Politics
Biden, Putin speak on phone amid increased tensions over Ukraine, NATO
The phone call was the second in three weeks between the two leaders
Politics
Russian opposition leader Navalny calls for protests, calls Putin 'insane czar'
"Each arrested person must be replaced by two newcomers," he stated
Law Enforcement
Italian authorities investigate yacht believed to be Putin's
According to the ship’s captain, Guy Bennett-Pearce, Italian investigators boarded the 459-foot vessel named ‘The Scheherazade’ at the Italian port of Marina di Carrara and demanded proof of ownership
Politics
Putin raises nuclear alert level to 'special combat readiness'
According to widespread news reports, the Kremlin has raised Russia’s alert level of nuclear status getting the attention of U.S. and NATO allies
Politics
Putin lays out demands for peace in Ukraine
According to Erdogan’s leading advisor Ibrahim Kalin, the Kremlin’s demands of Kyiv appear to be similar to what have been previously asked – but also include “face-saving” elements” for the Russian side
Politics
Putin recruits Syrian mercenaries as Russian ground forces falter
These war-hardened soldiers are expected to support the Russian armed forces as the Kremlin prepares to attempt to take Kyiv, where Ukrainian armed forces and civilian fighters are expected to fall back on guerrilla-style urban warfare to push back the invading force
Politics
Putin breaks 7-year-old cease fire, recognizes Ukrainian separatist regions
Although the Kremlin still denies any plan to attack its neighbor, the recognition of the rebel-held areas could pave the way for Moscow to send military forces into the two separatist regions
Business
Putin demands gas payments be made in rubles by April 1
"If such payments are not made, we will consider this a default on the part of buyers, with all the ensuing consequences. Nobody sells us anything for free, and we are not going to do charity either - that is, existing contracts will be stopped"