They the best in the business.
Sooo....no talk on Kiev's gradual descent into Mad Max beyond Thunderdome status??
- Thread starter 2Quik4UHoes
- Start date
They the best in the business.
Told ya'll nikkas. Its gonna be a HAWT summer.
Its going down once that land thaws.[DOUBLEPOST=1397492910][/DOUBLEPOST]
They need to start busting heads on some real shyt if they mean business.
Take that L if you must, but at least you stand up to just getting fukked like that.
Ukraine ain't stood up for shyt in 2014.[DOUBLEPOST=1397493125][/DOUBLEPOST]
This is DEFINITELY the Cold War part 2 and the only people who don't believe that are the ones who get their news from USA Today.
I'm tired of people saying this isn't a cold war. fukking idiots.
The US is seeding trees of Uncle Sam and getting ready to bear fruit of America in that region.
The CIA is going to get that budget increase this year
I hope the saudis don't get wise and start handing out guns to the tatar s
Its going down once that land thaws.[DOUBLEPOST=1397492910][/DOUBLEPOST]
hey man...Ukraine is just sitting on their hands.
They need to start busting heads on some real shyt if they mean business.
Take that L if you must, but at least you stand up to just getting fukked like that.
Ukraine ain't stood up for shyt in 2014.[DOUBLEPOST=1397493125][/DOUBLEPOST]
Dawg, we're gonna see what the US has been waiting to do since 1992.
This is DEFINITELY the Cold War part 2 and the only people who don't believe that are the ones who get their news from USA Today.
I'm tired of people saying this isn't a cold war. fukking idiots.
The US is seeding trees of Uncle Sam and getting ready to bear fruit of America in that region.
The CIA is going to get that budget increase this year
I hope the saudis don't get wise and start handing out guns to the tatar s
This is DEFINITELY the Cold War part 2 and the only people who don't believe that are the ones who get their news from USA Today.
I'm tired of people saying this isn't a cold war. fukking idiots.
The US is seeding trees of Uncle Sam and getting ready to bear fruit of America in that region.
The CIA is going to get that budget increase this year
I hope the saudis don't get wise and start handing out guns to the tatar s
I don't necessarily think people refuse thinking about a cold war, but are really in denial about the great impact on the Western world
this conflict will bare. Dudes saying shyt is far and doesn't concern them
will get that reality check sooner than later
Kings County
Law III | Law XXV | Law XV
wait wtf happened? cliffnotes brehs i been sleep
Kings County
Law III | Law XXV | Law XV
come on just need updates on the past week
show #270 and #272
Dan Carlin - Podcasts, Merchandise, Blog, and Community Website
Powerless to halt seizures by pro-Russian mobs Ukraine urges UN to send in peacekeepers
Peter Leonard And Maria Danilova, Associated Press | April 14, 2014 9:20 AM ET
More from Associated Press
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVPro-Russia militiamen detain the head of the regional police after storming the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
HORLIVKA — Ukraine’s acting president urged the United Nations on Monday to send peacekeeping troops to eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian gunmen kept up their rampage of storming and occupying local government offices, police stations and a small airport.
The request came from a government that has proved powerless to rein in separatists in its eastern and southern regions, where insurgents have seized or barricaded government buildings in at least nine cities, demanding more autonomy from the new government in Kyiv and closer ties with Russia.
The Kyiv government and Western officials accuse Russia of instigating the unrest and of deploying armed Russian agents in civilian clothing to carry them out.
It’s time we all recognized the depth and the seriousness of that threat
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Monday that Russian actions against Ukraine are “aggressive, militaristic and imperialistic” and pose a grave threat to world peace.
Using his harshest words yet against what he called “Russian provocateurs sent by the Putin regime,” Harper said it’s time to rally the world against the danger posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I know this is of great concern to our NATO allies in the region, but it should be a great concern to all of us,” Harper said at a hastily assembled photo-op event with ambassadors from Ukraine, Estonia, Poland and Latvia.
