RT @TarasKuzio: EU pressuring Ukraine to give autonomy status to Donbas. Ukraine should pressure France to do same to Provence, Alsace, Normandy & Brittany.

RT @TarasKuzio: EU pressuring Ukraine to give autonomy status to Donbas. Ukraine should pressure France to do same to Provence, Alsace, Normandy & Brittany. Source:

EU pressuring Ukraine to give autonomy status to Donbas. Ukraine should pressure France to do same to Provence, Alsace, Normandy & Brittany.

— Taras Kuzio (@TarasKuzio) June 24, 2015

June 25, 2015 at 12:41AM
via IFTTT

"The photograph was taken on Thursday, June 18, outside a hip Moscow bar called...

"The photograph was taken on Thursday, June 18, outside a hip Moscow bar called 'Redaktsiya.' That same evening, and for several days to follow, the 'selfie with Borodai' would fuel a heated debate on the RuNet, where reporters, activists, and intellectuals have growled at one another and pontificated about ethics, the definition of terrorism, and the role journalists should play in society.

"But the debate about the photo with Borodai is more than just a hipster gladiator spectacle; it also reveals how contentious journalism in Russia is today. Whether you blame it on the war in Ukraine, the Putin regime, or a thousand years of Slavic history, the decision to pose for a picture with the former leader of the Donetsk rebels has forced many of Moscow’s “opinion-makers” to say exactly what they think a journalist should be."


A Picture Worth a Thousand Russian Expletives · Global Voices
globalvoicesonline.org
Last week, eight of the most prominent journalists working in Russia posed for a controversial group photo with the former leader of Donetsk's separatists. Here's what happened.

Earlier today, Representative Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed...

Earlier today, Representative Mac Thornberry (R-TX), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, addressed the issue of America's strategic priorities, and the national security challenges we face, including those brought upon by Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

While the President has threatened to veto the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes funding for the Pentagon, Russia's defense budget is increasing, and its military is conducting provocative maneuvers "rarely seen even at the height of the Cold War."

We support the authorization included in the NDAA for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which builds upon the congressional support Ukraine received in 2014 with the passage of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act by including much needed new military assistance to Ukraine. Without critical legislation like the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the credibility of the U.S. commitment to uphold the postwar order stands in doubt.


A Strategy for America

A STRATEGY FOR AMERICA An Address by Rep. Mac Thornberry, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee Please join the Atlantic Council's Brent Scowcroft Center ...

RT @MFA_Ukraine: У #МЗС відбулося XХVІ засідання Національної комісії з питань закордонних українців http://t.co/31GcRxIYht http://t.co/afvSQG1c1W

RT @MFA_Ukraine: У #МЗС відбулося XХVІ засідання Національної комісії з питань закордонних українців http://t.co/31GcRxIYht http://t.co/afvSQG1c1W Source:

У #МЗС відбулося XХVІ засідання Національної комісії з питань закордонних українців http://t.co/31GcRxIYht http://pic.twitter.com/afvSQG1c1W

— MFA of Ukraine (@MFA_Ukraine) June 23, 2015

June 23, 2015 at 10:43AM
via IFTTT

Thornberry will also blast the administration's refusal to provide Ukrainian for...

Thornberry will also blast the administration's refusal to provide Ukrainian forces with lethal weapons, which a number of Republican and Democratic lawmakers support.

http://ift.tt/1GlDbJT


House Armed Services chairman: Russia is an 'existential threat' to US
thehill.com
Rep. Mac Thornberry is urging Obama to sign defense bills he's threatened to veto.

"Russia now controls a large amount of Ukraine's energy potential, which means U...

"Russia now controls a large amount of Ukraine's energy potential, which means Ukraine will continue to be dependent on Russia for its energy needs," Biersack said. "And asserting control over the Black Sea Fleet's bases means Russia may now develop their forces without Ukrainian approval."

http://ift.tt/1JgbKaw


Geographers study link between Russia's western military action, eastern gas deal
m.phys.org
As the U.S. military considers positioning equipment along Russia's western border, geographers at the University of Kansas are studying how Russia's increasing military presence and conduct in the west connect to the country's actions in the east.

Despite Russia's attempts to intervene in Ukraine and the collapse of its own de...

Despite Russia's attempts to intervene in Ukraine and the collapse of its own democracy rating, Ukraine managed to spur a big jump of four notches in its rating, thanks to the collapse of Viktor Yanukovych’s corrupt presidency and two rounds of well-administered, competitive elections, the report found.

http://ift.tt/1FxKT1K


Russia Is Biggest Force Against Democracy In Eurasia, Report Finds
www.rferl.mobi
Russia saw its biggest loss of democracy in a decade last year, while it and other authoritarian states took aggressive action to block efforts to form new democracies elsewhere in Europe and Eurasia...

Not since the early 1980s, before the first rays of glasnost in Russia, have tho...

Not since the early 1980s, before the first rays of glasnost in Russia, have those dark times felt as close as they do now.


