Putin’s Marathon Q&A Sessions
VISUAL REPORTS
Tbilisi Protesters Vow Return After Overnight Clashes
Georgian opposition leaders have vowed to return to the street on June 21 to demand parliamentary elections and the resignation of the legislature's speaker and interior minister. Clashes erupted outside the parliament building the night before after a Russian lawmaker occupied the speaker’s seat during a meeting of European parliamentarians representing Orthodox Christians.
Putin Dismisses MH17 Charges
Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 20 dismissed murder charges announced against four men suspected of being involved in shooting down Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, saying there was no evidence, and insisting that "dialogue" with Russia was needed to find the truth.
Rebuilding In War-Torn Avdiyivka
An apartment block in the Ukrainian city of Avdiyivka, known for a moving mural, was torn up by shells during fighting between government troops and Russia-backed separatists. One local activist has led a campaign to reconstruct the building so its residents can return to normal lives.
Paved Perks: An Uzbek Man Of The People, With Benefits
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has ordered top public officials to live like average citizens, but giving up the perks of high office might be easier said than done.
OTHER NEWS
BREAKING: Georgian Parliamentary Speaker Resigns After Overnight Clashes
Georgian parliamentary speaker Irakli Kobakhidze has resigned. More to follow...
Japan Scrambles Fighters After Russian Aircraft Violate Airspace
The Japanese military says its fighter jets were forced to scramble after two Russian military aircraft violated its airspace twice over the Daito Islands near Okinawa and near Hachijo Island, south of the capital, Tokyo.
EU Prolongs Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine
European Union leaders have agreed to extend for six months sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine. They also agreed to renew an investment ban on the Crimea region for another year.
Chechen Human Rights Activist Titiyev Released From Penal Colony
Authorities in Russia's Chechnya region have released human rights activist Oyub Titiyev from a penal colony in Chechnya, after a court approved his early release on parole on June 10.
U.S. Says Russia Not Doing Enough To Combat Human Trafficking
The United States has again placed Russia among a list of countries, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that it says are doing little to stop human trafficking within their borders.
Whales Start To Leave 'Jail' In Russia's Far East
Eight whales held captive in Russia’s Far East were reintroduced into their natural habitat on June 20. One of the first questions of some 2 million fielded by President Vladimir Putin during his yearly nationwide call-in show concerned the plight of the more than 80 beluga whales and about a dozen orcas that were captured by four Russian companies in the Sea of Japan.
Ukrainian Constitutional Court OKs Parliament's Dissolution
Ukraine’s Constitutional Court has ruled on June 20 that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's order to dissolve parliament and call early elections "is binding, final, and cannot be appealed."
Kyiv Court Clears Saakashvili To Run In Parliamentary Elections
A Kyiv court has ruled to allow former Georgian President and Odessa governor Mikheil Saakashvili to run in Ukraine’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for July 21. The court confirmed that he satisfied the five-year residence requirement for candidates. Saakashvili is currently the leader of the Ukrainian political party, Movement Of New Forces. (Ukrainian Service)
Ukrainian Women Unite Online Against President’s ‘Branding’ Remark
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy inserted foot firmly in mouth during his presidential tour of Europe this week when he said his nation's women were "beautiful" and served as a good tourism "brand" for the country.
Uzbek President Replaces Prosecutor-General
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has dismissed Prosecutor-General Otabek Murodov, who has been credited for starting a policy of openness toward the media since his appointment in January 2018.
Kyrgyz Lawmakers Vote To Strip Ex-President Of Immunity
The Kyrgyz parliament voted 100 - 5 to strip former President Almazbek Atambaev of immunity amid claims that he abused his powers while in office, a move signaling a growing power struggle in the Central Asian nation.
BLOG: The Election’s Over, But Hectic Times May Be The Future In Kazakhstan
ICYMI: U-Turns In Russian Criminal Cases Raise Questions About Kremlin Intent
PRESSROOM: RFE/RL Wins Edward R. Murrow Award