What the Papers Say, Feb. 28, 2014

Kommersant

1. Yekaterina Gerashenko and Alexandra Mertsalova article headlined "Moscow region to rise with skyscrapers" says that the Moscow region authorities have announced plans to set up a network of business centers similar to the Moscow City business centre in the region; pp 1, 8 (582 words).

2. Maxim Ivanov et al. report headlined "Road to Russia being opened for Crimea" says that following the recent developments in Ukraine and the Crimea in particular, the State Duma is to discuss a procedure regulating the joining of new regions to Russia. Meanwhile, Tatarstan has interfered in the conflict over the Crimea as Tatars make up a significant part in the region; pp 1-2 (753 words).

3. Ilya Barabanov article headlined "Vote with possibility of separation" says that the Crimean parliament has set a date for a referendum to determine the region's fate; pp 1, 5 (825 words).

4. Oleg Trutnev and Vitaly Gaidayev article headlined "Ukraine cuts Lenta" says that the change of power and unrest in Ukraine have affected the IPO of Russian sixth biggest retailer Lenta as several foreign investors have withdrawn their bids; pp 1, 8 (604 words).

5. Angelina Davydova article headlined "Emissions to be regulated" says that the Economic Development Ministry has produced a plan of regulation of greenhouse gas emissions till 2020; p 2 (390 words).

6. Ivan Safronov article headlined "Operational readiness test getting to top level" says that the second stage of the snap drills is to begin today in the Western Military District; p 3 (476 words).

7. Oleg Rubnikovich article headlined "Investigation drafts road map" says that the probe into a large-scale embezzlement case has finished in Novgorod. Seven public officials, including first deputy Novgorod region governor, are to face trial; p 4 (423 words).

8. Nikolai Sergeyev article headlined "Alexander Bastrykin preparing for reassessment" looks at the Investigative Committee's new initiatives voiced by its head Alexander Bastrykin; p 4 (617 words).

9. Maria Yefimova and Olga Kuznetsova article headlined "European Parliament beckons Ukraine with integration" says that the EU has signaled that the agreement on association with Ukraine will be signed as soon as the new Ukrainian government is ready for it; p 5 (360 words).

10. Yelena Chernenko article headlined "Viktor Yanukovych giving signs of president" says that Viktor Yanukovych has asked Russia for protection and reportedly, the Kremlin has agreed to grant it; p 5 (635 words).

11. Sergei Sidorenko and Yelena Chernenko article headlined "Kiev's foreign policy needs Finnish experience" says that the Ukrainian parliament has approved the new government yesterday; p 5 (303 words).

12. Kirill Melnikov et al. report headlined "Rosneft cutting costs" says that striving to reduce expenditures Rosneft has demanded that its contractors reduce prices by 5-15 per cent; p 7 (662 words).

Nezavisimaya Gazeta

1.Svetlana Gamova article headlined "Both EU and NATO may open doors for Moldova" says that as the European Parliament voted for a visa-free regime with Moldova thus confirming its course for integration with the republic. Chisinau is rumored to be holding talks on joining NATO; pp 1, 7 (540 words).

2. Tatyana Ivzhenko article headlined "Kiev trying to retain Crimea" says that Ukraine is going through a period of staff revolutions and regional unrest and provides update on the situation in the country; pp 1, 7 (1,870 words).

3. Vladimir Mukhin article headlined "Emergency briefing given to army" says that snap drills of the Russian troops, which began on Feb. 26, have raised concerns both in NATO and among the Ukrainian military. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, however, denied that the drills are linked to the Ukrainian developments; pp 1-2 (648 words).

4. Ivan Rodin article headlined "Police to protect human rights under agreement" says that United Russia lawmakers have drafted amendments to oblige the Interior Ministry to sign agreements with regional authorities in order to enable police deal with administrative violations endangering public order and security. The move is aimed at eliminating flaws of the police reform; pp 1, 3 (692 words).

5. Igor Naumov article headlined "Quotas of social responsibility to be set for oilmen" says that the Energy Ministry has drafted amendments to oblige oil companies to sell a designated share of their petrol, diesel and jet fuel inside the country in an attempt to curb growing petrol prices; pp 1,4 (768 words).

6. Alexandra Samarina article headlined "Authorities require governors to be easy to deal with" says that the federal centre may initiate dismissals of several regional heads, including governor of Rostov region; pp 1, 3 (879 words).

7. Editorial headlined "Weapons as source of power" says that Maidan has appropriated the right for violence, which is dangerous not only for its opponents but for the new ruling elite as well because its legitimacy may prove to be fragile; p 2 (531 words).