The Goebbels of the Kremlin
http://ift.tt/o9QZHt
An ethos of perpetual vigilance is central to sustaining high popular-approval ratings for President Vladimir Putin. And no one is more responsible for the smooth operation of the political machinery than Vladislav Surkov.

OSCE appoints new Special Representative in Ukraine
uatoday.tv
Martin Sajdik (Austria) appointed as new Special Representative in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group

http://ift.tt/1LgU7qh

John McCain

Honored to visit brave volunteers stationed at Dnipro-1 Territorial Defense Battalion in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine & meet with Ukrainian Pres Petro Poroshenko & PM Arseniy Yatsenuk this weekend. I will always stand w/ free Ukraine!

Timeline Photos
Головна Пластова Булава на своїх сходинах 30 травня 2015 р.Б. на внесення Голови КПС Німеччини вирішила, що ЮМПЗ 2017 відбудеться 12-19 серпня 2017 року Божого в Німеччині. Деталі згодом. ➨ http://ift.tt/1RqaUXQ ➨ http://ift.tt/1RqaT69

"We do not seek to make Russia an enemy. But make no mistake: we will defend our...

"We do not seek to make Russia an enemy. But make no mistake: we will defend our allies, the rules-based international order, and the positive future it affords us. We will stand up to Russia's actions and their attempts to re-establish a Soviet-era sphere of influence."


US to boost NATO against Russia, ISIL | Al Jazeera America
america.aljazeera.com
US to contribute weapons, aircraft and forces for NATO's rapid reaction force to defend Europe against security threats

Телеканал ТВі підписав угоду співпраці зі Світовим Конґресом Українців

Гості студії - генеральний директор телеканалу ТВі Максим Урбанський та голова СКУ Євген Чолій

Злет відбувався під гаслом “Народ мій є , народ мій завжди буде”, слова українсь...

Злет відбувався під гаслом “Народ мій є , народ мій завжди буде”, слова українського письменника Василя Симоненка. 17 Осередків з Америки та Канади вислали своє юнацтво , щоб чесно змагатися і знайти Осередок , який є найкращий. 489 юнаків, юначок, і суменят змагалися у конкурсах знання , слова , роїв, мистецтва, мультимедії, та спорту.

Щоб підтримати акцію "Вдягнемо наші вишиванки" започатковану на Україні, всі учасники Злету, їхні батьки та виховники одягнули свої вишиванки і зробили спільну світлину після Богослуження в неділю.

http://ift.tt/1Lg3EOp

http://ift.tt/1SD8aIS

СУМ - Осередок Ню Йорк

56-ий Злет Юнацтва СУМ. Ellenville, NY. 23-24 травня 2015. #cymzlet2015 #сумзлет2015

The Europeans are indeed divided over the extent to which Russia, with its huge...

The Europeans are indeed divided over the extent to which Russia, with its huge oil and gas resources, should be isolated, but Mr. Putin’s aggression so far has ensured their unity when it counts. In addition to extending existing sanctions, the allies have prepared a new round of sanctions that could be imposed if Russian-backed separatists seized more territory in Ukraine.

In the meantime, Belgium and France last week began to seize Russian assets in their countries, to enforce a 2014 international arbitration court order for Moscow to pay shareholders of the Yukos oil company $50 billion in compensation after Russian officials forced it into bankruptcy.


The Fantasy Mr. Putin Is Selling
www.nytimes.com
The Russian president has stuck to his story that the West is to blame for tensions over Ukraine.

"Ukraine is only one part of our larger concerns these days about Russia. In res...

"Ukraine is only one part of our larger concerns these days about Russia. In response, we are taking a strong but balanced strategic approach, an approach that seeks to ensure Russia cannot force anyone to turn towards the past, all the while welcoming and encouraging Russia to turn back towards the future," Carter said.

http://ift.tt/1IZxpAQ


Carter: No Desire for Conflict With Russia
m.voanews.com
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday there is neither a desire for a return to a Cold War nor for a new conflict with Russia, and that economic sanctions are having an effect in counterin...

Winners selected in international contest to remake central Kyiv, commemorate EuroMaidan Revolution
www.kyivpost.com
Kyiv City Hall on June 16 announced the winners whose project proposals were chosen to redesign four sections of where the EuroMaidan Revolution took place in November 2013-February 2014.

A senior Russian security official says the United States spent $5 billion on a...

A senior Russian security official says the United States spent $5 billion on a "destabilization project in Ukraine" in order to "create an instrument to weaken Russia dramatically."

http://ift.tt/1SBO7ur


Russia's Patrushev Says U.S. Engineered Ukrainian 'Coup'
www.rferl.mobi
A senior Russian security official says the United States spent $5 billion on a "destabilization project in Ukraine" in order to "create an instrument to weaken Russia dramatically."

NATO, now in its seventh decade, is drawing up a “new playbook” to counter uncon...