“When a major power acts in a way that is so clearly aggressive, militaristic and imperialistic, this represents a significant threat to the peace and stability of the world and it’s time we all recognized the depth and the seriousness of that threat.”
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia protester breaks a window of a regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
In a telephone call with Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov suggested that an “anti-terrorist operation” be conducted jointly by Ukrainian security forces and U.N. peacekeepers, according to the presidential website.
Peacekeepers, however, would have to be authorized by the U.N. Security Council, where Russia holds a veto.
Turchynov’s deadline for insurgents to give up their weapons and vacate their homemade barricades passed Monday without any visible action — instead, the violence continued. A pro-Russian mob stormed a Ukrainian police station in Horlivka, another city near the Russian border. Later in the day, armed men in masks also seized control of a small airport outside the city of Slovyansk, also in the Donetsk region bordering Russia.
“The Russian Federation is sending special units to the east of our country, which seize administrative buildings with the use of weapons and are putting the lives of hundreds of thousands of our citizens in danger,” Turchynov said, according to the presidential website.
AP Photo/Evgeniy MaloletkaArmed pro-Russian activists stand outside the Ukrainian regional administration building which they seized in the eastern Ukrainian town of Slovyansk, Ukraine, Monday, April 14, 2014.
The events echoed those in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia last month after key regional facilities were seized by Russian troops aided by local militiamen.
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Monday that Putin has received “numerous appeals” from eastern Ukraine “asking him to help and interfere in one way or another.” Peskov added that Putin was “watching the developments in those regions with great concern” but wouldn’t elaborate.
The developments came as the European Union’s foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to consider further sanctions against Russia and three days ahead of a Geneva conference seeking ways to defuse tensions. Diplomats from the United States, Russia, the EU, Ukraine and Switzerland were expected at those one-day talks Thursday.
AP Photo/Efrem LukatskyA Pro-Russian activist stands during the mass storming of a police station in the eastern Ukrainian town of Horlivka Monday, April 14, 2014.
Russia has warned the Kyiv government not to use force against the armed protesters in the east, saying it could thwart the Geneva conference.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov again denied Monday that Russian agents were operating in eastern Ukraine, saying it would contradict Moscow’s interests. He challenged Ukraine “not to be shy” about backing its claims of capturing Russian security officers with facts.
The call to the UN for help comes after Ukraine’s acting president described his country’s confrontation with Russia as a “war” and sent in troops to drive out suspected Russian soldiers from the east of the country.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia protester lights a molotov cocktail during the storming of the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014. x
Oleksandr Turchynov made a televised address in which he told the nation Sunday that it was at war with Russia after pro-Russian forces took over government buildings and a Ukrainian security officer was killed by militia.
“The blood of Ukrainian heroes has been shed in a war that the Russian Federation is waging against Ukraine,” Mr Turchynov said. “The aggressor has not stopped and is continuing to sow disorder in the east of the country.”
The events in Horlivka were the latest sign of trouble in Russian-speaking eastern and southern regions, in which pro-Russian gunmen have seized or blocked government buildings in at least nine cities demanding more autonomy from the central government and closer ties with Russia.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia protester wearing gas mask and carrying a shield takes part in the storming of regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
Elsewhere British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called on Russia to unequivocally condemn the occupation of government buildings in eastern Ukraine.
The two leaders spoke by phone on Monday to discuss escalating tensions and the threat of Ukrainian military action following the occupation of state buildings in the east of Ukraine by pro-Russian separatists.
“He and Chancellor Merkel agreed about the importance of condemning the illegal occupation of government buildings in eastern Ukraine,” Cameron’s official spokesman told reporters. “They believe the Russian government should be unequivocally condemning that action too.”
Meanwhile, a deadline set by the Ukrainian government for pro-Russian gunmen to leave government buildings in eastern Ukraine and surrender weapons passed early Monday, with no immediate sign of any action to force the insurgents out.
