May 07 Watch Is Putin trying to diffuse the Ukraine crisis? By PBS News Hour Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he has pulled his military forces from Ukraine’s border, and called on pro-Russian separatists to postpone their planned secession vote. However, the White House imposed further sanctions, saying there’s no evidence of the retreat. Continue watching
May 07 Putin says Russian troops pull back from Ukraine border By News Desk Vladimir Putin told diplomats Wednesday that Russian troops have been pulled back from the Ukrainian border. Putin also called on Ukraine's military to halt all operations against pro-Russia activists who have seized government buildings and police stations in at least… Continue reading
May 06 New Russian law puts roubles in the swear jar By Ruth Tam Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a ban on swearing in Russian films, television, theater, concerts and other live entertainment. Continue reading
May 05 Tough new IRS penalties set to target Russian banks By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Russian banks that buy U.S. securities after July 1 will forfeit 30 percent of the interest and dividend payments. The withholding applies to stocks and bonds, including U.S. Treasuries. Some previously owned securities would be exempt from the withholding, but… Continue reading
May 05 Watch Russia’s former foreign minister discusses Putin’s motivations in Ukraine By PBS News Hour Russian President Vladimir Putin has evoked Ukraine’s Soviet past as a way of justifying the annexation of Crimea, and to appeal to many Ukrainians. Putin has argued that post-Cold War expansion of NATO has provoked Moscow. Chief foreign correspondent Margaret… Continue watching
May 05 Clashes in Ukraine leave 4 dead, 30 wounded By Joshua Barajas The Associated Press and other news outlets reported heavy gunfire and explosions around the eastern city of Slovyansk, where Kiev's army mounted its first major offensive Friday against armed pro-Russian insurgents. Continue reading
May 04 Watch Increased tension felt on the ground in Donetsk By PBS News Hour For more about the growing international crisis in Ukraine, Peter Leonard of the Associated Press joins Hari Sreenivasan via Skype from the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, one of the key sites of the pro-Russian uprising. Continue watching
May 02 Watch U.S. and Europeans unite to persuade Russia to back down ahead of Ukraine elections By PBS News Hour President Obama and Germany’s Chancellor Merkel met at the White House, where Mr. Obama said they are united in their resolve to impose increasing costs on Russia for its actions in Ukraine. Earlier, Russian President Putin declared last month’s Geneva… Continue watching
May 02 Pro-Russia forces shoot down 2 Ukrainian helicopters, 38 killed in Odessa building fire as fighting erupts in Ukraine By Joshua Barajas In an effort to regain control of the eastern city of Slovyansk, the Ukrainian government launched its first major offensive against pro-Russian separatists Friday, the Associated Press reports. The fighting has claimed at least three lives so far. Continue reading
May 02 Obama, Merkel threaten tougher sanctions on Russia By Josh Lederman, Associated Press Projecting unity on Ukraine, President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel threatened tougher and broader new sanctions against Russia on Friday if Moscow doesn't quickly change its disruptive behavior. "We will not have a choice but to move forward… Continue reading