NATO, now in its seventh decade, is drawing up a “new playbook” to counter unconventional Russian techniques that were employed in the 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, Carter said.

http://ift.tt/1MY9t1v


Putin Is a 'Malign Influence' in Eastern Europe: Carter
www.bloomberg.com
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world.

RT @tufkaa: Putin's Russia: Bringing you the lifestyle of the 17th century whether you like it or not https://t.co/tZ5puBB0Ij

RT @tufkaa: Putin's Russia: Bringing you the lifestyle of the 17th century whether you like it or not https://t.co/tZ5puBB0Ij Source:

Putin's Russia: Bringing you the lifestyle of the 17th century whether you like it or not https://t.co/tZ5puBB0Ij

— Andrij Dobriansky (@tufkaa) June 21, 2015

June 21, 2015 at 02:18PM
via IFTTT

"I don’t think Russian forces will withdraw from Donbas anytime soon. So long as...

"I don’t think Russian forces will withdraw from Donbas anytime soon. So long as they are there you cannot have normal rule of law there. The real game is the long term competition between trying to build a functional state which respects basic human rights and alternatives like Crimea and the separatist´s so called DNR and LNR, a competition about which one is better. The West should focus on how they can help Ukraine build a better democratic state. If we wait until they withdraw from southern and eastern Ukraine than we will never help this country."


Snyder: There will be no Maidan on Red square
dennikn.sk
Kremlin wants to disrupt the whole process of European integration of which Ukraine is only one example, says historian and Yale professor Timothy Snyder.

Some great moments from the Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival . More excitemen...

Some great moments from the Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival . More excitement today!

#Verizon #IllWatchAnythingButThis


Ukrainian Heritage Festival (2015)
www.flickr.com
The Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival is a three-day festival held on the grounds of St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church showcasing Ukrainian culture, art, dance, and history. Established in 1985, the event was the result of the Yonkers Branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (CYM)…

The Daily Signal was among the first foreign media outlets to embed with the reg...

The Daily Signal was among the first foreign media outlets to embed with the regular Ukrainian army during an eight-day period in Pisky from June 8-15, 2015—it was the first time a U.S. journalist embedded with the regular Ukrainian army in combat.

http://ift.tt/1fnjkU0


This is What the Ukraine War Looks Like
dailysignal.com
The Daily Signal was among the first foreign media outlets to embed with the regular Ukrainian army. Here's what the war looks like.

"As I understand things, the European Union is a way out of colonialism. The Eur...

"As I understand things, the European Union is a way out of colonialism. The European Union is a way out of inequality. The European Union is a way of treating states as equals. States that are able to join the European Union get certain rights. They get access to an internal market."

http://ift.tt/1JafOJo


Historian Timothy Snyder: 'History Is Always Plural'
www.rferl.mobi
Yale University historian Timothy Snyder speaks with RFE/RL about the interpretation and reinterpretation of the bloody 20th-century history of Eastern Europe, caught between Hitler's Germany an...

Senator McCain noted that the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of arming U...

Senator McCain noted that the U.S. Senate voted unanimously in favor of arming Ukraine. “We will urge President Barack Obama to implement the will of the Congress and that of the American people,” he said, arguing that the current reluctant support of Ukraine by the United States and Europe is “shameful and disgraceful”.

http://ift.tt/1CjAl6k


United States have to urgently provide provide defensive weapons, intelligence, economic...
uacrisis.org
United States have to urgently provide provide defensive weapons, intelligence, economic assistance to Ukraine – U.S. Senator John McCain

Like many Verizon subscribers, we were surprised to see a new commercial come ou...

Like many Verizon subscribers, we were surprised to see a new commercial come out today claiming to show an HD channel devoted to Ukrainian Folk Dance on its FiOS TV service.

This is nothing but false advertising. Our community has been demanding more high-quality folk dance in HD for years, and we can absolutely confirm that there exists no such service at this time.

If Verizon is truly interested in experiencing the best in Ukrainian culture, including Ukrainian Folk Dance in all of its full-color resolution, we can think of no better suggestion than for them to visit some of our communities across the US this summer, beginning tonight with:

JUNE 19-21: Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival (Yonkers, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1Gb1MRt

JUNE 21: St John’s Ukrainian Cultural and Heritage Festival (Wilmington, DELAWARE) http://ift.tt/1LkCFT1

JUNE 27: Assumption Ukrainian Cultural Festival (Perth Amboy, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1Gb1MRx

JUNE 27-28: XV Lemko Vatra USA (Ellenville, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1LkCIOv

JUNE 28: Ukrainian-American Night at Eisenhower Park (East Meadow, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1Gb1NVD

JULY 10-12: Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka (Kerhonkson, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1LkCG9f

JULY 15-19: North Dakota Ukrainian Festival (Dickinson, NORTH DAKOTA) USA http://ift.tt/1Gb1MRz

JULY 22-25: St. Mary's Ukie Fest (McKees Rocks, PENNSYLVANIA) www.ukiefestrox.com

JULY 24-25: Ukrainian Festival at St. John the Baptist (Syracuse, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1Gb1N7P

JULY 25: Ukrainian Village Festival (Parma, OHIO) http://ift.tt/1LkCIOF

JULY 26: Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Seminary Day (Primrose, PENNSYLVANIA) http://ift.tt/1LkCIOH

JULY 26: Holy Trinity Ukrainian Heritage Festival (Buffalo, NEW YORK) http://ift.tt/1Gb1ObU

(And that's just HALF of summer!)

