VIDEO REPORTS
Daily Vertical: Does Crime Pay?
One has to wonder why there’s any debate about the EU renewing sanctions on Russia when European leaders meet in Brussels later this month.
NATO Shows Off Strength To Russia
The U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment is making a "tactical march" from Germany to Estonia, where 10,000 NATO troops will hold drills aimed at sending a clear message to the Kremlin.
St. Petersburg’s Proposed Kadyrov Bridge Draws Protests
Yabloko party activists led public protests against plans by St. Petersburg’s authorities to name a bridge over the Neva river after Akhmat Kadyrov, the father of Chechnya’s current leader. (Russian Service)
It's Urban Geyser Season In Russia And Ukraine
After a cold winter in Russia and Ukraine, worn-out water mains are feeling the strain of rapid temperature changes -- and some pipes can't take the heat.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Baku Ordered To Compensate Prominent Rights Defenders
The European Court of Human Rights has ordered Azerbaijan to pay compensation to human rights activists Leyla Yunus and her husband, Arif Yunus, for "inadequate medical treatment" that led to "prolonged mental and physical suffering."
For Vladivostok’s Mayors, Corruption Is A Full-Time Job
Igor Pushkarev, mayor of Vladivostok and a former member of the Russian Duma, has become the city’s third consecutive mayor to be arrested on corruption charges. Pushkarev’s family runs the Vostokcement group of companies, which supplies construction sites in Russia’s Far East. (In Russian)
Russian Supreme Court Upholds Verdict For Ukrainian Filmmaker
Oleg Sentsov, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison on terrorism charges in August 2015, can seek extradition to Ukraine as an alternative to serving his term in Russia. (In Ukrainian)
Poll Finds U.S., Ukraine, And Turkey Russia’s Biggest Foes
A Levada Center poll conducted in May finds that among respondents, 72 percent are hostile toward the U.S., 48 percent toward Ukraine and 29 percent toward Turkey. Thirty-four percent regard China as a friendly country. (In Russian/Current Time TV)
Belarus Opposition Leader, Associates Detained
Anatol Lyabedzka, leader of the opposition United Civic Party (AHP), and two associates were taken into police custody in the town of Krupki on June 2 and charged with illegally distributing printed material.
Moldova’s Socialists Push “Gay Propaganda” Law As Elections Loom
Moldova has become the latest former Soviet republic to consider adopting a law against so-called gay propaganda, following a path blazed by Russia in 2013.
Bearded Uzbek Fans Report Being Barred From Soccer Stadium
Plainclothes police stopped several bearded fans before a game in the city of Bukhara, raising concerns about a crackdown on what the government claims are displays of Islamic radicalism.
Czech TV Station Tells Reporters To Take Hard Line On Refugees
A Czech television station is at the center of a storm amid reports that it instructed its journalists to deliberately portray the migrant crisis as a serious threat to the country.
MOST READ/RUSSIA: ‘After The Prison Colony, I Will Become A Revolutionary’
Maxim Kormelitsky was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of promoting extremism after reposting a photo on xxx that a judge said offended Christians’ feelings. The opposition PARNAS party member told RFE/RL, “everyone knows that those who are in opposition movements can be put in prison, can be incited by Orthodox activists, or can be shot on a bridge.” (Over 20K Views On Russian Service website)
INFOGRAPHIC: MORE THAN 30 UKRAINIANS ARE HELD BY RUSSIA. WHO ARE THEY?