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Media: Russia may reduce its military presence in Syria
The Russian authorities are considering the option of reducing the military contingent in Syria, reports Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing its sources.
According to two military-diplomatic sources, the plan assumes a partial reduction in the equipment from the composite air group at the Khmeimim air base, as well as the departure of a portion of the military contingent from Syria back to their permanent duty stations in Russia.
However, one of the newspaper's sources said that "in any case, …
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Human rights activist: The drafting of Crimeans into the Russian army is classified as a war crime
In September, the UN reminded Russia through its report that, according to Article 51 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying state is prohibited from coercing protected persons to serve in its armed or auxiliary forces. Pressure and propaganda in favor of voluntary entry into the army are also prohibited, writes Ukrainian human rights activist Mykola Mirnyj in his article for ZN.UA. The author notes that transferring citizens of Ukraine to serve in the regions of Russia also violates …
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Russian Defense Ministry: 1500 school students joint ‘Youth Army’ movement in Crimea
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that roughly 1 500 school students from Sevastopol have “joined the ranks” of the Russian military and patriotic social movement “Yunarmia” (Youth Army), reported the press service of Russia’s Southern Military District.
“At present, the Youth Army movement in Sevastopol has been joined by 55 general secondary education institutions, children’s social and sport organizations,” the report states.
The report notes that the Sevastopol school students …
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Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria: Russian translator distorted Steinmeier's words about the annexation of Crimea
Russian translators and the media have distorted the words of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who made a visit this week to Moscow, attributing to him a quote about "the reunification of the Crimea with Russia". The Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria, Olexander Scherba, noted the translation error on his Facebook page.
"In about the 8th minute of the 15th second you can see how totalitarian fake news works. Steinmeier speaks in German: ‘Annexion.’ The interpreter fumbles and translates: …
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Russian oil company Rosneft freezes oil production in the Black Sea due to sanctions
Russian oil and Gas Company Rosneft has suspended oil exploration and production in the southern corner of the eastern part of the Black Sea due to five-year sanctions against Russia, reports TASS.
The Russian Federal Agency for Subsoil Use (Rosnedra) granted Rosneft's petition for a suspension of its license for geological exploration, exploration and production of hydrocarbons at the South Black Sea license area located in the eastern part of the Black Sea.
“According to experts, amid the …