Breaking News

Daniel Schearf

Produced by Daniel Schearf

June 04, 2016
Russia Sees 'Brexit' Weakening European Resolve, Analysts Say

With Britain gone, they say, European Union could waver on sanctions imposed because of Russia's actions in Ukraine
May 27, 2016
Ukrainian Pilot's Ambitions Could Spark Political Turmoil

Nadiya Savchenko was elected to parliament while in captivity, fueling speculation about her plans, but her strong personality, idealism could make her a threat to those in power
May 25, 2016
Analyst: Savchenko Release Shows Russia Wants Negotiations

Release of Ukrainian pilot part of Moscow's desire to fix its negative image, show West readiness for broader compromise on Ukraine, says Russian scholar
May 23, 2016
US Lifting Vietnam Arms Embargo a 'Wake-up Call' for Russia

Moscow’s top arms supplier status could be challenged as Hanoi seeks strategic balance
May 17, 2016
Ukraine Talks Seek Progress, But Donbas Elections Remain a Hurdle

The 2015-Minsk peace deal ended major battles between Ukrainian and Russian-backed troops, but has hit major hurdles regarding region’s status, fate of rebel leaders, and holding legitimate elections
May 15, 2016
Russia Decries 'Politicized' Eurovision Loss to Ukraine

Jamala, a 33-year-old Ukrainian of Tatar descent, prevails at popular contest with song lamenting Soviet wartime deportation of ethnic Tatars from Crimea
May 06, 2016
Russia-Japan Leaders Meet as Tensions Loom

Discussion expected on territorial dispute that dates to 1940s, as well as on trade, finance and economy
May 05, 2016
Analysts: Russia Cynical on Syria, Goal Is International Prestige

Russia’s Syria campaign widely viewed as move to get back on world stage after more than a year of pariah status in West over its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula and military aggression
April 29, 2016
Russian Censorship Group Seeks Chinese Help to Better Control Internet

At recent Safe Internet League forum in Moscow, speakers from both nations underscored desire for authorities to further limit and control information online
April 26, 2016
Russia’s TV Rain Swims Against Tide in Sea of Kremlin Propaganda

Anchor Natalia Shanetskaya tells VOA 'we just try to be as objective as we can and that’s really what we’re about'
April 26, 2016
Russia’s TV Rain Swims Against Tide in Sea of Kremlin Propaganda

Russia’s media freedoms have been gradually eroded under President Vladimir Putin as his government has increased state ownership, influence, and restrictions on critical reporting. Television, where most Russians get their news, has been the main target and is now almost completely state controlled. But in the Russian capital, TV Rain stands out as an island in a sea of Kremlin propaganda.
April 19, 2016
Crimea Prosecutor Seeks 'Extremism' Case Against Journalist

Authorities release Nikolai Semena affiliated with US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on bail, but with travel restrictions, according to report quoting his lawyer
April 12, 2016
Analysts: Ukraine Government Shake-up Raises Hopes, Concerns

Embattled PM's resignation, made official Tuesday, raises hopes for ending political crisis that has delayed Western financial support, led many to question country’s path to reform
April 08, 2016
Russian Refugee Organization Branded 'Foreign Agent' Loses Support

Russian authorities have been using a 'foreign agents' law to blacklist groups engaging in activities deemed political; one such group lost funding for a learning center
April 08, 2016
Russian Refugee Center Branded 'Foreign Agent' Loses Support

Russian authorities have been using a “foreign agents” law from 2012 to blacklist groups receiving international funding and engaging in activities deemed political. The vague law has been applied to more than 100 organizations, many of them charities forced to reduce activities or shut down. One of the latest victims was the Learning Center for Refugee Children. VOA's Daniel Schearf reports.
April 07, 2016
Analysts: Putin’s National Guard Meant to Put Down Public Unrest

Although ostensibly intended to fight terrorism, organized crime, critics say it is really meant to help Putin consolidate power
April 06, 2016
Russian Public Unfazed by Panama Papers

Only 16 percent of Russians think that corruption and bribery can be eliminated
April 05, 2016
Russian Police Raids Target Japanese Doomsday Cult

Detentions made after raids on apartments in Moscow, St. Petersburg; investigators' spokesman says Aum Shinrikyo activity 'was accompanied by violence'
April 04, 2016
Kremlin Slams 'Putinophobia' of Panama Papers

Spokesperson dismisses international investigative journalists' report that alleges close friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin hid some $2 billion in offshore accounts
March 29, 2016
Russia’s Dollar Mortgage Protesters Face Evictions from Tumbling Ruble

Russians who took out mortgages in foreign currencies have been hit hard by the drop in value of Russia’s ruble and many are struggling to make payments or face possible eviction. The plight of these mortgage holders is part of Russia's ongoing economic crisis.

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