Soros: Ukraine is a valuable asset for Europe

During an interview with WirtschaftsWoche, George Soros stated that Ukraine is one of the most valuable assets Europe has. His admiration stems from the former Soviet republic’s ability to repel Russian aggression and “for recapturing the spirit of solidarity that characterized the European Union in its early days.”

The Hungarian-born American billionaire philanthropist, however, voiced concerns over how the EU is treating Ukraine financially, explaining that by putting Kiev on a short …


Herashchenko: Gryzlov will not change Ukraine’s stance in Minsk

On December 26th, Vladimir Putin appointed Boris Gryzlov as new representative of the Russian Federation in the Trilateral Contact Group. Gryzlov is a permanent member of Russia’s Security Council and was the former Head of Russia’s State Duma.

The Ukrainian President’s Commissioner for Peaceful Settlement of the Conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Iryna Herashchenko, wrote on her Facebook page that the appointment of Boris Gryzlov to the Trilateral Contact Group will not change Ukraine’s position.

“ …


Erdogan: Turkey will not join coalition that includes Syrian government

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refuses to take part in a coalition of Syria, Iran, Iraq and Russia against the so-called Islamic State.

President Erdogan made this known in an interview with Al Arabiya, which will be broadcast in full on December 27th. In response to the invitation to join the coalition, Erdogan told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he could not sit next to a president whose legitimacy is questionable. President Erdogan was referring to Syrian President Bashar al- …


Poroshenko confirms participation of foreign troops in 2016 drills

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko confirmed that the military plans to hold training drills with the participation of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory.

According to the president’s press service, more than 5,000 foreign servicemen will participate in the Maple Arch drills in 2016. Participants will include US soldiers, NATO forces, and Ukrainian servicemen.

Another 2,000 foreign troops will participate in the Sea Breeze exercise in the Black Sea. The naval and marine training drill will …


Putin: Victory Day most significant event of 2015

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a New Year’s reception at the Kremlin, summed up the results of this year and noted the most significant event, as reported by TASS.  "We sum up the past and build plans for the coming year.  In the past year there were many events but the most significant was the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory," Putin said.

He stressed that the country has celebrated this date "with honor to our fathers and grandfathers, whose fate is inspiring." The …