Peter Leonard And Maria Danilova, Associated Press | April 14, 2014 9:20 AM ET
More from Associated Press
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVPro-Russia militiamen detain the head of the regional police after storming the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
HORLIVKA — Ukraine’s acting president urged the United Nations on Monday to send peacekeeping troops to eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian gunmen kept up their rampage of storming and occupying local government offices, police stations and a small airport.
The request came from a government that has proved powerless to rein in separatists in its eastern and southern regions, where insurgents have seized or barricaded government buildings in at least nine cities, demanding more autonomy from the new government in Kyiv and closer ties with Russia.
The Kyiv government and Western officials accuse Russia of instigating the unrest and of deploying armed Russian agents in civilian clothing to carry them out.
It’s time we all recognized the depth and the seriousness of that threat
In Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Monday that Russian actions against Ukraine are “aggressive, militaristic and imperialistic” and pose a grave threat to world peace.
Using his harshest words yet against what he called “Russian provocateurs sent by the Putin regime,” Harper said it’s time to rally the world against the danger posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I know this is of great concern to our NATO allies in the region, but it should be a great concern to all of us,” Harper said at a hastily assembled photo-op event with ambassadors from Ukraine, Estonia, Poland and Latvia.
“When a major power acts in a way that is so clearly aggressive, militaristic and imperialistic, this represents a significant threat to the peace and stability of the world and it’s time we all recognized the depth and the seriousness of that threat.”
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia protester breaks a window of a regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
In a telephone call with Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov suggested that an “anti-terrorist operation” be conducted jointly by Ukrainian security forces and U.N. peacekeepers, according to the presidential website.
Peacekeepers, however, would have to be authorized by the U.N. Security Council, where Russia holds a veto.
Turchynov’s deadline for insurgents to give up their weapons and vacate their homemade barricades passed Monday without any visible action — instead, the violence continued. A pro-Russian mob stormed a Ukrainian police station in Horlivka, another city near the Russian border. Later in the day, armed men in masks also seized control of a small airport outside the city of Slovyansk, also in the Donetsk region bordering Russia.
“The Russian Federation is sending special units to the east of our country, which seize administrative buildings with the use of weapons and are putting the lives of hundreds of thousands of our citizens in danger,” Turchynov said, according to the presidential website.
AP Photo/Evgeniy MaloletkaArmed pro-Russian activists stand outside the Ukrainian regional administration building which they seized in the eastern Ukrainian town of Slovyansk, Ukraine, Monday, April 14, 2014.
The events echoed those in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia last month after key regional facilities were seized by Russian troops aided by local militiamen.
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Monday that Putin has received “numerous appeals” from eastern Ukraine “asking him to help and interfere in one way or another.” Peskov added that Putin was “watching the developments in those regions with great concern” but wouldn’t elaborate.
The developments came as the European Union’s foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to consider further sanctions against Russia and three days ahead of a Geneva conference seeking ways to defuse tensions. Diplomats from the United States, Russia, the EU, Ukraine and Switzerland were expected at those one-day talks Thursday.
AP Photo/Efrem LukatskyA Pro-Russian activist stands during the mass storming of a police station in the eastern Ukrainian town of Horlivka Monday, April 14, 2014.
Russia has warned the Kyiv government not to use force against the armed protesters in the east, saying it could thwart the Geneva conference.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov again denied Monday that Russian agents were operating in eastern Ukraine, saying it would contradict Moscow’s interests. He challenged Ukraine “not to be shy” about backing its claims of capturing Russian security officers with facts.
The call to the UN for help comes after Ukraine’s acting president described his country’s confrontation with Russia as a “war” and sent in troops to drive out suspected Russian soldiers from the east of the country.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia protester lights a molotov cocktail during the storming of the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014. x
Oleksandr Turchynov made a televised address in which he told the nation Sunday that it was at war with Russia after pro-Russian forces took over government buildings and a Ukrainian security officer was killed by militia.
“The blood of Ukrainian heroes has been shed in a war that the Russian Federation is waging against Ukraine,” Mr Turchynov said. “The aggressor has not stopped and is continuing to sow disorder in the east of the country.”
