• Lavrov: Russia is not interested in severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is not interested in breaking off diplomatic relations with Ukraine, RIA Novosti reported.

    Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Lavrov said “I do not think that we are now in a situation in which someone is interested in severing diplomatic relations. This is an extreme measure.”

    “I think the main thing now is to not succumb to emotions, not to fall into some extreme …

  • Ukraine is investigating corruption scheme involving top Trump advisor during Yanukovych presidency

    Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has discovered handwritten ledgers apparently linking Paul Manafort, the chairman of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, to more than $12 million in undisclosed payments during his time as advisor to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, The New York Times reported.

    The ledgers are currently being investigated by Ukraine’s newly-formed NABU as possible evidence of widespread corruption during the Yanukovych presidency. Investigators believe …

  • Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Canada sees no proof supporting Russia’s accusations against Ukraine

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephane Dion, said in his statement that Canada found no evidence to support Russia’s recent accusations against Ukraine regarding the situation in the occupied Crimea.

    “I’m concerned by the increase in tension between Russia and Ukraine, and by the actions and rhetoric that are contributing to this tension. We have seen no evidence to support recent Russian accusations. At this critical juncture, Canada calls on all parties to intensify diplomatic efforts and …

  • Ukraine has exported more than $1 billion of wheat in 6 months

    In January—July 2016 wheat exports generated revenues of $1.121 billion for Ukraine, as reported by the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine.

    It was reported that Egypt has become the largest market for Ukrainian wheat, importing $217,993 million, which represents 19.43% of the total volume. Indonesia is the second at $157,785 million, representing 14.06%, and the third, Bangladesh, $135.668 million, representing 12.09% of the total volume.

    Wheat imports over the same period totaled only $127,000. …

  • Poland begins to purchase Iranian oil as an alternative to imports from Russia

    Oil trader Mercuria, the largest seller of Russian Urals oil in Poland, is closing down its oparations with Urals oil and emptying Russian oil out of its tanks in the port of Gdansk, Reuters reports.

    It is noted that the oil trader will use a tanker to bring in Iranian oil. Mercuria will send more than 250,000 tons of unsold Urals oil to Asia using the super tanker Atlantas (VLCC). The same tanker will bring back two million barrels of Iranian oil to Gdansk.

    According to the agency, Polish …

  • Gazprom decided to withdraw from Nord Stream-2 joint venture

    Gazprom, Shell, Uniper and Wintershall, which are all part of a consortium for the construction of Nord Stream 2 have withdrawn their application to create a joint venture. The group had already submitted the application to the Polish antimonopoly agency, as reported in the companies’ statement.

    This decision will not affect the gas pipeline project, the report says. It also will not affect the Nord Stream 2 construction schedule.

    The project will be implemented by a Swiss-registered Nord …

  • Ukrainian official: Russia is not ready for full-scale military operations

    The Ukrainian Deputy Minister for the Temporarily Occupied Territories, George Tuka, stated on Channel 112 Ukraine that Russia is not ready for full-scale military operations with Ukraine.  

    "Russia is not ready for full-scale military operations, and they have enough common sense not to do it. As for provocative actions, tactical actions with the aim to seize any locality; I suppose it may happen," Tuka said. According to him, servicemen from one of the sides may lose their composure.

    "As …

  • Military expert: Russia could involve the Navy and Air Force in a large-scale operation from Crimea

    Mikhail Samus, the Deputy Director of the Center for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies (CACDS), claimed in an interview with Krym.Realii that Crimea may be involved in a “big operation” in terms of air and sea power. He made reference to three groups of Russian shock troops stationed in the north, east and south of Ukraine, noting that Crimean land forces are not likely to comprise a main attack.

    "The support of submarines and surface vessels by cruise missiles, sea-borne troop landings, …

  • US General: Russia must allow international observers access to exercises in Crimea

    Russia must admit observers, including Western journalists, to the military exercise which will be held in the south of the country and in annexed Crimea. According to Reuters, this was the hard line presented by Lieutenant General Frederick Benjamin "Ben" Hodges, the commander of the United States Army in Europe.

    Hodges said that Russia could emulate military exercises that were held under the guidance of the USA and its allies in Europe, which allowed the country to send observers.

    "The …

  • Russia begins 'Cooperation-2016' international military exercises near NATO borders

    Radio Poland reports that the “Cooperation-2016” command and staff exercises started in the Pskov and Leningrad regions of Russia.

    It is reported that the exercise will involve about 6,000 soldiers from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Also, one thousand units of weapons and military and special equipment are engaged in the exercise.

    Such military exercises are held regularly in Russia, but this year more armed forces will participate and more units of military …