Biden calls for the release of all Ukrainians held in Russian prisons

During a phone call with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, US Vice President Joe Biden called for the release of all Ukrainian prisoners being held in Russia, according to a statement on the White House’s website.

“The Vice President congratulated President Poroshenko on the release of Ukrainian pilot and Rada member Nadiya Savchenko and called for the release of all Ukrainians unlawfully detained in Russia,” the statement read.

Nadiya Savchenko was released on Wednesday as part of a …


Visegrad Four Defense Ministers agree that NATO should strengthen its eastern flank

According to Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz, the Visegrad Four countries agree that NATO needs to strengthen its eastern border, Radio Polsha reported.

"Strengthening of the eastern flank of NATO should be a priority for the Alliance. The Visegrad countries agree that NATO forces should be placed in Poland and the Baltic countries,” Macierewicz said on May 27th after meeting with the defense ministers of Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

“Poland has the responsibility for …


Ukrainian President appoints former NATO secretary as his advisor

The Ukrainian President, Petro Poroshenko, appointed former NATO Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen as his advisor. This was reported by the Press Service of the President on Friday, May 27th.

“Anders Fogh Rasmussen is appointed as advisor to the President on freelance basis and per his consent,” reads the statement released by the Press Service.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen is a Danish politician. He was the Prime Minister of Denmark from November 2001 to April 2009 and the 12th Secretary General of …


Greek PM: Sanctions against Russia are unproductive

At a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsirpas said Western sanctions against Russia were unproductive.

"We have repeatedly said that the vicious circle of militarization, of Cold War rhetoric and of sanctions is not productive. The solution is dialogue,” Tsirpas said.

At the same time Putin noted that during his meeting with Tsirpas, the annexation of the Crimea will not be discussed because “the matter is closed forever.”

“Russia will …


NATO provides Ukraine with demining equipment

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) received equipment from NATO for pyrotechnical experts who carry out the de-mining of the Donbas region. The ceremony of transfer of equipment was held on Thursday in Kiev, Interfax-Ukraine reported.

NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges Sorin Ducary, who attended the ceremony, noted that the equipment was transferred within the boundaries of the NATO program. Assistance to humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine was …