We encourage everyone to go out and support their local Ukrainian organizations, and feel free to send along pictures of people enjoying Ukrainian culture wherever you find yourself.

**If we've left any festival off of this list, please share your festival with us so we can spread the word. Will list the rest of summer next month!

https://youtu.be/yC4TtqSdMFQ


Choose the Types of Channels You Want - FiOS Custom TV

FiOS Custom TV lets you pay for the types of channels you watch, not the ones you don’t. 100% Fiber Optics is here. Get Out of the Past. Get FiOS. Get Starte...

Speaking live from Ukraine this afternoon at 4:30p EDT will be Senators John McC...

Speaking live from Ukraine this afternoon at 4:30p EDT will be Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and John Barraso (R-WY)

http://ift.tt/1MSyY4g


Youtube Online Stream | Ukraine Crisis Media Center | UACRISIS.ORG
uacrisis.org
YouTube ENGYouTube UAVideo materials Andriy Lysenko: Pro-Russian militants fired at and jammed OSCE UAVs ATO Staff spokesman: Russia-backed militants break ceasefire 224 times in the last three days Andriy Lysenko: Pro-Russian militants shell Ukrainian positions from 122-mm and 152-mm artillery and…

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson said U.S. forces in the area are following accepted safe...

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson said U.S. forces in the area are following accepted safety practices to make sure that accidents are avoided but Russian bombers do not take basic safety measures to prevent dangers to commercial air travel.

http://ift.tt/1Ci2NWn


US official: Russian bombers threaten commercial air safety
www.northjersey.com
Russia's increasingly aggressive military flights near European airspace pose a risk to commercial air safety in the region's crowded skies, the commander of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said Friday.

Russia Update: State Media Assets Frozen After Kremlin Refuses to Pay $50b Damages in Yukos Case
http://ift.tt/1hjnwjw
Russian state media assets have been frozen abroad due to the Kremlin’s announcement that it refused to pay the $50 billion judgement in the YUKOS case. Welcome to our column, Russia Update, where we will be closely following day-to-day developments in Russia, including the Russian government’s fore…

http://ift.tt/1LfLL3l

Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations
http://twitter.com/Yuriy_Sergeyev/status/610826227188924416/photo/1/large?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=Yuriy_Sergeyev&utm_content=610826227188924416
дякую послу Пауер та послу Мурмокайте за підтримку кампанії за негайне звільнення Надіі Савченко! #FreeSavchenko http://t.co/OvFWIUmL6z

Russia is invading Ukraine. How do we know? Russian troops' selfies, among other things.
www.vox.com
How one journalist exposed Russia's "secret" invasion by tracking soldiers' social media.

"Ukraine should be provided with, at the very least, antitank missiles and other...

"Ukraine should be provided with, at the very least, antitank missiles and other defensive arms," Kasparov explained. "The main thing is to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the Ukrainian Army, and that will raise the stakes for Putin and his aggression."


Kasparov Says Putin Playing Poker, Not Chess
www.rferl.org
The West needs to get tougher with Moscow over the conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to leading Russian opposition figure and chess legend Garry Kasparov.

US, NATO warn of ‘dangerous’ Russian plan to grow nuclear arsenal
thehill.com
Vladimir Putin wants to add 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles to its arsenal.

Foes of sanctions against Russia -- led by Greece, but including countries such...

Foes of sanctions against Russia -- led by Greece, but including countries such as Austria and Hungary -- were neutralized by the decision of EU President Donald Tusk, a leader of the hardline camp since his time as Poland’s prime minister, to ram the decision through the permanent Brussels-based bureaucracy.

http://ift.tt/1KZ2PJH


EU Said to Extend Russia Sanctions Amid Elusive Peace in Ukraine
www.bloomberg.com
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world.

Енн Епплбаум: Російська пропаганда краще працює в маленьких країнах
osvita.mediasapiens.ua
Чи впливає освіченість особистості на вразливість до пропаганди, чому Захід пізно зреагував на інформаційні маніпуляції та чи реально підвищити медіаграмотність громадян — на ці та інші питання в інтерв’ю MediaSapiens розповіла колумністка Washington Post та лауреатка Пулітцерівської премії Енн Еппл…

Ambassador Samantha Power: "We see Russia – one of the permanent members of the...

Ambassador Samantha Power: "We see Russia – one of the permanent members
of the Council entrusted with “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace
and security” – trying to lop off territory of its neighbor Ukraine. I visited Ukraine just last week
in order to send a message of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and reaffirm our support for
their right to determine the course of Ukraine’s future."


