Media: Putin’s adviser controls the separatist republics in Eastern Ukraine through his people

Russian Presidential Adviser Vladislav Surkov appointed his own people to govern the LPR (Luhansk People’s Republic) and DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic), and determines the internal policy in the “republics”, Reuters reported.

Surkov’s role was described to the news agency by three people who previously held high positions in the self-proclaimed republics. Two of the sources wished to remain anonymous, but the third – Alexei Alexandrov – gave permission for his name to be used.

According to …


Peskov: Lavrov gave a message to Trump from Putin

Dmitry Peskov, the Russian president's press secretary, said that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during his visit to Washington, conveyed a message from President Vladimir Putin to U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian news agency TASS reported.

“Absolutely,” Peskov said in answer to the question from journalists about whether Lavrov brought a message from Putin when he met with the American leader.

The Kremlin’s representative explained that “the contact [between Lavrov and Tillerson] …


European Union approves visa-free travel for Ukrainians

The EU council has decided to offer Ukraine a visa-free regime  , wrote Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko  on  his Facebook page on May 11.

“The EU Council of Ministers has just accepted a final decision to offer us Ukrainian citizens the right to travel without a visa. On May 17 in Strasbourg, in the European Parliament building, as we agreed with our European friends, the relevant legislative act will be signed. This will probably be one of my most important visits in my three years of …


Eurovision officials: Decision about sanctions against Russia and Ukraine has not been made

Executive supervisor of Eurovision Jon Ola Sand confirmed that the decision on imposing sanctions against Ukraine and Russia was postponed until after the end of the song contest in Kyiv.

“With regard to the imposing of sanctions against Ukraine and Russia, no decision has been made yet. This topic will be discussed only after the current Eurovision Song Contest has concluded. We are now focusing our attention on all of the countries participating in the competition to prepare three major …


Lithuania will build 45-kilometer wall on Russian border

Authorities in Lithuania have decided to erect a wall about 45 km (28 mi) long on its border with Russia.

This was reported on the website of the State Border Service of Lithuania.

“In total, the sections to be built along the border of the Kaliningrad region of Russia will be 44.6 km long. They will be metal fences two meters high with segments of additional equipment...The construction will cost €1.3 million. The funds will be allocated from the state budget,” stated the report.

According …