Russia: Putin tells EU he can take Kiev “in two weeks”

In a telephone conversation with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, President Vladimir Putin asserted yesterday that Russian troops would be able to “take Kiev in two weeks if necessary.” This created quite a stir just ahead of the NATO summit planned to start this morning in Wales to discuss the unraveling situation in Ukraine.…

Kazakhstan: Putin Casts Doubt on Succession in Astana

Russia’s incursion into Ukraine is ongoing, and has left no indication of slowing anytime soon. The powers that be in Moscow have recently issued statements warning NATO not to intervene in Ukraine, using thinly veiled allusions to Russian nuclear power to ensure their message was understood. Russian activity in Ukraine has begun to preoccupy other…

Russia: Putin denies troops in Ukraine, warns NATO

President Vladimir Putin warned over the weekend in the wake of increased sanctions from Australia and the EU that “Russia is one of the leading nuclear powers,” while speaking at a pro-Kremlin youth camp. He additionally denied any involvement in destabilizing eastern Ukraine while simultaneously warning Western powers that he would use force to defend…