VIDEO REPORTS
Kazakhstan Detains Activists and Journalists, Blocks Websites
Security forces detained hundreds of journalists, activists, and demonstrators in various cities in Kazakhstan amid a call by the opposition for nationwide demonstrations against changes to the country's Land Code.
Far-Right Ukrainian Group Stages Protest Against Concessions
Some 3,000 members of Ukraine’s nationalist Azov Civilian Corps marched through the capital city, Kyiv, and lit flares outside the parliament building in a warning to officials against making any deal that would allow elections in the country’s separatist-controlled regions.
Ukraine Children Prepare For Fighting Near Conflict Zone
High-school students in the town of Popasnaya, hear Ukraine’s separatist-controlled region of Luhansk, underwent a training exercise in preparation for a possible escalation in fighting. (Ukrainian Service)
Drug-Import Restrictions Hit Russian Patients Hard
Russia has placed new restrictions on foreign-made medicines, pledging that equivalent drugs produced in Russia will be made available, but at a cost.
Nurgazy Dreams Big ... And Wins
An RFE/RL video about a Kyrgyz boy’s arduous journey to school, which received a Webby People’s Choice award on May 17, conveys the message that everyone can dream and win.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
NATO Must Counter 'Russian Adventurism' In Baltics
A former NATO deputy supreme commander is warning that the alliance could find itself in a full-fledged armed conflict with Russia within a year if it does not step up its presence in the Baltic states.
Russian Warplanes Bomb Strategic Road In Aleppo
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that Russian warplanes on May 22 carried out heavy air strikes targeting Castello road, a key artery leading to rebel-held areas of Aleppo, Syria’s biggest city.
Russia, Putin Named In MH17 Compensation Claim
A law firm in Australia has filed a claim with the European Court of Human Rights against Russia and President Vladimir Putin on behalf of victims of downed Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, seeking $10 million in compensation per passenger.
Irregularities At United Russia Primaries
Observers reported ballot stuffing, bribes, and fist-fights during the May 22 primaries for the ruling United Russia party. (In Russian)
Peppa Pig Meets Russian Political Mudslinging
Two local parliamentarians from the United Russia party in the Urals city of Perm have come under fire after a video was posted online showing adults dressed as Peppa Pig and other animated characters stumping for them before kindergarteners.
Ukraine Verdict Prompts Speculation On Savchenko Prisoner Exchange
Following an unsuccessful appeal, Yevgeny Yerofeyev and Aleksandr Aleksandrov, two Russian servicemen convicted by a Ukrainian court of conducting military aggression and facilitating terrorist acts, began serving their 14-year prison sentence today, in a case seen as a potential trade for imprisoned Ukrainian military pilot Nadia Savchenko. (In Ukrainian)
Ukraine Deputies Challenge E-Declarations, Defying EU
RFE/RL’s investigative program “Schemes” examined an appeal by 48 lawmakers to the country’s Constitutional court to cancel requirements that officials declare all property, cash, loans, and expenses. The disclosure is a pre-condition for visa-free relations with the EU. (In Ukrainian)
Fledgling Party Could Shake Up Georgia
Just ahead of the start of the campaign season for the country’s October 8 parliamentary elections, Georgian opera singer Paata Burchuladze announced the launch of The State for the People, the country’s newest political party.
Tajikistan Approves Constitutional Changes
Citing preliminary results, Tajikistan’s Central Election Commission says the May 22 constitutional referendum won the support of 94.5 percent of voters, eliminating term limits for President Emomali Rahmon and potentially paving the way for his son to succeed him.
ANALYSIS: The Reasons Kazakhs Are Protesting
There’s more at stake than just land privatization.
Through a series of personal testimonies, RFE/RL takes an intimate look at life in Russia as ordinary people from all walks of life open up about their passions, their concerns, and their hopes for the future.
MOST READ/RUSSIA: Donetsk Eye-Witness Says ‘House Destroyed By Putin’
Nadezhda Zaslavskaya, a former resident of Donetsk who lived near the embattled airport, calls herself a witness to Russian soldiers’ direct involvement in the war, claiming, “I personally saw them, their official military uniform, and heard their Moscow accent. They used my yard as a base, as it was a convenient spot to fire at the airport.” (over 90k on RFE/RL’s Russian website)