Massive POW swap between Ukraine and Russian separatists is the first in 15 months

Massive POW swap between Ukraine and Russian separatists is the first in 15 months

A massive prisoner swap has taken place between Ukraine and Russian separatist rebels. Hundreds of POWs were traded by both sides in one of the largest exchanges since the conflicts started in 2014. Nearly 230 men and women were returned to separatist controlled territory in exchange for 74 Ukrainian prisoners being held in the Donetsk […]

With an eye on re-election, Putin calls for improved relations between Russia and US in New Year’s address

With an eye on re-election, Putin calls for improved relations between Russia and US in New Year’s address

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual Christmas and New Year’s addresses to world leaders over the weekend.  Among a laundry list of talking points in the series of greetings, Russia’s leader called for “pragmatic cooperation” between his nation and the United States, and similar diplomatic efforts with other NATO nations that have seen heightening […]

Russia is setting up a permanent military presence in Syria after saying 3 times it would leave

Russia is setting up a permanent military presence in Syria after saying 3 times it would leave

Russia’s defense minister said that Russia has started creating permanent naval and air force bases in Syria, according to RIA news agency. Russia had previously said on three separate occasions  it had withdrawn from the country. The bases Russia will now maintain permanent bases at Tartus on the Mediterranean coast and at Hmeimim as per an agreement […]

Chechen President, an alleged torturer, added to Magnitsky bad guy list

Chechen President, an alleged torturer, added to Magnitsky bad guy list

The U.S. Treasury Department announced today that Ramzan Kadyrov, the strongman president of the Russian federal republic of Chechnya, has been targeted for sanctions under the Magnitsky Act. The Treasury accused Kadyrov, 41, of “being responsible for extrajudicial killing, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights…” “As the head of the Chechen Republic, Kadyrov oversees […]

Russian artists turned Putin into pop art in a new exhibition — and the photos are curious

Russian artists turned Putin into pop art in a new exhibition — and the photos are curious

A collection of artists and fans of Russian President Vladimir Putin recently opened an art exhibit dedicated to the “superhuman” qualities of their country’s leader. Titled “SUPERPUTIN,” the exhibit features about 30 paintings and sculptures of the Russian leader as larger-than-life icons, including as a Roman emperor, an Olympic athlete, Santa Claus and, a superhero. […]

Putin confirms permanent Russian air and naval bases in Syria

Putin confirms permanent Russian air and naval bases in Syria

Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia would maintain a permanent air base and naval facility in Syria after announcing plans to withdraw some troops from the country. The Russian president’s announcement came during a visit to the Khmeimim base in Latakia, where Putin told Russian troops they would be “returning” to their homes “victorious.” The visit […]

He’s a member of Congress. The Kremlin likes him so much it gave him a code name.

He’s a member of Congress. The Kremlin likes him so much it gave him a code name.

For two decades, Representative Dana Rohrabacher has been of value to the Kremlin, so valuable in recent years that the F.B.I. warned him in 2012 that Russia regarded him as an intelligence source worthy of a Kremlin code name. The following year, the California Republican became even more valuable, assuming the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs […]

Austrian elections and why we should care

Austrian elections and why we should care

Vienna—The ballots have been sealed. The conservative ÖVP won the Austrian legislative election with 32%.  The socialist SPÖ, with 26.9% and right-wing FPÖ, with 26%, contest for second place.  Final results will be announced on Thursday. But it matters not since the ÖVP and FPÖ will be most likely forming a right-leaning coalition with Sebastian […]

One of Netanyahu’s closest allies is turning into a major Trump critic — and it may signal a shift in Israel

One of Netanyahu’s closest allies is turning into a major Trump critic — and it may signal a shift in Israel

Israel’s government initially welcomed the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency. Some right-wing politicians have recently accused Trump of failing on promises he made to Israel during his campaign. One Israeli minister has become extremely outspoken and may signal a shift in the country’s opinion of Trump. A top Israeli government minister has turned into one […]

Moscow warns it may restrict U.S. media in Russia

Moscow warns it may restrict U.S. media in Russia

Russia is within its rights to restrict the operations of U.S. media organizations in Russia in retaliation for what Moscow calls U.S. pressure on a Kremlin-backed TV station, a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Sunday. Russian officials have accused Washington of putting unwarranted pressure on the U.S. operations of RT, a Kremlin-funded broadcaster accused […]

The Russian captives who may link Syria, Ukraine and the Kremlin’s fight against the opposition

The Russian captives who may link Syria, Ukraine and the Kremlin’s fight against the opposition

Reports about two Russian fighters captured in Syria suggest that the same proxy forces that fight the Kremlin’s wars abroad in places such as Syria and Ukraine may also harass members of the Russian political opposition at home. According to interviews by Russian media with relatives of the men and photographs taken from social media, one of the captured Russians belongs to […]