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Germany refuses to reinstate Russia in G8
The German government has rejected a proposal by the presidents of France and the US to invite Russia to the Group of Seven (G7) summit in 2020. According to Steffen Seibert, official spokesperson for the German government, Moscow needs to show that it is willing to change its stance on the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Only after that will the Seven consider inviting Russia, DPA reports.
Ahead of a visit to Moscow on Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that he has “fundamentally …
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Putin: Moscow can live without membership in Council of Europe
At the press conference after talks with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö , Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia doesn't want to participate in the Council of Europe at any cost, and if other members don't want to see Russia there, Moscow can live without membership in this organization.
Finnish journalist, addressed Putin and pointed out that Moscow does not comply with the rules of the organization. The journalist reminded of dispersal of protests in Moscow. Putin replied that …
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Russia may release Ukrainian sailors detained in Kerch Strait by end of August
The exchange of detainees between Russia and Ukraine will take place before the end of August, including sailors detained in the Kerch Strait in November, reports the newspaper Kommersant .
According to the publication, the lists of detainees are still under review. In addition to sailors, other detainees could be transferred to Ukraine. It is unknown whether Russia considers the possibility of transfer to Ukraine the imprisoned director Oleg Sentsov, who was sentenced in Russia to 20 years of …
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Before his visit to Ukraine Finland’s President discuss Donbas with Putin
President of Finland Sauli Niinistö, before his visit to Ukraine, discussed the conflict settlement in the Donbas with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports EuroIntegration news outlet.
"We had a little talk about Ukraine. I am going to visit Ukraine in a few weeks, and as far as I understand, certain practical initiatives are implemented, and practical work is being carried out. For my part, I will support this process," he said.
Niinistö added that Helsinki had made efforts to return …
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Kremlin offers to facilitate dialog between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help Iran and Israel establish a dialogue, RIA Novosti reports, citing "a source in Russian diplomatic circles."
"Our vision regarding how to address security issues in the region is completely different. Instead of demonizing one state, one force, we believe that the interests of all should be taken into account. And when the interests of all countries in the region are taken into account, a collective dialogue is the way that will lead to strengthening security," the …