Hearing: Advancing United States’ Interests at the United Nations | House Committee on Foreign...
foreignaffairs.house.gov
The Honorable Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative United States Mission to the United Nations U.S. Department of State[full text of statement]

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) is initiating a "Dear Colleague" letter to support the...

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) is initiating a "Dear Colleague" letter to support the proposed plan to send additional military weaponry to NATO allies in light of the continued assault and invasion of Ukraine by Russia and Russian-backed rebels. Below, please find a draft letter of support for this initiative addressed to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter.


Timeline Photos
'DEAR COLLEAGUE' LETTER TO SUPPORT ASSISTANCE TO #NATO ALLIES Provide Deterrent to #Russian Aggression in #Ukraine June 16, 2015 Dear Friends of Ukraine, Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-9) is initiating a "Dear Colleague" letter to support the proposed plan to send additional military weaponry to NATO allies in light of the continued assault and invasion of Ukraine by Russia and Russian-backed rebels. Media sources indicate that additional military assistance would be provided to Baltic and Eastern European NATO countries to deter against further Russian aggression in the region. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter needs to approve the proposed additional military assistance to our NATO allies. The decision would be expected in advance of the June 24-25 NATO defense ministerial meeting in Brussels. Below, please find a draft letter to Secretary of Defense Carter. Your support of the "Dear Colleague" letter would be greatly appreciated. Signatures will be collected until COB Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Please communicate with Dylan Sodaro in Rep Pascrell's office at 202 225-5751. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Letter Text Dear Defense Secretary Carter, In light of Russia’s continued violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we believe the United States must act to reassure our NATO allies, such as Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, who are unnerved by Russia's intervention in Ukraine and to deter further aggression. It is our worry that Russia will try and destabilize the region to test the level of NATO's commitment of collective defense. In order to protect, our allies NATO's deterrence must involve a real military presence in the region. As a result, we respectfully ask you bolster support for the six regional command-and-control centers in order to reinforce the defenses of our allies. It is clear that Russia's actions have escalated the conflict in Ukraine in violation of the Minsk Agreements. Russia is continuing to send uninspected convoys of cargo trucks, weapons, and soldiers into eastern Ukraine, which has contributed to the deaths of at least 6,350 people, including 625 women and children, and an estimated 2 million displaced people. We worry that Russia talks of peace, but keeps fueling the conflict and that we cannot trust President Putin’s at his word, which is why we need to support our NATO allies in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. As the administration continues to weigh providing Ukraine with the defensive military assistance Congress has authorized, we respectfully urge you to provide the increase in support and equipment that our NATO allies need for training and exercises in order to defend against further Russian aggression in the region. These efforts will bolster the efforts of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, which has the support of Germany, Spain, Britain, France, Italy and Poland and was designed to ensure NATO is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to new security challenges after President Putin’s annexed Crimea and continued involvement in eastern Ukraine. Sincerely,

The administration argues that the provision to arm Ukraine with lethal weapons...

The administration argues that the provision to arm Ukraine with lethal weapons “forces the hand” of President Obama on a foreign policy decision that “should rest with the Executive Branch.” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), however, has rejected that notion, saying, “The NDAA doesn’t force the president to provide lethal assistance to Ukraine...Trust me, if there were a way to do that, it would be in the bill.”


Push to arm Ukraine roars back in Senate
thehill.com
Senators are adopting a new tactic in their push to arm Ukraine.

Chairman Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) pushes for new assistance to #Europe and #Ukraine in FY16 Defense Appropriat… http://t.co/6SIN52MHTb

Chairman Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) pushes for new assistance to #Europe and #Ukraine in FY16 Defense Appropriat… http://t.co/6SIN52MHTb Source:

Chairman Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) pushes for new assistance to #Europe and #Ukraine in FY16 Defense Appropriat… http://t.co/6SIN52MHTb

— UCCA (@UkrCongComAm) June 16, 2015

June 16, 2015 at 11:00AM
via IFTTT

June 16, 2015 at 10:52AM

Chairman Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) pushes for new assistance to #Europe and #Ukraine in FY16 Defense Appropriations bill, #RussiaInvadedUkraine June 15, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), continued his advocacy on behalf of Ukraine by including in the Fiscal Year 2016 Defense Appropriations bill nearly a $1 billion to counter Russian aggression in eastern Europe. “The United States has already provided significant “non-lethal” assistance to the Ukraine government as they battle Russian aggression,” said Chairman Frelinghuysen. “Ukraine’s leaders have personally appealed to us for defensive ‘lethal’ weaponry to help them defend their own territory from the Russian onslaught. It’s about time the President and our military leaders help Ukraine react seriously to the Russian threat” H.R. 2685 includes funding important to the Ukrainian military and our NATO allies: · $789.3 million is provided in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) accounts of Title 9, the Global War on Terrorism fund for the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI). This funding builds on the resources that Appropriations Committee provided last year to shore up the defenses of NATO members and our non-NATO partners in the region that feel most threatened by Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine. This funding will support increased military capability, presence, readiness, and responsiveness to deter further destabilization in central and eastern Europe. Efforts include an increased U.S. military presence in Europe and additional bilateral and multilateral exercises and training opportunities with allies and partners. · The bill also provides an additional $200 million for further training, equipment, lethal weapons of a defensive nature, logistics support, supplies and services, and sustainment of the military and national security forces of Ukraine. This funding will be used to secure the sovereign territory of Ukraine against foreign aggressors, protect and defend the Ukrainian people from attacks posed by Russian-backed separatists, and promote the conditions for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict. “This funding will reassure our European allies that we are committed to fighting Russian aggression in Ukraine and throughout Europe,” said Frelinghuysen. “It will further demonstrate that the United States’ commitment to Europe and our NATO allies and partners remains unshakable.”
http://ift.tt/1Aclsl1

