Topic: Sevastopol

Columbus Day: What's open, what's closed, what's happening?

True, it's not the most exciting holiday on the calendar. It's not even observed in every state, which means Columbus Day comes with a lot of confusion about practical matters, such as what's open and what's not. Here's your practical guide to Columbus Day.

Why Russia is blocking international action against Syria

Russia has a strong financial stake in the survival of the Assad regime. But it also opposes Western intervention on principle – particularly in the wake of NATO's Libya campaign.

California marijuana street fair fuels debate over legalization

The International Cannabis & Hemp Expo outside Oakland City Hall this weekend includes a spot where medical marijuana cardholders can light up – another round in the fight over legalization.

Ukraine's trial of Yulia Tymoshenko backfires

Unkrainian President Viktor Yanukovych appears to have miscalculated the political consequences of bringing a corruption case against his rival, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

With Ukraine's blessing, Russia to beef up its Black Sea Fleet

Moscow's upgrade to its Black Sea Fleet – headquartered with Ukraine's blessing at Sevastopol – could make waves around the Black Sea, where NATO has a strong presence.

Notes on the Underground

A little book on the origins of the names of stations on London's Tube prompts the Monitor's language columnist to consider the magic of place names.

Russia is getting its 'sphere' back

Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia – Russia is making progress in keeping its neighbors within its 'sphere of influence.'

Why Russia covets the Black Sea naval base of Sevastopol

Ukraine recently agreed to extend Russia's naval base lease for its Black Sea Fleet until 2042. One visit to Sevastopol, the port in Ukraine where the fleet is based, and it's immediately clear why Russia would be loathe to ever give up the base.

Ukraine-Russia relations: Why Kiev made a dramatic U-turn back toward Moscow

President Viktor Yanukovich was elected in February on pledges to restore Ukraine-Russia relations. But he has acted more swiftly than anyone imagined, reversing the pro-West moves of the Orange Revolution.

Eggs flying in Parliament, Ukraine approves deal for closer Russia ties

The Ukraine parliament approved a deal today to extend a Russia naval lease on Sevastopol in exchange for cheaper gas, despite an egg-throwing fracas by enraged opposition members.

Ukraine election signals shift toward Russia. Was Orange Revolution for naught?

In Sunday presidential elections, Ukraine appears poised to shift back toward Russia, just five years after the Orange Revolution. Polls show its pro-Western leader Viktor Yushchenko with only 3 percent support.

Brentano's Paris shuts its doors

The Rose of Sebastopol

A shy, stay-at-home young woman becomes the unlikely heroine of this highly entertaining historical novel.

Ukraine needlessly pokes Russia

Kiev is provoking Russia in the gas crisis and other ways. It's a backfire strategy.

Europe, not the US, can get Russia to behave

Europe must take advantage of its special pull on Russians.

All the family under one roof

The multi-generational family is making a comeback.

Living lightly: Condos go ecofriendly

World

Reporters on the Job

Spelling bees, long a domain of kids, now attract seniors

The AARP national championship this weekend will feature dozens of contestants who have spent the past year studying words in the car, on the treadmill, and in the dentist's chair.

Spelling bees, long a domain of kids, now attract seniors

The AARP national championship this weekend will feature dozens of contestants who have spent the past year studying words in the car, on the treadmill, and in the dentist's chair.

Readers' picks

Readers tell us what they are reading.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about Kosovo's independence, US security assistance in Africa, and the Army's currently limited size.