Foreigners are refusing to participate in the Cliff Diving World Cup in the Russian-annexed Crimea. Thus, Colombian diver Orlando Duque and Mexican diver Jonathan Paredes will not come to the peninsula because of warnings issued by Ukraine, as reported by RIA Crimea citing the competition’s organizers.

"In 2014, we encountered a similar situation when we held downhill competitions, so this year we tried not to advertise our event for as long as possible, although it is decreases participation …

An official North Korean travel agency, NKorean, has begun operating in Russia, as reported by the president of the Russian Travel Agencies Union, Sergey Golov.

According to Golov, the agency offers tourists the ability to visit North Korea and get acquainted with the cultural and spiritual wealth of the country. Tourist programs include visits to attractions and the opportunity to learn about the ideas of Juche socialism and a complete immersion in the culture of the country. The agency's …

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, during a trip to the Crimea met with a representative of Ukraine from one of the subgroups of the Trilateral Contact Group, Viktor Medvedchuk, as reported by RBC news agency, citing sources.

Putin was in the annexed peninsula for three days, as of Friday, August 18. He went to Sevastopol, visited the Chersonesus reserve and the Tavrida children's camp.

During his visit, Putin made time for closed talks with Medvedchuk.

"The leader of the Ukrainian …

US allies will continue to pressure Russia until it fulfills its international obligations, stated Pentagon chief James Mattis following a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

Mattis recalled that Russia pledged to refrain from using force against Ukraine and threats of using nuclear weapons, and also pledged to respect the territorial integrity of other states.

"Unfortunately, Russia is not adhering to the letter, much less the spirit, of these international commitments.  The U. …

On August 24 President Petro Poroshenko and US Secretary of Defense James Mattis held discussions in Kyiv, during which they discussed the matter of reinforcing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, Poroshenko told reporters.

“We continued discussing the matter of defensive aid for Ukraine and enhancing the existing level of military collaboration. I expressed gratitude to our partners, first and foremost for the effective military aid which we have had since the first moments of aggression. We …