX POP: Does Russia’s President Have Enough Power?
Respondents to an informal street poll in Moscow said overwhelming that President Vladimir Putin has plenty of authority in his hands, including to make positive changes in the areas of healthcare and education. One person said that Putin should have more authority to fight corruption. One said his power shouldn’t be at the cost of free and fair elections. One said that, in terms of power, both Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have reached the limit. (Russian Service)
Documentary: Russia's Village Of The Blind
Current Time TV's Vadim Kondakov surveys life in the village of Rusinovo, a town where many blind and visually-impaired citizens were relocated during Soviet times.
OTHER NEWS
Kremlin Distances Itself From Russia State TV Anchor
A Kremlin spokesman is distancing Moscow from an incendiary commentary on Russian state TV that alleged U.S. President Donald Trump is more dangerous and unpredictable than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
U.S. 'Disturbed' By Reports Of Gay Abuse In Chechnya, Calls For Probe
The United States has voiced concern over the reported persecution of gay men in Chechnya and urged officials in the Russian region to investigate.
Russia Urged To Investigate Threats Over Reporting Of Abuses In Chechnya
The Committee To Protect Journalists has called on Russian authorities to do more to investigate threats against the independent Novaya Gazeta for its reporting about gay men allegedly being rounded up in Chechnya.
Russian Foreign Minister's Planned Visit To Abkhazia Angers Tbilisi
Georgia is sharply criticizing Moscow over a planned visit to the breakaway Abkhazia region by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Russian Authorities Detain Ninth Suspect In St. Petersburg Subway Bombing
Russian security agents have detained a ninth person in connection with the St. Petersburg subway train bombing that killed 15 people and injured 45 people on April 3.
Serbia's Young Protesters Take On 'The System'
Young Serbs took to the streets in raucous -- and remarkably persistent -- protests following this month's presidential vote.
Kazakh Journalist Union Ex-Chief's Prison Sentence Shortened
A six-year prison term handed down to former Kazakh Journalists' Union chief Seitqazy Mataev has been shortened by two years and eight months.
Son Of Fugitive Tajik Police Colonel Reportedly Arrested
Relatives say the 18-year-old son of a former police colonel who joined the extremist group Islamic State has been arrested.
Tajikistan Places New Restrictions On Books
Tajikistan’s Culture Ministry recently announced that books will not be allowed in or out of the country without written permission, part of a stated effort to crack down on smuggling of valuable manuscripts.
ANALYSIS: Georgia Plans New Reservist Force
Georgia’s Defense Ministry has submitted to parliament a “concept” for the creation of a reservist force to support and augment the regular army in the event of armed conflict.
MOST READ/RUSSIA: One Estonian’s Misfortune In Crimea
Former Tallinn Mayor Tynis Pelts is suing Russia’s defense ministry over property that he bought in Crimea for approximately $10 million in 2006, and which was seized by the ministry when Moscow annexed the peninsula in 2015. (over 50K views on Russian Service website)