Approval numbers for Germany's AfD party hit record high — survey The approval rating of the Alternative for Germany has reached 30% for the first timeBERLIN, September 14. /TASS/. The approval rating of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached 30% for the first time, 10 percentage points (pp) higher than that of the conservative bloc of the Christian Democratic and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), according to Die Welt. The survey, held by market and social research company GMS, showed that only 20% of respondents are ready to vote for the CDU/CSU. The conservatives lost 3 pp compared to a similar survey conducted in mid-July. The AfD’s rating, by contrast, has risen by two percentage points. The Greens are third with 14% (up one percentage point). 11% of respondents could vote for the Social Democratic Party of Germany and the Left Party each. The other parties would not clear the 5% threshold. The survey, which was conducted from September 9-14, polled 1,009 people. US blacklists VTB under Iran sanctions program — TreasuryWashington first began imposing sectoral sanctions against VTB back in 2014Read moreWestern-supplied weapons from Ukraine reach drug cartels — Russia’s FSBThe Russian Federal Security Service stressed that these weapons enter the illicit market and criminal groupsRead moreZverev wins US Open for first timeThe German player defeated American Ben Shelton in the finalRead moreBritish national eliminated in Russia’s special mil-op zone in Ukraine — top brassThe sources said that three more Ukrainian officers have been killed as well, including a senior lieutenant of the National Guard of UkraineRead moreIsrael’s strikes on Syria hamper anti-terrorist fight — top Turkish diplomatIsrael’s policy is the most serious obstacle on the path to a positive progress in Syria, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan saidRead morePress review: Ukraine seeks donors outside EU as Europe faces prolonged fuel price surgeTop stories from the Russian 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US blacklists VTB under Iran sanctions program — Treasury
• What happened: The US Department of the Treasury has added Russia's VTB Bank to its Iran-related sanctions list, expanding existing sanctions that began ...