VIDEO REPORTS
Errant Ukrainian Lawmakers Obstruct Disclosure Law
A team with RFE/RL’s investigative program “Schemes” has found that 48 Ukrainian lawmakers, themselves with spotty disclosure records, complained to the court about the severity of a new law on electronic asset declarations. The EU requires the law as a pre-condition for a visa-free regime. (In English/Ukrainian Service)
Women Step Up To Guard Ukraine’s Borders
Fifty-two women, forming the vast majority among a total of 63 new recruits, took the oath to enlist in Ukraine's border guard unit in the southern port city of Kherson, across from the Crimean peninsula. (Ukrainian Service)
Macedonia’s Paint Bombers Turn To Blocking Roads
After weeks of nightly paint bomb protests, anti-government protesters in Macedonia sought to stop traffic in Skopje, blocking the capital city’s intersections with cars and other vehicles.
New Demolitions Filmed In Turkmenistan
Rare footage shows a new wave of house demolitions in the suburbs of the capital city Ashgabat, suspected by some to be in preparation for Turkmenistan’s hosting of the 2017 Indoor Asian games.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Germany Recognizes Killing Of Armenians As 'Genocide'
Germany's lower house of parliament has approved a resolution recognizing the mass killings of Armenians during World War I by Ottoman Turks as "genocide."
The Power Vertical: Putin's Little Hackers
In Russia's biggest-ever roundup of hackers, police have arrested 50 members of an alleged cybergang that used malware to heist more than $45 million from banks.
Twitter Restores Suspended Putin Parody Account
Twitter has reactivated the parody account @DarthPutinKGB lampooning Russian President Vladimir Putin one day after the social-media giant's suspension of the feed sparked outrage and accusations of censorship.
Alleged Russian Mobster Uses ‘Right-To-Forget’ Law To Rebrand
Once reputed to be a leading figure in a powerful crime syndicate in Russia, Sergei Mikhailov has used a “right to forget” law to remove information about his past from Internet search engines.
Brawls, Boycotts, And Doping Scandals
Russia's 2016 Olympic wrestling team -- once expected to be one of the best in the world -- is in shambles over in-the-ring brawls, athlete boycotts, and scandalous referee rulings.
Ukraine Parliament Blocks Offshore Investigations
Fueling skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to implement meaningful reforms, the parliament, with only 108 “yes” votes out of 226, failed to approve the establishment of a temporary commission to investigate the offshore accounts of senior officials. (In Ukrainian)
Ukrainian Parliament Passes Judicial Reforms
Ukraine’s parliament has passed judicial reforms that Western backers say are needed to fight corruption.
Ukrainians Protest Twice As Much
Ukraine’s Center for Social and Labor Research reports that twice as many people are taking to the streets now than did under the regime of ousted President Viktor Yanukovych in protests that are more radical and organized to address rising prices, utility tariffs, non-payment of wages, and illegal construction. (In Ukrainian)
Russia Shows Military Muscle Near Belarus Border
In what appears to be a political statement rather than a military threat, Russia moved columns of military equipment and at least 214 soldiers on May 24 to reinforce a presence at the border town of Klintsy, 90 km from the Belarusian city of Gomel. (In Belarusian)
INTERVIEW: The Unraveling Of Moscow's 'Novorossia' Dream
A Moscow businessman who had a front-row seat as an insider during Russia's annexation of Crimea gives his account of the incompetence, infighting, and greed that dashed his dream.
TURKEY NOTEBOOK: No More Talks With The PKK?
INFOGRAPHIC: What The World Thinks Of U.S. Leadership