VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: The New NKVD
The deputy commander of Russia’s new national guard recently told Izvestia that the new 400,000-strong force is “the heir to the NKVD.”
Blockaders Threaten New Battle In Ukraine’s East
After forcing Kyiv’s hand once, Ukrainian nationalists and other activists blockading eastern parts of the country say they are preparing a new “action” to influence Kyiv's conflict with Russia-backed separatists.
Chechen Accused Of Plotting To Kill Putin Spared Death By Sharp-Shooting Wife
An assassination attempt on a Chechen man whom Russian authorities accuse of plotting to kill President Vladimir Putin failed in Kyiv on June 1 after the victim’s wife returned gunfire and wounded the would-be assassin.
Orphaned By War In Ukraine
A garden party among friends ended when the shells fell, leaving 7-year-old Zhenya without any parents.
OTHER NEWS
Lawyer Says Jailed Azerbaijani Journalist Tortured, Teeth Removed
A lawyer for Azerbaijani journalist Nicat Amiraslanov says he believes his client was tortured in custody and had all of his teeth forcibly removed from his mouth.
Putin Says He Discussed NATO Membership With Bill Clinton
Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that he once raised the possibility of Russia joining NATO with then-President Bill Clinton, and that Clinton said he had "no objection."
Russian Governor Introduces 'People's Patrol' For The Cyber Age
A Russian governor is bringing the Soviet tradition of “people patrols” into the Internet age with a decree that would set up an official network of vigilante cyber-snitches to ferret out illegal online content.
Russian Court Convicts Ukrainian Library Chief Of Inciting Hatred
A Russian court has convicted the former director of Moscow's Ukrainian Literature Library of inciting hatred in a ruling that Amnesty International said displayed "utter contempt for the rule of law."
World Bank Says Russian Economy To Grow 1.3 Percent In 2017, 1.4 percent in 2018
The World Bank has forecast Russian economic growth at a 1.3 percent rate in 2017, helped by improving consumption in the country, which is recovering from a two-year recession.
Kadyrov Urges Russians To Suspend Travel To Europe
Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov reacted on June 4 to recent terrorist attacks in Europe with posts to his Telegram account expressing concern about the safety of Russians in Europe and urging them not to travel there. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
In Giant Step Toward West, Montenegro Joining NATO On June 5
Montenegro will take a giant step toward integrating with the West when it officially becomes the 29th NATO member at a ceremony in Washington on June 5.
Kremlin's Diplomatic Sour Grapes Leave Bad Taste For Montenegrin Winemaker
Amid the tranquil vineyards of the Plantaze winery near Montenegro's Adriatic coastline, the battle lines of a geopolitical struggle between the world's superpowers have clearly been drawn.
Kyrgyz Opposition Leader Tekebaev Goes On Trial On Corruption Charges
The leader of Kyrgyzstan's opposition Fatherland party, Omurbek Tekebaev, has gone on trial on corruption charges he says are politically motivated.
End Of UN Contraceptive Program In Kyrgyzstan A Bitter Pill For Many
While UN Population Fund programs in Kyrgyzstan will continue, including its efforts to foster family planning and improve maternal health, the nearly two-decade program through which it provided free birth control has ended.
Tajik Woman Details Alleged Abuse By Saudi Employers
Shamsia Asanalishoeva says physical abuse by her employers led her to seek help, first from local police and then Tajik diplomats.
COMMENTARY: Garry Kasparov Says Putin Must Find Way To Project Strength
In remarks to RFE/RL about politics in Russia, political commentator Garry Kasparov said that President Vladimir Putin has expended his “trust capital” with the Russian people. “The relationship between the deterioration of living standards and Putin's aggressive foreign policy has become obvious,” and that as his foreign policy falters, serious protests may ensue. (Russian Service)
PODCAST: Where Will Central Asian Militants Go As They Flee The Middle East?
POLL: Number Of Russians Who View Ukraine As Enemy Peaks
A recent Levada Center poll finds that 50 percent of Russian respondents view Ukraine as an enemy, compared to 48 percent in 2016 and 37 percent in 2015. The U.S. leads the list of “hostile countries” among 70 percent of respondents. (Ukrainian Service)