8. Yekaterina Trifonova article headlined "Bastrykin suggests collecting migrants' DNA" says that head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin has suggested that all migrants be registered and their fingerprints and DNA taken as the main terrorist threat for Russia is coming from abroad; p 2 (516 words).

9. Alexandra Samarina article headlined "Kremlin waiting out" says that experts differ in their assessments of the Russian authorities' reaction to Viktor Yanukovych's recent moves; p 2 (830 words).

10. Nadezhda Arbatova article headlined "Carte blanche. How not to lose peace" says that only joint efforts of Russia and the EU can overcome negative consequences of the Ukrainian crisis; p 3 (862 words).

11. Alexei Gorbachev article headlined "Russians patriotic, puritan" looks at the polls conducted by Levada Centre which show that 70 percent of those polled want mass media outlets to be independent in their reports and some 80 percent think revealing private life of opposition activists on television is unacceptable; p 3 (500 words).

12. Anastasia Bashkatova article headlined "They are looking for investment attractiveness in Arctic" says that Russia is seeking foreign investors to develop transport and social infrastructure in the Arctic. Investors are bound to demand lavish tax privileges, participants in the Investment Arctic Summit warn; p 4 (832 words).

13. Oleg Nikiforov article headlined "Our vulnerable bureaucracy" says that corruption of the Ukrainian authorities was a major factor in the collapse of Yanukovych's regime and adds corruption is the main threat for Russia's national security; p 6 (792 words).

14. Alexei Khaytun article headlined "Argument on fair terms of partnership" looks at Ukraine's economy and the gas problem affecting relations between Moscow and Kiev; p 6 (542 words).

15. Vladimir Shveitser article headlined "Problems of Ukraine: post-Soviet and European angle" looks at the lessons one can learn from the Ukrainian tragedy and its prospects; p 6 (831 words).

16. Viktoria Panfilova article headlined "Berdimuhamedow gives 'like' to Facebook" says that the Turkmen authorities have allowed access to Facebook and Youtube which was blocked back in 2009; p 7 (599 words).

17. Yury Panyev article headlined "Chemical schedule for Damascus amended" says that the deadline for the removal of Syrian chemical weapons has been moved to late April; p 8 (641 words).

18. Daria Tsiryulik article headlined "Obama correcting Kerry's mistakes in Middle East" says that since U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry almost disrupted the Israeli-Palestinian settlement talks President Obama is going to play a major role in the process from now on; p 8 (703 words).

19. Vladimir Skosyrev article headlined "Shadow of Waterloo battle looming over German chancellor" looks at German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Great Britain; p 8 (645 words).

Vedomosti

1. Vladimir Shtanov article headlined "Logan to leave for Tolyatti" says that AvtoVAZ is to launch mass production of Renault Logan of new generation in spring; pp 1, 13 (450 words).

2. Alexei Nikolsky and Polina Khimshiashvili article headlined "Crimea decides to respond" says that the Crimean parliament has decided to hold a referendum on expanding the republic's autonomy on May 25; pp 1-2 (550 words).

3. Editorial headlined "Walking fine line" comments on Moscow's statements on the situation in the Crimea and says that Russia's stance positioning it as a dangerous irrational country is a conscious policy; pp 1,6 (400 words).

4. Maria Zheleznova et al. report headlined "Near at Moscow's hand" says that a source in the Russian bodies of power has confirmed the information that Moscow has agreed to provide Viktor Yanukovych protection on the territory of Russia; p 2 (400 words).

5. Polina Khimshiashvili article headlined "UDAR misses cabinet" says that Vitaly Klitschko's party UDAR is not represented in Ukraine's new cabinet and looks at the make-up of the new government; p 2 (450 words).

6. Sergei Titov article headlined "Secret investor" says that at the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum the head of the Strategic Initiatives Agency is to report on the results of monitoring of how regions fulfil road maps and work with investors; p 5 (600 words).

7. Yekaterina Kravchenko article headlined "Ukraine needs more" says that the Ukrainian government has voiced a new price of the country's salvation — 130bn dollars; p 5 (500 words).

8. Editorial headlined "Poverty-stricken empire" says that despite dashing statements of Russian lawmakers and experts about Russia's taking care of the Crimea Russia cannot afford another unprofitable region to feed. The Crimea may end up in international isolation like Abkhazia and South Ossetia; p 6 (400 words).

9. Anna Afanasyeva and Maxim Glikin article headlined "Hear nothing about Dozhd" says that almost 60 percent of people polled by Levada Tsentr have heard nothing about the Dozhd satellite and internet broadcaster and the scandal relating to it; p 24 (400 words).

