Ukraine Rebel Leader Claims New Attack On Mariupol
The attack follows a rebel rocket barrage that hit an open-air market in the port city, killing at least 15 civilians.
Russia
Ukraine Launches Major Offensive To Retake Donetsk Airport
After a night of intense shelling by government forces, much of the airport has reportedly been retaken from Russian-backed separatists.
Russia's Prominent Prisoners Reflect Tension With Its Neighbors
Russia is jailing three prominent figures from Ukraine and Estonia on what critics say are highly questionable charges. The cases also reflect the friction between Russia and its neighbors.
Syrian Opposition Groups Wary Of Russia's Invitation To Moscow
Russia is proposing peace talks in Moscow, and the U.S. seems to be backing the idea, but some opposition groups resist cooperating with a country that's been backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The Russian Who Claims Credit For Fanning The Flames In Ukraine
Igor Girkin claims to have touched off the conflagration, and he says he's proud of what he did. The former member of the Russian security service has a knack for turning up in tumultuous places.
Waiting For A Break: Obama On 'Strategic Patience' In Foreign Policy
"I believe in diplomacy, I believe in dialogue, I believe in engagement," the president says of Iran and other regimes perceived as U.S. enemies. But he says restoring relations is a gradual process.
Sanctions Intensify Russia's Free Fall Into Economic Crisis
The Russian economy took a big hit in 2014. The U.S. and other countries imposed economic sanctions after Russia annexed Crimea, but it was falling oil prices that really hurt the country.
Russian Opposition Figure Detained Hours After Suspended Sentence
Alexei Navalny broke his house arrest after he was convicted of fraud and given a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence. Navalny was a leader of the protests by opposition groups in Moscow three years ago.
Ukrainian Peace Talks Put On Hold
The talks that began on Wednesday were expected to be continued today in Minsk. Belarus, which is hosting the dialogue, declined to comment on the reason.
Europe's Far Right And Putin Get Cozy, With Benefits For Both
Despite tensions between Russia and the West, Moscow is forging links with far-right, anti-EU parties in Europe. They're attracted to the traditional social values of Vladimir Putin's Russia.