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Russia and Belarus to consider increased NATO activity
When conducting the West 2017 strategic exercises scheduled for September of next year, Russia and Belarus will take into account the increase in activity by NATO near the borders of the Union states [Belarus and Russia].
As Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, who was in Minsk on a visit, specified, maneuvers will be carried out at several training sites in Russia and Belarus. “In developing scenarios and planning exercises, the situation related to increasing activities of NATO near the …
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Latvian President: It is necessary to strengthen defense and cooperation with NATO due to Russia’s actions
The President of Latvia, Raimonds Vējonis, discussed the deteriorating defense situation in the Baltic Sea region due to Russia’s actions, noting that it is necessary to strengthen both defense and cooperation with NATO, during a meeting with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, in Helsinki, Yle reports.
It was reported that both Presidents emphasized the importance of cooperation when faced with Russia building its military presence in the region.
According to the Latvian President, …
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Moldovan presidential candidate Dodon: Crimea is de-facto part of Russia
Moldova’s Socialist Party presidential candidate, Igor Dodon, stated that the Crimea is de-facto part of Russia. However, Dodon didn’t provide a clear answer to whether he will agree to recognize it in the event of his election as President, Radio Svoboda reported.“There is excessive speculation on this issue. The Crimea is de-facto currently a part of Russia. Legally, this fact hasn’t been recognized by the West and the majority of countries. I don’t know whether it will be recognized in the …
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The State Bank of Japan tightens sanctions against Russia
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has limited the financing of Russian companies and financial institutions, Nikkei reports.
JBIC took this recent step as a show of agreement with the USA and the European Union, which has imposed relatively more severe constraints against Russia. The state bank will stop financing projects that European or American companies have pulled out of. The Japanese lender will also check to see that no private-sector peers will fund a potential …
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Montenegro hosts the largest NATO exercises in its history
International exercises involving servicemen from 32 NATO member states and partner countries began in Montenegro, as reported by Balkan Insight. About 680 participants, including those from Ukraine, will take part in exercises focused on responding to floods, chemical incidents, and other catastrophes.Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister, Duško Marković, referred to these exercises – the largest NATO exercises in Montenegro’s history - as "a great moment for the country" which proved once again …