Rossiiskaya Gazeta

1.Vladislav Vorobyev and Yury Snegirev article headlined "Crimea to go to referendum" says that the Crimean parliament has decided to hold a referendum on expanding the republic's autonomy and has dismissed the Crimean cabinet of ministers; pp 1, 8 (1,200 words).

2. Tatyana Zykova interview with head of the Russian president's administrative department Vladimir Kozhin headlined "Managing Kremlin's affairs"; pp 1, 9 (3,350 words).

3. Article by Valery Vyzhutovich headlined "Believe or not" says that over 60 percent of the polled think that mass media outlets misinform them very often; p 3 (700 words).

4. Igor Okunev and Yevgeny Shestakov article headlined "Ministers from Maidan taken to office..." provides a critical outlook on the new Ukrainian government, saying that Arseny Yatsenyuk is a figure suitable for the USA; p 8 (900 words).

5. Maxim Makarychev article headlined "Yanukovych asks for protection" says that Viktor Yanukovych has asked Moscow for protection on the territory of Russia and looks at vandalism practices in Ukraine; p 8 (200 words).

Izvestia

1. Sergei Podosenov article headlined "Higher Arbitration Court complains to Duma speaker about lawmakers" says that the Higher Arbitration Court has accused State Duma deputies of abuse of power; pp 1, 4 (966 words).

2. Political analyst Andranik Migranyan article headlined "Ukrainian puzzle" looks at the Russian-Ukrainian relations, current developments in Ukraine and contemplates over possible scenarios; pp 1-2 (1, 808 words).

3. Yelizaveta Mayetnaya article headlined "People's militia ready to defend Crimea" looks into the situation in the Crimea, noting that there are basically no police forces left who could maintain order in the town; pp 1, 11 (1,100 words).

4. Dmitry Yefstifeyev article headlined "Special services should get gold for protecting Olympics" says that Russian law enforcers have achieved excellent results when ensuring security in Sochi and looks at the measures they took; p 2 (738 words).

5. Yegor Sozayev-Guriyev et al. article headlined "Viktor Yanukovych bans law-enforcers from interfering" says that Yanukovych has asked Russia to ensure his protection and labelled the Ukrainian parliament's moves as illegitimate. Experts comment on his statements; p 10 (559 words).

6. Dmitry Runkevich and Yelena Malay article headlined "Night Wolves to take humanitarian aid to Crimea" says that the leader of the Night Wolves motor bike group Alexander Zaldostanov plans to send humanitarian aid to their Ukrainian counterparts in the Crimea; p 10 (429 words).

7. Natalia Bashlykova article headlined "Headquarters of Russian International opens in Sevastopol" says that the Rodina party along with the Congress of Russian Communities have opened Headquarters of Russian International in Sevastopol aiming to help Crimean residents to coordinate their actions to ensure protection from Maidan radicals; p 10 (581 words).

8. Yury Matsarsky article headlined "Ukraine frightening NATO with appearance of armored vehicles" says that NATO is concerned over recent developments in Ukraine; p 11 (447 words).

9. Yegor Kholmogorov article headlined "Avatars of Russian nationalism" says that the Russian nationalist movement is not unanimous in the perception of the recent Ukrainian events; p 12 (1,000 words).

Moskovsky Komsomolets

1. Marina Perevozkina article headlined "Flags above peninsula" features a correspondent report from the Crimea where unknown individuals have seized the building of the republic's parliament; pp 1, 3 (946 words).

2. Natalia Rozhkova and Kirill Saltykov article headlined "Court to part Navalny with family?" says that Moscow's Basmanny court may impose house arrest on opposition activist Alexei Navalny; pp 1-2 (675 words).

3. Mikhail Rostovsky article headlined "What do we need Yanukovych for?" says that judging by the seizure of the Crimean parliament's building by unknown individuals and pledges to provide protection to Yanukovych, Moscow has started a big game in Ukraine; pp 1-2 (707 words).

4. Natalia Rozhkova article headlined "Most difficult article" says that the United Russia faction has approved a bill to impose a three-year term for rehabilitation of Nazism and looks at how it will affect mass media outlets and book shops; pp 1-2 (534 words).

5. Dmitry Katorzhnov article headlined "Opposition unites against filters at elections" says that representatives of nonparliamentary parties have signed a political statement to protest against additional filters at regional elections; p 2 (487 words).

6. Oleg Bazak and Igor Karmazin article headlined "Situation 'not to improve either today or tomorrow'" says that Moscow has agreed to ensure Yanukovych's protection on the territory of Russia and says that the attempts of the Ukrainian parliament to make the new government legitimate were not efficient; p 2 (844 words).