The events in Horlivka were the latest sign of trouble in Russian-speaking eastern and southern regions, in which pro-Russian gunmen have seized or blocked government buildings in at least nine cities demanding more autonomy from the central government and closer ties with Russia.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia protester wearing gas mask and carrying a shield takes part in the storming of regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
Elsewhere British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called on Russia to unequivocally condemn the occupation of government buildings in eastern Ukraine.
The two leaders spoke by phone on Monday to discuss escalating tensions and the threat of Ukrainian military action following the occupation of state buildings in the east of Ukraine by pro-Russian separatists.
“He and Chancellor Merkel agreed about the importance of condemning the illegal occupation of government buildings in eastern Ukraine,” Cameron’s official spokesman told reporters. “They believe the Russian government should be unequivocally condemning that action too.”
Meanwhile, a deadline set by the Ukrainian government for pro-Russian gunmen to leave government buildings in eastern Ukraine and surrender weapons passed early Monday, with no immediate sign of any action to force the insurgents out.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVUkrainian police try to stop pro-Russia activists from storming the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
Turchynov had issued a decree Sunday that those protesters who disarm and vacate government offices in several cities in the Russian-leaning east of the country by 0600 GMT Monday will not be prosecuted.
Turchynov vowed that a “large-scale anti-terrorist operation” would take place to re-establish control over those areas and that the fate of the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia last month, will not be repeated.
There was no immediate comment from the government on the deadline passing.
Oleksandr Sapunov, one of the men who took part in storming the police building in Horlivka, said the insurgents were fighting against appointees of the Kyiv government, including the local police chief, and wanted to appoint a leadership of their own.
“The people came to tell him that he is a puppet of the Kyiv junta and they won’t accept him,” Sapunov said.
One of the insurgents later announced that some of the police have switched over to their side, retained their weapons and will continue serving on the police force.
Hundreds of onlookers outside chanted “Referendum!” and “Russia!”
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVPro-Russia activists throw stones as they storm the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
One man climbed on the roof of the porch to put up a Russian flag. A policeman came through a window to chase him, and the man fell off the roof. Several minutes later the policeman, his head bloodied, was carried out of the police station to an ambulance.
Acting Deputy Interior Minister Mykola Velichkovych acknowledged Monday that some police officers in eastern regions were switching sides. “In the east we have seen numerous facts of sabotage from the side of police,” Velichkovych told reporters.
Kyiv authorities and Western officials have accused Moscow of instigating the protests, saying the events echoed those in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia last month. Ever since pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in late February, Russia has demanded constitutional reforms that would turn Ukraine into a loose federal state.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVPro-Russia activists storm the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
After refusing demands for a referendum by separatists in the east, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov indicated Monday that holding a nation-wide referendum on the nation’s status was a possibility and that such a vote could be conducted on May 25, along with presidential elections.
Turchynov expressed confidence that Ukrainians would vote against turning the country into a federation and against its break-up.
Serhiy Taruta, governor of the Donetsk region, where government buildings in several cities, including the regional capital Donetsk, have been seized by pro-Russian gunmen, said an “anti-terrorist operation” was underway in the region, according to the Interfax news agency.
Taruta did not give any details of what the operation would entail. The governor usually does not have authority to launch such measures on his own and he was likely acting on the orders of top security officials in Kyiv.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia activist holds a police helmet taken as a prize after the storming of the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
Related
Taruta said the action would be aimed at “protecting the peace and order on our land, which today is being taken away from us by armed, aggressive fanatics cynically and cold-bloodedly,” he was quoted as saying. “They are terrorists and we will not let them rule on our land.” He did not provide any details of the operation.
The West has accused Moscow of fomenting the unrest. Ukraine’s ousted president, Viktor Yanukovych, claimed that the Kyiv government was co-ordinating its actions with the CIA.
Russia has warned the Kyiv government against using force against the protesters in the east and has threatened to cancel an international diplomatic conference on the Ukrainian conflict scheduled for later this week.
