VISUAL REPORTS
A Ukrainian's Letters From A Russian Prison
Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, imprisoned by Russia, has gained global attention, but another Ukrainian, Oleksandr Kolchenko, was in the dock with him, serving a 10-year sentence in Siberia. Ukrainian blogger Stanislav Aseyev has been held incommunicado for over a year by Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The Surprising Story Of An Accused Terrorist 'Ringleader' In Tajikistan
Hussein Abdusamadov is the lone survivor among five suspects accused of running down a group Western cyclists in Tajikistan on July 29.
NATO Drills Conclude In Georgia With Choppers, Tanks
NATO forces and troops from partner countries have concluded over two weeks of combat training in the former Soviet republic of Georgia.
OTHER NEWS
Hundreds Of Russia’s Jehovah’s Witnesses Residing In Finnish Refugee Camps
More than 200 Jehovah’s Witnesses have sought political asylum in Finland after fleeing Russia following a 2017 ban on the religious group by the Supreme Court designating it an “extremist” organization. (Russian Service)
Russian Cosmonauts Set Up Animal-Tracking System In Eight-Hour Spacewalk
Two Russian cosmonauts on August 15 spent nearly eight hours on a spacewalk setting up an antenna for tracking birds and animals on Earth and sending a series of tiny satellites flying into orbit.
In Russia, Spending On Military and Government Rises As Social Spending Falls
A report by Russia’s finance ministry finds that the government has increased spending on defense, state administration, and official salaries by $4.4 billion over the last year, while spending on social services and economic programs has fallen by $3.7 billion. (Russian Service)
Bucharest Protesters Keep Up Pressure On Government
Despite the sweltering heat and the start of a long weekend, groups of hardcore demonstrators gathered again outside the government building in Bucharest for a sixth night in a row on August 15.
Swiss Court Rules Against Gulnara Karimova Appeal
A Swiss federal criminal court has rejected an appeal by Gulnara Karimova, the younger daughter of the late Uzbek president, against the seizure of $800 million, clearing the way for the return of the funds to Uzbekistan. Karimova has refused to cooperate with the proceedings, and contended that a judgement about the funds could not be made without her standing trial in Switzerland. The court denied the appeal based on information provided by a close associate and former boyfriend of Karimova to Swiss authorities. (Current Time TV)
Caspian Summit Fails To Resolve Issues Between Iran And Neighbors
Though some progress was made when the presidents of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan convened for a Caspian Sea summit on August 12, the problem of how to satisfactorily divide the maritime borders of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan with Iran remains.
COMMENTARY: Romania 1968: The Spring Of Our Hopes
FURTHER AFIELD: Afghanistan, An ‘Unintended Casualty’ Of U.S. Sanctions on Iran
INFOGRAPHIC: Ruble In Trouble