Yanukovych high treason trial begins in Ukraine

On May 4, the first preliminary session charging former president Viktor Yanukovych with high treason took place in Ukraine. Ukrainian media called this case “trial of the century”.

Viktor Yanukovych is being accused of committing crimes according to the criminal code of Ukraine, most notably “High treason”, “Complicity in intentional actions, committed with the goal of changing the territorial borders and state borders of Ukraine,” and “Complicity in aggressive warfare”. The military …


Russia, Turkey and Iran sign memorandum on the establishment of security zones in Syria

At the plenary session of the 4th Astana meeting, devoted to the peaceful settlement of the Syrian conflict, Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum on the establishment of de-escalation zones in Syria, Interfax news agency reported.

During the signing of the document, two members of the delegation from the Syrian opposition left the meeting. “We do not accept Iran as a guarantor country,” said one of the departing delegates.

The head of the Syrian opposition delegation, Mohammad Alloush, …


The Ukrainian Prosecutor's Office is investigating the statement of the Chief of the General Staff on the disruption of the de-occupation operation of the Crimea

The Prosecutor's Office has begun investigating a statement by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Viktor Muzhenko, regarding the disruption of a landing operation planned in March 2014 to ensure the de-occupation of the Crimea, which was annexed by Russia, as indicated an April 13 court ruling.

According to the ruling, the Main Military Prosecutor's Office studied Muzhenko's interview with Ukrayinska Pravda web site which was published on April 12.

"[The interview] contains …


Russia has written off Kyrgyzstan's debt of 240 million USD

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed an order that approved a one-time write-off of Kyrgyzstan’s debt to Russia in the amount of $240 million, according to information published on the official website containing legal information.

“As of March 30, 2017, the amount owed by the Kyrgyz side to the Russian side … is $240 million ... 100% of the amount owed by the Kyrgyz side to the Russian side … is liable to a one-time write-off, effective as soon as this order goes into effect,” the …


Ukrainian T-64BV tanks will enter a mock battle with Abrams and Leopard tanks

Ukrainian T-64BV tanks set out to the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany to participate in competitions among tankmen of NATO and their partner countries with the aim of exchanging experience and strengthening military partnerships. The event will take place from May 7 to 12.

At the competition, nicknamed NATO Tank Biathlon, tank crews will practice actions in real tactical situations. The Ukrainian tank platoon will have to "engage" with the "enemy" from the USA, Austria, France, Germany, …