The statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin that there will be “severe consequences” if there is “provocation from Kyiv” during the 2018 World Cup needs no clarification, Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a press conference on Wednesday, June 13.

“President Putin sets out his thoughts extremely clearly, and says what he means. What was said is quite straightforward,” Peskov responded when asked to explain what Putin meant.

In a broadcast of the Direct Line TV show …

During the visit to Turkey, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to facilitate the release of Ukrainian political prisoners who are detained in Russia, the President’s press-service reports. The two leaders discussed relevant issues of bilateral cooperation and international agenda.

Poroshenko thanked Erdoğan for his ongoing support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and for the protection of the rights of Crimean Tatars.

The Presidents …

Joint Forces Operation (JFO) commanders are allowed to return fire when provoked, without needing to coordinate with top leadership first, said JFO commander Serhiy Nayev in an interview with UNN news agency.

"The commanders are given the right to independently decide on the appropriate response to shelling [by the enemy] to protect the lives and health of subordinates and civilians," he said. According to Nayev, in a combat environment, waiting for approval "often has price of human life."

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