VIDEO REPORTS
VOX POP: Why The U.S. Continues To Impose Sanctions On Russia
In an informal street poll in Moscow, no respondents connected the sanctions with Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Most struck a defiant note, claiming that sanctions are a “political game,” a policy motivated by Americans’ fear of Russia’s strength, or the result of hatred toward Russia by the United States. (In Russian)
Chechen First-Graders Pray For Kadyrov On First Day Of School
In a Chechen primary school on September 1, a teacher called on the children to pray for “Ramzan Haji” (Ramzan the Holy), and asked Allah to "give him to us for many years." (In Russian, Current Time TV)
Clashes In Kyiv Over Alleged Illegal Construction
Tear gas, stun grenades and flares filled the air of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, after residents accused a developer of illegally seizing land to build an apartment complex.
Ukrainian Women Soldiers Wear The Flag
Ukraine’s women cadets of the National Army Academy have launched a new sartorial trend to demonstrate their patriotism, weaving their hair with blue and yellow flowers. (In Ukrainian)
OTHER NEWS
U.S. Calls Russian Airborn Intercept 'Unprofessional'
In a near-miss encounter, officials say Russian jets repeatedly intercepted U.S. naval reconnaissance planes over the Black Sea on September 7, at one point flying within 10 feet of one of the planes.
Did Mitt Romney Really Say He Intends To ‘Destroy Russia’?
A photograph on Russian social media appears to show a senior Russian general using a fake quotation attributed to former U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney declaring Washington's intention to "destroy Russia."
EU Extends Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine
The Council of Europe, citing Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, voted on September 7 to extend sanctions, due to expire on September 15, for an additional six months. (In Ukrainian)
Ukrainian TV Station Releases Footage Showing Apparent Attack
A popular Ukrainian TV channel has released what it says is footage of an arson attack on its Kyiv studios, an incident that has increased concerns over threats to media freedom.
Contending With Snitching In Crimea
Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, the practice of “snitching” has become popular, and is even encouraged, by the peninsula’s Moscow-backed authorities. Human rights groups have instructed persons to insist on a proper warrant and a lawyer if summoned for questioning by Russian law enforcement agencies. (In Russian)
Russia’s Quiet Network In The Czech Republic
Ondrej Kundra, author of a book, Putin’s Agents, which examines Russian influence in the Czech Republic, told RFE/RL that Russia has targeted the country because of its communist ties and its geopolitical location, with the aim of conducting technical espionage, influencing policymakers, and splitting Czech public opinion. (In Russian)
Armenian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Economic Troubles And Unrest
In a widely anticipated decision, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian announced his resignation to his cabinet on September 8, citing his government’s failure to address the country’s economic and political challenges.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has dismissed Prime Minister Karim Masimov and appointed him chairman of the Committee for National Security.
PROFILE: Uzbek Interim President Shavkat Mirziyaev
COMMENTARY: Bosnia’s Perfect Storm
PRESS ROOM: RFE/RL Experts Discuss Regime Succession In Uzbekistan
INFOGRAPHIC: How Russia's 'Foreign Agents' Law Gathered Steam