European Union foreign ministers were meeting in Luxembourg Monday to consider broadening the list of people sanctioned because of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFFA priest holds a cross and an Orthodox icon and prays as Pro-Russian activists attend a rally outside the regional administration headquarters in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk on April 14, 2014.
The crisis in Ukraine has brought relations between Russia and the West to their worst since the end of the Cold War in 1991, and also risks unleashing a “gas war” which could disrupt energy supplies across Europe. Ukraine said on Saturday it would stop paying for Russian gas because the price was too high.
Russian stocks and the rouble fell sharply on Monday, reflecting fears of further Russian military intervention in Ukraine and more western sanctions against Moscow.
Use of force by Kiev’s pro-Europe authorities could trigger a fresh confrontation from Russia. Russia’s foreign ministry called the planned military operation a “criminal order” and said the West should bring its allies in Ukraine’s government under control.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on Sunday night, and the United States warned that it was likely to impose further sanctions on Russians close to the Kremlin if the escalation in eastern Ukraine continues.
European Union foreign ministers were due to discuss whether to impose further sanctions on Moscow.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the destabilization of eastern Ukraine was clearly being instigated by Russia, adding: “I don’t think denials of Russian involvement have a shred of credibility.”
German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel warned of an escalation of the crisis in Ukraine, saying “Russia was clearly prepared to allow tanks to roll across European borders.”
With files from Reuters
AP Photo/Efrem LukatskyA pro-Russian man throws a stone during the mass storming of a police station in the eastern Ukrainian town of Horlivka on Monday, April 14, 2014. Text on the building reads: "Horlivka's police".
AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFFDIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty ImagesPro-Russia supporters surround a man who they say is a provocateur (C) outside the secret service building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk on April 13, 2014. Ukraine's interior minister said on April 13 that both sides had suffered casualties during a raid launched by Ukrainian special forces on a police station in the eastern city of Slavyansk that was seized by pro-Russian gunmen.
EPA/ROMAN PILIPEYA pro-Russian protester fuels a burning barricade on a road to Krasniy Liman with scrap tires, near Slaviansk, Ukraine, 13 April 2014. The Ukrainian government in Kiev has sent special forces soldiers to the eastern city of Slaviansk after armed pro-Russian activists seized police buildings in the city on 12 April. At least one Ukrainian special forces officer was killed and five wounded in the eastern city of Slaviansk, acting interior minister Arsen Avakov said, as they tried to dislodge armed pro-Russian activists from police buildings. Any casualties among the pro-Russian resisters was not known.
AP Photo/Alexander ErmochenkoA red flag is placed on top a barricade at the regional administration building in Donetsk, Ukraine, Saturday April 12, 2014.
Turchynov had issued a decree Sunday that those protesters who disarm and vacate government offices in several cities in the Russian-leaning east of the country by 0600 GMT Monday will not be prosecuted.
Turchynov vowed that a “large-scale anti-terrorist operation” would take place to re-establish control over those areas and that the fate of the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia last month, will not be repeated.
There was no immediate comment from the government on the deadline passing.
Oleksandr Sapunov, one of the men who took part in storming the police building in Horlivka, said the insurgents were fighting against appointees of the Kyiv government, including the local police chief, and wanted to appoint a leadership of their own.
“The people came to tell him that he is a puppet of the Kyiv junta and they won’t accept him,” Sapunov said.
One of the insurgents later announced that some of the police have switched over to their side, retained their weapons and will continue serving on the police force.
Hundreds of onlookers outside chanted “Referendum!” and “Russia!”
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVPro-Russia activists throw stones as they storm the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
One man climbed on the roof of the porch to put up a Russian flag. A policeman came through a window to chase him, and the man fell off the roof. Several minutes later the policeman, his head bloodied, was carried out of the police station to an ambulance.
Acting Deputy Interior Minister Mykola Velichkovych acknowledged Monday that some police officers in eastern regions were switching sides. “In the east we have seen numerous facts of sabotage from the side of police,” Velichkovych told reporters.