Chairman Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) pushes for new assistance to #Europe and #...

Chairman Frelinghuysen (@USRepRodney) pushes for new assistance to #Europe and #Ukraine in FY16 Defense Appropriations bill, #RussiaInvadedUkraine
June 15, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), continued his advocacy on behalf of Ukraine by including in the Fiscal Year 2016 Defense Appropriations bill nearly a $1 billion to counter Russian aggression in eastern Europe.
“The United States has already provided significant “non-lethal” assistance to the Ukraine government as they battle Russian aggression,” said Chairman Frelinghuysen. “Ukraine’s leaders have personally appealed to us for defensive ‘lethal’ weaponry to help them defend their own territory from the Russian onslaught. It’s about time the President and our military leaders help Ukraine react seriously to the Russian threat”
H.R. 2685 includes funding important to the Ukrainian military and our NATO allies:
· $789.3 million is provided in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) accounts of Title 9, the Global War on Terrorism fund for the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI). This funding builds on the resources that Appropriations Committee provided last year to shore up the defenses of NATO members and our non-NATO partners in the region that feel most threatened by Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine. This funding will support increased military capability, presence, readiness, and responsiveness to deter further destabilization in central and eastern Europe. Efforts include an increased U.S. military presence in Europe and additional bilateral and multilateral exercises and training opportunities with allies and partners.
· The bill also provides an additional $200 million for further training, equipment, lethal weapons of a defensive nature, logistics support, supplies and services, and sustainment of the military and national security forces of Ukraine. This funding will be used to secure the sovereign territory of Ukraine against foreign aggressors, protect and defend the Ukrainian people from attacks posed by Russian-backed separatists, and promote the conditions for a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.
“This funding will reassure our European allies that we are committed to fighting Russian aggression in Ukraine and throughout Europe,” said Frelinghuysen. “It will further demonstrate that the United States’ commitment to Europe and our NATO allies and partners remains unshakable.”

New report highlights: the de facto government period has intensified the repres...

New report highlights: the de facto government period has intensified the repression on the Crimean Tatars as the government pursued a policy of isolation and discrediting prominent figures of the Crimean Tatar community and the members of the Mejlis, raiding their homes and systematically calling them in for questioning.

Interviewed Crimean Tatars confirmed that armed paramilitary forces which were active during the invasion and annexation periods, were important actors in human rights violations following the annexation.

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Report shows Russian violation of Crimean Tatars' rights
www.aa.com.tr
Unofficial delegation from Turkey discovers serious human rights breaches against Crimean Tatars since Russia annexed the peninsula

Since taking office, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) has been vocal on U.S. foreign pol...

Since taking office, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) has been vocal on U.S. foreign policy both in the Ukraine/Russia conflict, and in the Middle East. In a recent op-ed for Foreign Affairs, he joined other senators to advocate for new foreign policy principles.


Chris Murphy: Connecticut's International Affairs Senator
wnpr.org
Since taking office, Sen. Chris Murphy has been vocal on U.S. foreign policy both in the Ukraine/Russia conflict, and in the Middle East. In a recent op-ed

Alina Stadnik Makhynia of Ukraine celebrates victory in the Women's...
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Alina Stadnik Makhynia of Ukraine celebrates victory in the Women's Freestyle 69kg Wrestling Final during day three of the Baku 2015 European Games at Heydar Aliyev Arena on June 15, 2015 in Baku,...

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Latvijas ukraiņu kongress. Конгрес українців Латвії.

День ПАМ’ЯТІ. Ми-РАЗОМ!14 червня 1941 року 15424 громадянина Латвії, з яких більше половини дітей було депортовано в Сибір...

