VISUAL REPORTS
Thousands Evacuated In Ukraine After Huge Ammo-Depot Blast
Massive explosions at an ammunition depot in central Ukraine have prompted the evacuation of more than 30,000 people and the closure of airspace over the region.
Ukrainian Separatists Open Office In Marseille
Russia-backed separatists from Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region have opened up a new representative office in the southern French city of Marseille, but the French government said it will not recognize it.
‘Shame’ -- Crimeans Protest Tatar Leader’s Verdict
About 100 activists gathered in Simferopol on September 27 to protest the conviction of Crimean Tatar leader Ilmi Umarov. He was found guilty by a Russian court on ‘separatism’ charges that rights monitors have said are politically motivated. (Crimea Realities website)
OTHER NEWS
U.S. Military Chief Recommends Providing Lethal Defensive Aid To Ukraine
The top U.S. military commander has recommended that the United States provide lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine to help the country "protect [its] sovereignty.”
Russia Conducts ICBM Test
Russia's Defense Ministry says it has tested the intercontinental Topol ballistic missile as part of wide-ranging drills involving the country's missile forces.
Krasnoyarsk Governor Is Third To Step Down From Regional Post
Krasnoyarsk governor Aleksei Kleshko is reportedly stepping down, in the third such resignation of a regional governor this week. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has called the moves part of an “ordinary process.” (in Russian, Current Time)
Russians Cite Roads As Biggest Transportation Grievance
A Levada center poll finds that 47 percent of respondents rank the poor quality of roads as the country’s biggest transport problem, with traffic jams (30 percent) and the high fines for traffic violations (19 percent) ranking second and third.(in Russian, Current Time TV)
Hungary Threatens 'Pain' For Ukraine Over Controversial Language Law
Hungary has pledged to block Ukraine's further integration with Europe after Kyiv enacted an education law that critics say will restrict the study of minority languages in schools.
Georgian Parliament Backs Controversial Changes To Constitution
Georgian lawmakers have approved draft constitutional amendments that would shift the government to a parliamentary-style system, with the president elected by lawmakers.
Lithuania Moves To Change Official Name For Georgia To Sakartvelo
Lithuania has moved to change the name it uses for Georgia from the Russian name "Gruzia" to "Sakartvelo," the name Georgians use to refer to their country.
Moldovan President Says NATO Liaison Office 'Will Not Bring Peace'
Moldova's pro-Russia president has renewed criticism of plans for a liaison office of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the country, saying the ex-Soviet republic should stay clear of a "geopolitical confrontation" between Washington and Moscow.
Croatian Court Sentences Former Serb Paramilitary Commander For War Crimes
A Croatian court has sentenced a former Serb paramilitary commander to 15 years in prison for war crimes committed during the conflict that engulfed the former Yugoslavia in the early 1990s.
Following The Twists, Turns In Kyrgyzstan's Presidential Race
There are no elections in Central Asia like Kyrgyzstan's elections, as the current tally of 59 contenders for the upcoming presidential election attests.
Uzbek Writer Reportedly Detained Upon Return From Exile
Uzbek writer Nurullo Otahonov was reportedly detained in Tashkent on September 27 upon his return from two years of self-imposed exile in Turkey.
ANALYSIS: Georgian President Leads Bid To Block Constitutional Amendments
The process of amending Georgia's constitution, now entering the third and final parliamentary reading, is starting to look like theater of the absurd.
INFOGRAPHIC: Eight Options For Navalny