U.S. PRESSURES UKRAINE OVER TURBINE SALE TO IRAN. The U.S. State Department said it has made clear its "strong desire" that Ukraine not provide turbines for an Iranian nuclear station, an RFE/RL correspondent in Washington reported on 9 February. Russia, despite Washington's objections, is helping Iran build a nuclear power station in the central city of Bushehr. The turbines needed to power the station are slated to be purchased from Ukraine. State Department spokesman James Foley said the U.S. would like to continue its many cooperative efforts with Kyiv. He said the U.S. could compensate Ukraine for losses it might sustain for scrapping the deal, and said that it was not threatening Ukraine with a loss of aid should it complete the deal. Ukraine received $225 million in aid from the U.S. last year. PB