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Сьогодні разом із паном Ічікавою, Віце-президентом Агентства міжнародного співробітництва Японії (JICA), підписали кредитну угоду для «Проекту модернізації Бортницької станції аерації» на 108.193 млрд єн (близько $870 млн. за поточним курсом чи близько $1,1 млрд за курсом на дату оголошення про надання кредиту). Цей Проект поліпшить життя близько 3 млн. громадян України. З японським фінансуванням, технологіями і обладнанням ми відновимо і модернізуємо застарілі споруди станції і розбудуємо нові системи аерації. Виконання цього проекту допоможе нам протистояти терміновим екологічним викликам і підвищить енергоефективність. Дана Угода є лише частиною фінансової підтримки України з боку Японії на загальну суму $1.5 млрд. У 2014 році, Японія надала Україні $100 млн. бюджетної підтримки, а у 2015 році оголосила про збільшення цієї підтримки ще на $300 млн, в рамках спільного зі Світовим Банком проекту «Позика для Політики Розвитку». Ці $400 млн. допоможуть Україні задовольнити нагальні фіскальні потреби, стабілізувати економіку країни та відповісти на існуючі виклики через здійснення реформ. Дякуємо народові Японії за підтримку! We have signed today with Mr. Masakazu Ichikawa, Vice-President the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) a Loan Agreement for the ‘BortnychiSewage Treatment Plant Modernization Project’ worth ¥108.193 billion (approximately $870 million at current exchange rates or $1.1 bln at the exchange rate on the date of announcement).This Agreement will improve the lives of some 3 million people in Ukraine. We will use Japanese finance, technology and equipment to rebuild and modernize the plant’s aging facilities, and develop new aeration systems. In doing so, this project will help us face the urgent environmental challenges, and improve energy efficiency. This Loan is just one pillar of Japanese financial support for Ukraine, which totals as much as $1.5 billion. In 2014, Japan provided $100 mln of fiscal support and in 2015 this support was increased by additional $300 mln tied to the World Bank’s 'Development Policy Loan (DPL)'. These 400 million will help Ukraine meet its urgent budget needs, stabilize the economy of the country, and tackle current challenges through the introduction of reform policies. We thank the Japanese people for their generosity and support!

Wroclaw Global Forum - Plenary Panel 6 Ukraine Reform in a Time of War?

Plenary Panel 6 Ukraine Reform in a Time of War?

VIDEO: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko urged top-level talks over a $3 bil...

VIDEO: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko urged top-level talks over a $3 billion Russian loan to his country, labeling the cash a “bribe” sealed by his ousted predecessor.
Poroshenko said the money was provided to keep Ukraine in Russia’s orbit and out of a European Union trade pact, though he stopped short of saying his government won’t repay it. He blamed Vladimir Putin for destabilizing Ukraine, saying the Russian leader lives in “a different universe.”


There’s ‘No Winner’ in Eastern Ukraine Conflict, President Says
www.bloomberg.com
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world.

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— UCCA (@UkrCongComAm) June 15, 2015

June 15, 2015 at 12:25PM
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— UCCA (@UkrCongComAm) June 15, 2015

June 15, 2015 at 12:04PM
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McCain: Not Arming Ukraine: One Of the Most Shameful Chapters In American Histor...

McCain: Not Arming Ukraine: One Of the Most Shameful Chapters In American History @buzzfeednews http://bzfd.it/1IFrmRI


McCain: Not Arming Ukrainians "One Of The Most Shameful Chapters In American History"
www.buzzfeed.com
"The Ukrainians aren't asking for American boots on the ground, they're just asking for weapons to defend themselves."

McCain: Not Arming Ukraine: One Of Most Shameful Chapters In American History @buzzfeednews http://t.co/1zTEtfBecs http://t.co/aZLsMk6EUQ

McCain: Not Arming Ukraine: One Of Most Shameful Chapters In American History @buzzfeednews http://t.co/1zTEtfBecs http://t.co/aZLsMk6EUQ Source:

McCain: Not Arming Ukraine: One Of Most Shameful Chapters In American History @buzzfeednews http://t.co/1zTEtfBecs http://pic.twitter.com/aZLsMk6EUQ

— UCCA (@UkrCongComAm) June 15, 2015

June 15, 2015 at 11:54AM
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During the next decade, the United States should lead a broader conversation abo...

During the next decade, the United States should lead a broader conversation about the vast and growing challenges from foreign computer espionage, which is entering new levels of sophistication, as well as peddlers of disinformation from Russia, China and elsewhere who have become far more adept at influencing our own political debates, and in sowing chaos. Equally, America needs allies in the Western struggle against international corruption that is undermining the political independence of many weaker Western states. The Justice Department’s dismembering of FIFA made an interesting case study: Why not apply the same energy and thoroughness to the money-laundering operations that have enriched so many oligarchs all over the world — as well as their Western partners?


America’s foreign policy recovery
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If the next president wants the U.S. to lead the West again, radical reform is in order.

RT @providnyk: RT @VictorKvert2008 http://t.co/Pi582tsKiB

RT @providnyk: RT @VictorKvert2008 http://t.co/Pi582tsKiB Source:

RT @VictorKvert2008 http://pic.twitter.com/Pi582tsKiB

— Zaebok (@providnyk) June 14, 2015

June 14, 2015 at 06:19PM
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It would be the most prominent of a series of moves the United States and NATO h...

