President of the Ukrainian World Congress: Human rights groups should respond to persecution in the Crimea
On the 4th of February, the President of the Ukrainian World Congress, Eugene Czolij, stated that the persecution of human right activists by Russia causes serious concerns. And therefore, international human rights organizations should respond to them, Ukrinform reported.
“The Ukrainian World Congress condemns these illegal actions by Russian authorities and urges international human rights organizations to protect the rights of legal professionals who are providing the assistance to which …
Belarus to purchase Su-30SM fighters from Russia
This year the Belarusian military will purchase a number of modern weapons from Russia, as was stated by Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister, Igor Lotenkov.
“In 2017, we will procure Su-30SМ aircraft, radio monitoring systems, 120-mm 2B23 Nona-М1 mortars, multi-purpose unmanned aircraft systems, and conduct modernization of BTR-70МB1 armored personnel carriers,” as stated by the Deputy Minister for Armaments and Commander of Armaments of the Armed Forces.
According to the General, Belarusian …
National Bank of Ukraine reacts to government's decision to raise minumum wage
Starting on January 1st, the minimum wage in Ukraine has doubled to 3,200 hryvnias ($118). On February 3rd the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) in its inflationary report predicted that this could lead to a decrease in employment, particularly in small and medium-sized business. According to the NBU's estimates, around 630,000 Ukrainians (or 5.4% of employees) could be left without a job. Thus, the unemployment rate will amount to about 10% according to the methodology of the International Labor …
Polish PM: Poland's position regarding sanctions on Russia has not changed
The Prime Minister of Poland, Beata Szydło, stated that the Polish position regarding sanctions against Russia will not waver. Rzeczpospolita reports that she made this statement at the unofficial summit of the European Union in Valetta.
"We cannot forget that sanctions against Russia were a direct result of Moscow’s policy that violated international laws. We will not agree to lift sanctions until the Kremlin’s policy changes,” she said. "The Polish position regarding the sanctions imposed …
Latvia installs 23 km fence along border with Russia
Latvian State Border Guards spokeswoman Evgeniya Poznyak announced the installation of a border fence 23 km in length between Russia and Latvia. The fence has been installed in order to prevent attempts to illegally enter Latvia, Delfi reported.
"The work on the construction of the fence began in 2015, and its completion is scheduled before 2019. Currently, a frontier 65 km long is laid out and a 23 km fence has been installed on the border," she said.
Poznyak also noted that EUR 6.3 million …