VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: Putin’s Little Creature
Does Putin Own Kadyrov? Or is it the other way around?
Protests Against Vucic Resume In Serbia
After taking a break for Easter, protests resumed against Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, whom demonstrators accuse of undermining democracy.
Undermining The Miners: Russian Pensioners Save Their Forest
When a pine forest in Karelia, Russia, was threatened by plans for sand pit mining, a group of pensioners decided to fight back in court and in the forest, and succeeded.
OTHER NEWS
U.S. Jets Intercept Two Russian Bombers Flying Near Alaskan Coast
A pair of Russian nuclear-capable bombers flew near Alaska, the Pentagon said, coming as close as 100 miles from Kodiak Island.
Russian Lawmaker Calls RFE/RL, VOA, And CNN Part Of U.S. ‘Pressure System’
A senior Russian lawmaker has called RFE/RL, Voice Of America, and CNN part of an “American system of pressure” targeting Russia.
Putin Congratulates Erdogan Over Vote
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on a referendum that will expand the Turkish leader’s powers.
ICJ To Issue Ruling On Ukraine Case Against Russia
The International Court of Justice is due to issue a ruling on Kyiv’s bid to block what it says is Russia's monetary and military support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Journalist Semena's Trial Adjourned After Brief Hearing
The trial of RFE/RL contributor Mykola Semena, a Crimean journalist who is fighting what he says is a politically motivated separatism charge on the Russian-controlled peninsula, was adjourned until May 3 after a brief hearing on April 18.
Medvedev Calls Accusations Against Him ‘Product Of Political Swindlers’
In a report to the Duma on the government’s work, Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev refused to respond to a question raised by a Communist deputy about allegations of financial crimes made by anti-corruption crusader Alexei Navalny, calling them “deceitful products of political swindlers.” (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Alleged Mastermind Of Kadyrov Revenge Plot Charged In Absentia
Isa Yamadayev, who has accused Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov of ordering the murders of his brothers Ruslan and Sulim, has reportedly been charged in absentia with plotting to kill Kadyrov in revenge.
Nine Missing After Cargo Ship Sinks In Black Sea
Rescuers are searching for nine crew members missing at sea after a cargo ship flying a Panamanian flag sank off Russia's Black Sea coast on April 19.
Iranian Foreign Minister Meets Georgian Officials In Tbilisi
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has met in Tbilisi with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze, the speaker of parliament Irakli Kobakhidze, and other Georgian officials.
COMMENTARY: Sputnik, Selective Memory, And NATO’s 1999 Bombing Of Serbia
COMMENTARY: Putin Believes Russians Need A Tsar
In an interview with RFE/RL, former Putin associate and exiled oligarch Sergei Pugachev, who has accused Kremlin officials of financial misdeeds and is suing the state for $6 billion in the International Court of Arbitration, insists that Putin was categorically pro-Western until 2006, after which he changed and decided that Russians “only need a tsar.” (Russian Service)
POLL: Most Russians Consider Crimea Annexation Legal
According to a new Levada Center poll, 44 percent of Russian respondents believe that Russia’s annexation of Crimea “definitely did not” violate international law, and 34 percent believe that it “most likely” did not. Four percent believe the annexation “definitely” violated international law, and 9 percent said that it “most likely” did. (Ukrainian Service)
POLYGRAPH.Info: Russia Claims It Gave UN Samples From Earlier Sarin Attacks, But Was Ignored