It would be the most prominent of a series of moves the United States and NATO have taken to bolster forces in the region and send a clear message of resolve to allies and to Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, that the United States would defend the alliance’s members closest to the Russian frontier.

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U.S. Poised to Put Heavy Weaponry in East Europe
mobile.nytimes.com
The proposal, if approved, would represent the first time since the end of the Cold War that the United States has stationed heavy military equipment in Eastern Europe.

European Parliament demands Hague Tribunal to examine case of annexation of Crim...

European Parliament demands Hague Tribunal to examine case of annexation of Crimea and Donbas http://bit.ly/1GBsbgU


European Parliament demands Hague Tribunal to examine case of annexation of Crimea and Donbas
joinfo.com
The European Parliament adopted a tough resolution with regard to the annexation of Crimea and the war in the east of Ukraine waged by Russia.

European Parliament demands Hague Tribunal to examine case of annexation of Crimea and Donbas http://t.co/u24GxfOqvV http://t.co/x9lDoxtGZ4

European Parliament demands Hague Tribunal to examine case of annexation of Crimea and Donbas http://t.co/u24GxfOqvV http://t.co/x9lDoxtGZ4 Source:

European Parliament demands Hague Tribunal to examine case of annexation of Crimea and Donbas http://t.co/u24GxfOqvV http://pic.twitter.com/x9lDoxtGZ4

— UCCA (@UkrCongComAm) June 12, 2015

June 12, 2015 at 01:00AM
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2015 UCCA Supports Senator Portman’s NDAA Amendments New York, NY (UCCA) – The Ukr… http://t.co/1ogiwFeGfq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2015 UCCA Supports Senator Portman’s NDAA Amendments New York, NY (UCCA) – The Ukr… http://t.co/1ogiwFeGfq Source:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2015 UCCA Supports Senator Portman’s NDAA Amendments New York, NY (UCCA) – The Ukr… http://pic.twitter.com/1ogiwFeGfq

— UCCA (@UkrCongComAm) June 12, 2015

June 11, 2015 at 08:27PM
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2015 UCCA Supports Senator Portman’s NDAA Amendm...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2015
UCCA Supports Senator Portman’s NDAA Amendments

New York, NY (UCCA) – The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), the nation’s largest representation of Americans of Ukrainian descent, applauds the inclusion of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016. The UCCA has repeatedly called for the United States to provide defensive lethal assistance to Ukraine, and the legislative recognition of continued Russian
aggression in Ukraine gives us hope that the United States will begin addressing the growing national security threats around the world. Authorizing $300 million of new military assistance to Ukraine, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative builds upon the congressional support Ukraine received in 2014 with the passage of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act.

However, as President Obama has repeatedly blocked military assistance to Ukraine, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America commends the leadership of Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a staunch supporter of the people of Ukraine and co-founder of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, who is introducing further amendments to the NDAA which would help the U.S. better assist Ukrainians as they defend their sovereignty:

• Amendment 1850 directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a number of critical defense capabilities to Ukraine, including real-time intelligence, counter-artillery radars, defensive lethal assistance, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), secure communications, and the necessary training to develop key combat, planning, and support capabilities.

• Amendment 1497 requires an assessment of U.S. and NATO efforts in eastern Ukraine for the U.S. military based on lessons learned from the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by the Russians and separatists. It would study the implications of the conflict in Ukraine for the U.S. military.

• A further amendment would require the State Department to submit to Congress a list of all applications for

export licenses for military equipment and assistance to Ukraine with status updates every three months. This reporting requirement would expire ONLY when the President certifies that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine has been restored.

We applaud Senator Portman’s efforts and urge all supporters of Ukraine to contact their Senators and advocate for passage of these three amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016. Time is of the essence, and in the words of Senator Portman, "Russian aggression in Ukraine won't just go away or resolve itself simply because we wish it to.” Without critical legislation like the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the
credibility of the U.S. commitment to uphold the postwar order is in doubt. Help us help Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression and restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Founded in 1940 to provide authoritative information about the plight of Ukrainians, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America has a long history of actively pursuing issues which affect the Ukrainian American community and Ukraine. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the UCCA redirected its efforts toward supporting Ukraine's democratic development and encouraging free-market reform while working to strengthen bilateral relations between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Timeline Photos
Hosted Ukrainian Prime Minister Yatsenyuk at the Capitol yesterday to discuss how the U.S. can help assist Ukraine as they fight to secure their borders and defend their sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression.

Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power in Kyiv today, Permanent Representative of...

Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power in Kyiv today, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN https://youtu.be/nmK0W6WBa8Y


Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN

October Palace, International Center of Culture and Arts, Kyiv, Ukraine

Timeline Photos
"Now, if the Maidan of 2013 and 2014 was about claiming your right to a genuinely democratic government, the task before you in 2015 and beyond is implementing the reforms needed to achieve Ukraine’s transformation. It is about moving from demanding change to actually making change." — @[1445226922378411:274:Ambassador Samantha Power] at the October Palace in Kyiv Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/user/USEmbassyKyiv