7. Artyom Makeyev and Anastasya Rudakova article headlined "Last countdown for Ukrainian default" says that if Ukraine does not get international aid in the next few days it is fraught with default and a prolonged economic crisis; p 3 (750 words).

8. Tatyana Melikyan article headlined "About Yanukovych, Simferopol and protests in Russia. Limonov's, Pavlovsky's and others' forecasts" features forecasts of Russian experts and politicians on the latest developments in Ukraine and its prospects; p 3 (1,621 words).

9. Mikhail Rostovsky interview with head of the Russian Federal Agency on Press and Mass Communications Mikhail Seslavinsky headlined "Liberal of Putin's epoch"; p 4 (2,892 words).

10. Matvei Ganapolsky op-ed headlined "Ukraine as obvious and unbelievable" draws parallels between present-day Russia and Ukraine; p 3 (600 words).

Novaya Gazeta

1. Andrei Kapustin report "Political fashion show on Maidan" looks at the current situation in Ukraine and says that the make-up of the new government has been announced; pp 4-5 (1,300 words).

2. Semen Novoprudsky report "Death of planet Sovok" looks at Russia's attitude to the recent events in Ukraine and says that Russia is trying to manage nonexistent space; pp 4-5 (500 words).

3. Yulia Latynina report "Ukrainian bourgeois" says that it was the middle class and business owners who have taken part in protests in Maidan; p 5 (700 words).

4. Pavel Kanygin report "'Looks like Berkut's throw'" looks at the situation in Crimea, Ukraine, after armed "self-defense" forces have seized the regional parliament; p 6 (1,300 words).

5. Sergei Kanev report "Who has time to do it first" says that arrests at the Russian Interior Ministry main directorate for economic security and countering corruption continue; p 7 (1,100 words).

RBK Daily

1. Yulia Sinyayeva et al. report "Price of revolution" says that the devaluation of the Ukrainian currency and problems in the financial sector have affected plans of Ukrainian companies, but made some assets interesting to foreign investors; pp 1, 3 (2,100 words).

2. Alexander Litoi report "Island Crimea" says that the Crimean parliament has called an autonomy referendum on May 25 to "secede from Ukraine"; p 2 (650 words).

3. Gleb Kostarev report "Russia loses India" says that India is stepping up the purchase of U.S. weapons. Russia is no longer the leader in arms sales to India; p 4 (700 words).

Noviye Izvestia

1. Valery Yakov report "President's cowardice" looks at the situation in Ukraine and at its former ruling Party of Regions and says that the "party of thieves has bitten the dust". The United Russia party should learn the lesson, article says; pp 1, 4 (800 words).

2. Artyom Lunkov report "'Authorities simply decided to rattle the saber" looks at Putin's decision to carry out inspections of combat readiness of the military units in Russia's western and central regions and features comments of Russian experts on the issue; p 2 (350 words).

3. Vardan Ogandzhanyan report "Citizenship of easy access" says that the presidential administration and the State Duma are drafting a bill on citizenship simplifying the procedure of getting Russian citizenship for people from the CIS; p 2 (350 words).

4. Mark Agatov report "Real island Crimea" looks at the situation in Crimea, Ukraine; p 4 (900 words).

Komsomolskaya Pravda

1. Semen Shapkin report "'Putin prevents bloodshed in Ukraine"' publishes a comment of a Russian official on the article in The Times that has said that Putin has denied Viktor Yanukovych's request to send Russian troops to Ukraine; p 2 (400 words).

2. Nigina Beroyeva report "Moscow will not bankrupt Ukraine" looks at the economic situation in Ukraine and at Russia's aid to the country; p 3 (400 words).

3. Alexander Grishin report "Kiev sends to peninsula 'eurointegrators' from Maidan" looks at the situation in Crimea; p 4 (1,300 words).

4. Eduard Gushchin report "Maidan asks U.S., U.K. to interfere" looks at the confrontation in Crimea and says that "radicals want the West to punish Russia for the events in Crimea"; p 5 (250 words).

5. Alexander Grishin report "Lost president asks our country for guarantees of security" says that Russia has granted the request by Viktor Yanukovych to ensure his personal security; p 6 (500 words).

Trud

1. Sergei Frolov report "Crimean surprises" says that the statement of the Supreme Council of Crimea to hold a referendum on issues related to the improvement of the status and powers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea differs from the scenario according to which events in Ukraine have recently been unfolding; pp 1-2 (1,000 words).

Tvoi Den

1. Anton Stepanov report "Russia, protect us!" looks at the recent events in Crimea and says that Russian flags are flying over the buildings of the Crimean parliament and government in Simferopol; pp 1-3 (600 words).

Feb. 28, 2014 / BBC Monitoring / ©BBC