Evangelical groups fear “legitimisation of persecution”. 3,000 Baptist churches write to Putin: “If the country’s laws are in conflict with the Bible… Christians will always take the biblical position”.

The Rada parliament voted by a sound majority to give more autonomy to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, currently under control of pro-Russian groups.

France and the Czech Republic stand out as countries where extramarital affairs, abortion and homosexuality are largely accepted. 

USA plans to deploy battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons in ally countries bordering with Russia. 

The report tells of the takeover of Crimea by Russian troops in February 2014 and their deployment to aid separatists in eastern Ukraine.

“The Russian Orthodox Church works tirelessly to bring unity and to educate the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism”, Putin said.

Evangelical politician Turchynov (head of the national Security Council) sets sights on joining NATO. Russia and Ukraine agreed new arms withdrawal.

Baikal contains 20% of the world’s fresh water. If the lake's level drops below 456 metres, it could cause irreversible harm to the ecosystem.

Strong reactions from world leaders asking Russia for an “impartial investigation”. Nemtsov was assassinated hours before an anti-Putin rally in Moscow.

The Ukraine-Russia agreement includes the removal of heavy weapons and the release of all prisoners.

First prize goes to a photo supporting the LGBT movement in Russia. Immigration, Ebola and European demonstrations were also highlighted by the jury. 

Germany and France join in to close a peace deal in Minsk. Civilians seek refuge across Russian border. More than 5,000 killed in the conflict.

Since the New Year, 118 civilians (7 of them children) have died in Ukraine. Pro-Russian rebels try to build an army of 100,000. Obama is considering sending defensive arms to help Ukrainian forces.

It is impossible to end the war by symmetrical lies, even if this lies are driven by noble motives. Only truth can stop the enmity. We have had enough of fulminates where clean water was only one of the ingredients. The audience is thirsty for clear water.

Updated: Attack killed 13 people. A few hours before, Foreign ministers of Ukraine and Russia had agreed to pull back artillery from front lines. So far, 5,000 have lost their lives in this conflict.

In a purely symbolic but still unsettling move, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has moved the minute hand on its Doomsday Clock two minutes closer to midnight. 

The Novomedia International Congress gathered 40 speakers, including Russian journalists. Professionals with outstanding coverage on Christian values were awarded.

A Christianity Today article suggests most of evangelical leaders in Russia whole-heartedly support their president's action. Evangelical journalists and ministry workers in Ukraine see Putin as the biggest threat to peace in the region.

In God’s purposes, death is not the final word. Responding to the shock of the tragedy in Arusha and the outrage of Navalny’s death, we must choose to trust that God has a ‘good reason’.