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Russian parliament calls on Putin to recognize self-proclaimed Donbas republics
Deputies of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, adopted a resolution calling on the Russian President to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's republics. During a vote on Tuesday, February 15, the Russian MPs approved the declaration prepared by the Russian Communist Party, which is expected to be sent directly to Vladimir Putin. 351 deputies voted in favor for the declaration, 16 were against and one abstained.
The deputies also considered a …
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Ukrainian Ambassador to UK: Ukraine may choose not to join NATO to avoid Russian invasion
Ukraine may abandon its goal of joining NATO if it helps to avoid war with Russia, said Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, in an interview with BBC radio.
"Especially under threat, we can be pushed to do this. We are flexible in finding the best way out. If we have to make any serious concessions, this is what we could do," Prystaiko said.
The diplomat stressed that Kyiv has been pushed towards making such a decision for a long time, including by "voices from NATO." "The …
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Air traffic over Ukraine shutting down as Russia prepares to invade
Western insurance companies are refusing to insure airlines flying over the territory of Ukraine, practically closing the sky over the country.
The Ukrainian news outlet Strana.ua reports, citing sources in the insurance market, that on Sunday the largest British insurance companies, which reinsure other insurers, sent out a notice that within 48 hours insurance coverage for flights going to and out of Ukraine will not be provided.
"Not a single plane will fly to or out of Ukraine starting …
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Russia begins large-scale naval drills in Black Sea
Russia has begun large-scale exercise of the Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea.
The press service of the Black Sea Fleet said that 30 ships are taking part in the naval exercises to practice the defense of the annexed peninsula.
"More than 30 ships of the Black Sea Fleet left the ports of Sevastopol and Novorossiysk according to the exercise plan," the press service of the Black Sea fleet said in a statement.
Frigates, patrol and small missile ships, missile boats, amphibious and small anti- …
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Russian diplomats begin leaving Ukraine
Diplomats and employees of Russian consulates began to leave Ukraine, an informed source told RIA Novosti. According to him, Moscow is taking such a step "amid the evacuation officially announced by a number of Western countries."
"Ukrainian citizens report that Russian diplomats and consular officers in Ukraine began to leave for Russia. This is evidenced by the difficulties when making an appointment at the consulates and the embassy," he said.
TASS reported that diplomats in the Russian …