Former U.S. Ambassador John Herbst: Extradition of Firtash would be good for Ukraine
The extradition of billionaire Dmytro Firtash to the United States of America, if it really happens, would be a good sign for Ukraine, as stated by the former United States Ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst, in his interview with the Voice of America. He recalled the negative role played by Dmytro Firtash in Ukrainian-Russian relations.
"Firtash was a businessman and was associated with the corrupt deals between the Kremlin and the leaders in Ukraine – the corrupt gas deals,” John Herbst …
Russia is ready to discuss the creation of safe zones in Syria with the US
The Kremlin is ready to discuss creation of a safe zones in Syria with the USA, however any such plan must be agreed upon with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference in Moscow on February 22, reported Radio Liberty.
Lavrov further stated that he had briefly discussed this topic with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson when they met last week in Germany, however, Tillerson told him that the concept of the creation of such safe zones was …
Italy has allocated 1 million Euro for the residents of the Donbas
The Italian government has allocated €1 million to the UN World Food Programme and UNICEF to assist victims of the conflict in the Donbas. This was stated by the Ambassador of Italy to Ukraine, Davide La Cecilia, in a briefing on Thursday, February 23rd.
“Italy will provide help to Ukraine this year. The Italian government and Italian Development Cooperation have allocated €1 million to help the people who have been affected in eastern Ukraine. Of the one million, €700,000 will be provided to …
Japan voices protest against Russia over plans to station division in the Kuril Islands
The Government of Japan has voiced protest over the Russian Defense Ministry’s plans to place a division in the Kuril Islands within the year. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced the official position at a press conference, reports Nikkei media outlet.
According to Suga, the strengthening of Russia's military presence on the Kuril Islands "is incompatible with the position of Japan." Suga also added that the issue would be discussed at a meeting of the foreign and defense …
OSCE will increase number of observers in the conflict zone in Eastern Ukraine
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) plans to increase the number of observers for its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, in order to strengthen its technical capacity and increase patrol hours along the contact line in the conflict zone. Sebastian Kurz, the Austrian Foreign Minister who currently holds the OSCE Chairmanship, made the announcement at a UN Security Council meeting.
Kurz, who visited Ukraine in January, called the level of violence in the east of …