Moscow, Russia | AFP | The situation in Syria is deteriorating, the Russian military said Saturday, blaming rebels for stepping up attacks and saying the United States would be responsible if the current ceasefire broke down. “The situation in Syria is worsening,” said Russian General Vladimir Savchenko in a briefing …
Read More »Doping: WADA urges Russia to stop hacks of top athletes
Montreal, Canada | AFP | The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) called on Russia to help stop the hacking of its computer systems as medical records of 25 more athletes including three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome were revealed on Thursday. The Kremlin reacted immediately by saying it was ready …
Read More »FBI probing possible Russian hack of US newsrooms: CNN
Washington, United States | AFP | Hackers with apparent ties to Russia have conducted a series of cyber attacks on US media outlets including the New York Times, CNN reported Tuesday. The FBI and other US law enforcement agencies are examining the breaches, US officials told CNN, and investigators believe …
Read More »Putin and Erdogan pledge reset after diplomatic rift
Saint Petersburg, RUSSIAN FEDERATION | AFP | Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday pledged to reinvigorate ties after their first meeting since Ankara shot down a Russian warplane last November. Erdogan’s visit to Putin’s hometown of Saint Petersburg is also his first foreign trip …
Read More »Russian breaks round-the-world hot air balloon record
Sydney, Australia | AFP | Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov on Saturday broke the record for the fastest round-the-world flight in a hot air balloon, his crew said. Flight coordinator John Wallington said Konyukhov, who took off from Western Australia on July 12, had successfully flown the route by Saturday afternoon …
Read More »Olympics: IOC delays Russia ban decision for CAS ruling
Lausanne, Switzerland | AFP | The International Olympic Committee barred Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko from the Rio Games and withdrew backing for international events in Russia over a state-run doping programme, but delayed ruling on a complete ban on the country until after a key court case on Thursday. …
Read More »Russia doping state-dictated with secret service backing: report
Russia operated a state-dictated doping system during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and other events, an independent investigator said Monday in a report likely to lead to demands for Russia to be completely banned from the Rio Games. Canadian law professor Richard McLaren said Russia’s FSB secret service had backed …
Read More »‘Serious’ doubts over Russian, Kenyan athletes – IOC chief
Lausanne, Switzerland | AFP | Deficiencies in the anti-doping systems in Russia and Kenya have created doubts about the presumption of innocence for athletes from both countries, the Olympics chief said Tuesday. “Because of the (World Anti-Doping Agency) non-compliance declaration of Kenya and Russia and the related substantial allegations, the …
Read More »DOPING: Russian track and field athletes thrown out of Rio
Moscow, Russia | AFP | World athletics’ governing body IAAF has ruled to maintain Russia’s suspension, a top Russian athletics official confirmed Friday, TASS news agency reported. “I can confirm, the suspension is upheld,” Mikhail Butov, general secretary of the Russian athletics federation, told TASS. “I cannot give any more …
Read More »Bale not England’s only worry, says Rooney
Marseille, France | AFP | Wayne Rooney insists England will not focus on Gareth Bale’s threat when they look to bounce back in Euro 2016 against Wales on Thursday. England were stunned by a late equaliser by Russia in Marseille in their opening Group B match. England centre back Gary …
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