Washington Post
Moscow correspondent in Moscow for the Washington Post
PROFILE
Will Englund
Guest
FROM Will Englund
To the Point
Russia Makes Threatening Moves in Crimea Russian state media have issued threatening warnings today, which have subsequently been contested by the country's diplomatic officials. But Vladimir Putin has had nothing public to say, and officials of the new government in Ukraine are warning about the prospect of an invasion. If Russia does intend to forcefully take control of Crimea, it would violate international laws on territorial integrity. Already, the western powers have threatened various ways to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically. Does Vladimir Putin care?
To the Point
Ukraine: the Man in the Middle Geographically, Ukraine is midway between the liberal democracies of the European Union and the authoritarian oligarchies of the former Soviet Union. It's also in-between economically and politically and, in recent weeks, tensions have led to increasingly violent protests. Over the weekend elected President Victor Yanukovich made strategic concessions , but they weren't good enough for angry demonstrators, who are calling on him to step down. In Kiev and other cities around the country, they've occupied government buildings, and police seem unable to enforce new laws designed to crackdown on dissenters. How long can it last? Is there a risk of civil war? What are the stakes for Russia's Vladimir Putin? What about the US and the consequences for the global economy?
To the Point
Ukrainian Government Tracking Protesters through Cellphones In Ukraine, protests over new laws restricting free speech and assembly are turning violent. It appears that one side or the other may soon put an end to the standoff. That's according to Will Englund who's in Kiev for the Washington Post .
Which Way, L.A.?
Suicide Bombings as Russia Prepares for Olympics Two deadly bombings have struck the southern Russian city of Volgograd in the past two days, leaving at least 31 people dead and as many as 70 wounded in what appear to be suicide attacks. Although Volgograd is hundreds of miles away from the site of the February Olympics in Sochi, the violence has raised concerns about terrorism at the Games. Sunday's explosion took place at the main train station. Today's blast destroyed a trolley during the morning rush hour. Will England is Moscow correspondent for the Washington Post .
To the Point
Suicide Bombings as Russia Prepares for Olympics Two deadly bombings have struck the southern Russian city of Volgograd in the past two days, leaving at least 31 people dead and as many as 70 wounded in what appear to be suicide attacks. Although Volgograd is hundreds of miles away from the site of the February Olympics in Sochi, the violence has raised concerns about terrorism at the Games. Sunday's explosion took place at the main train station. Today's blast destroyed a trolley during the morning rush hour. Will England is Moscow correspondent for the Washington Post .
To the Point
Meteor Crashes to the Earth in Russia's Ural Mountains Today a huge asteroid is passing close to Earth without incident, but a smaller one streaked across the sky over Russia, creating an ongoing shock wave, causing extensive damage and injuring 980 people before crashing into the City of Chekyabinsk in the Ural Mountains.
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Left, Right & Center
President Trump: US to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord Trump says he was elected to serve Pittsburgh, not Paris.
To the Point
Ex-FBI Director Comey tells his side of the story Today, former FBI Director James Comey came close to calling the President who fired him a liar. The White House denied the claim and called it insulting, but Republican Senators did not challenge Comey’s truthfulness. Many questions remain: did the President try to obstruct a federal investigation? Later, we’ll go behind the “velvet rope” for a look at 5-Star health care for the richest Americans.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?