Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) review the Russian fleet in Sevastopol May 9, 2014.
Putin In Crimea In First Visit Since Annexation -- Voice of America
President Vladimir Putin declared his country is now stronger with the annexation of Crimea during his first visit to the region to mark the anniversary of the World War II victory over Nazi Germany.
"I am sure that 2014 will go into the annals of our whole country as the year when the nations living here firmly decided to be together with Russia, affirming fidelity to the historical truth and the memory of our ancestors,'' said Putin during a brief speech in the port city of Sevastopol, according to Reuters news agency.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria regime troops take full control of Homs. Deal breakdown leaves 270 rebels trapped in Syria's Homs.
UN chemical weapons chief: Last of Syria's stockpile inaccessible.
Yemen's defense minister escapes assassination attempt by al Qaeda: security source.
Iran, six powers hold 'useful' nuclear talks; agreement elusive.
Palestinians: Peace talks can continue, despite unity deal.
Hamas executes two men in Gaza as spies for Israel.
‘Prisoner of conscience’: Saudi blogger gets 10 years, 1000 lashes for ‘insulting Islam’.
Budget-strapped Israeli military banks on future US aid.
ASIA
Taliban promise renewed offensive as NATO leaves Afghanistan.
Vietnam and China ships 'collide in South China Sea'. Vietnam accuses China of ramming vessels in S. China Sea.
Vietnam escalates dispute with China over oil rig.
China blames U.S. for stoking tensions in South China Sea.
China faces widening threat of attacks.
Bangkok braces for renewed conflict.
'Election' massacres of Muslims darken India immigration debate.
South Korean ferry owner formally arrested.
North Korea unleashes racist slurs against Obama.
Crashed drones were North Korean spy effort, South Korean officials say.
AFRICA
South Africa election: ANC wins huge victory.
Nigeria's president vows to defeat Boko Haram.
Abduction vaults Boko Haram leader into headlines. Waging war in Nigeria, and seeking new battlegrounds.
U.S. prepares to dispatch small team to Nigeria to assist in search for kidnapped girls. Nigeria abductions: US and UK experts help seek schoolgirls.
UN report details S. Sudan abuses.
South Sudan's Kiir in Ethiopia for talks with rebel leader.
CAR violence keeps villagers in fear for their lives.
Warlord Kony hiding in disputed South Sudan enclave-U.N..
Egypt's Sisi turns Islam on the Islamists.
EUROPE
Ukraine crisis: Vladimir Putin visits annexed Crimea.
Putin marks victory in Crimea as Ukraine violence flares.
Putin tests combat readiness as Ukraine separatists press on.
Putin to meet Obama, Merkel at WWII Normandy landing anniversary in France.
Ukrainian troops storm eastern police HQ, building ablaze. Ukraine says Special Op to continue regardless of referendum decision.
Russia says Ukraine has sent 15,000 troops to border.
U.S. administration threatens expanded sanctions if Ukraine referendum goes forward.
Angela Merkel issues warning to Moscow in toughest remarks yet.
Gazprom: Ukraine fails to pay its April gas bill. Kiev refuses to acknowledge $3.5Bln gas debt to Russia.
G7: Europe stuck with Russian gas dependence.
Russia says it has expanded sanctions against the US and Canada.
NATO experts advise Ukraine on nuclear plant safety.
EU's Barroso says Europe divided over Ukraine crisis.
AMERICAS
US lawmakers focus on America's response to Ukraine crisis.
U.S. lawmakers want Venezuela sanctions; Administration says not now.
Venezuelan policeman killed in Caracas violence. Venezuelan security forces break up protest camps.
Campaign chief for Colombian president resigns.
Water rationing begins in Venezuela amid drought.
Brazil's Rousseff drops in new election poll, rivals gain.
Mexico's Tamaulipas state intelligence chief killed.
Colombia: Hacker tried to sabotage peace talks.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Even Al Qaeda decries Nigerian schoolgirl kidnappings, as 276 still go missing.
Hook-handed cleric reveals how he lost forearms at Manhattan terrorism trial.
Boston Marathon Bombing: Tsarnaev lawyers seek to suppress statements.
White House to provide lawmakers access to drone memo authorizing killing of American.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Publicis-Omnicom $35bn merger deal called off.
'Central Asia and Africa may take place of Switzerland and Singapore as offshore banking havens'.
Apple 'in talks' to buy Beats for $3.2bn.