Kyiv authorities and Western officials have accused Moscow of instigating the protests, saying the events echoed those in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia last month. Ever since pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in late February, Russia has demanded constitutional reforms that would turn Ukraine into a loose federal state.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVPro-Russia activists storm the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
After refusing demands for a referendum by separatists in the east, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov indicated Monday that holding a nation-wide referendum on the nation’s status was a possibility and that such a vote could be conducted on May 25, along with presidential elections.
Turchynov expressed confidence that Ukrainians would vote against turning the country into a federation and against its break-up.
Serhiy Taruta, governor of the Donetsk region, where government buildings in several cities, including the regional capital Donetsk, have been seized by pro-Russian gunmen, said an “anti-terrorist operation” was underway in the region, according to the Interfax news agency.
Taruta did not give any details of what the operation would entail. The governor usually does not have authority to launch such measures on his own and he was likely acting on the orders of top security officials in Kyiv.
AFP PHOTO/ ALEXEY KRAVTSOVA pro-Russia activist holds a police helmet taken as a prize after the storming of the regional police building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka (Gorlovka), near Donetsk, on April 14, 2014.
Related
- Ukraine’s interim president pledges ‘large-scale’ anti-terror operation against pro-Russia forces
- UN Security Council holds open, emergency meeting on violence in eastern Ukraine
Taruta said the action would be aimed at “protecting the peace and order on our land, which today is being taken away from us by armed, aggressive fanatics cynically and cold-bloodedly,” he was quoted as saying. “They are terrorists and we will not let them rule on our land.” He did not provide any details of the operation.
The West has accused Moscow of fomenting the unrest. Ukraine’s ousted president, Viktor Yanukovych, claimed that the Kyiv government was co-ordinating its actions with the CIA.
Russia has warned the Kyiv government against using force against the protesters in the east and has threatened to cancel an international diplomatic conference on the Ukrainian conflict scheduled for later this week.
European Union foreign ministers were meeting in Luxembourg Monday to consider broadening the list of people sanctioned because of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFFA priest holds a cross and an Orthodox icon and prays as Pro-Russian activists attend a rally outside the regional administration headquarters in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk on April 14, 2014.
The crisis in Ukraine has brought relations between Russia and the West to their worst since the end of the Cold War in 1991, and also risks unleashing a “gas war” which could disrupt energy supplies across Europe. Ukraine said on Saturday it would stop paying for Russian gas because the price was too high.
Russian stocks and the rouble fell sharply on Monday, reflecting fears of further Russian military intervention in Ukraine and more western sanctions against Moscow.
Use of force by Kiev’s pro-Europe authorities could trigger a fresh confrontation from Russia. Russia’s foreign ministry called the planned military operation a “criminal order” and said the West should bring its allies in Ukraine’s government under control.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session on Sunday night, and the United States warned that it was likely to impose further sanctions on Russians close to the Kremlin if the escalation in eastern Ukraine continues.
European Union foreign ministers were due to discuss whether to impose further sanctions on Moscow.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the destabilization of eastern Ukraine was clearly being instigated by Russia, adding: “I don’t think denials of Russian involvement have a shred of credibility.”
German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel warned of an escalation of the crisis in Ukraine, saying “Russia was clearly prepared to allow tanks to roll across European borders.”
With files from Reuters
AP Photo/Efrem LukatskyA pro-Russian man throws a stone during the mass storming of a police station in the eastern Ukrainian town of Horlivka on Monday, April 14, 2014. Text on the building reads: "Horlivka's police".
AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFFDIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty ImagesPro-Russia supporters surround a man who they say is a provocateur (C) outside the secret service building in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk on April 13, 2014. Ukraine's interior minister said on April 13 that both sides had suffered casualties during a raid launched by Ukrainian special forces on a police station in the eastern city of Slavyansk that was seized by pro-Russian gunmen.
EPA/ROMAN PILIPEYA pro-Russian protester fuels a burning barricade on a road to Krasniy Liman with scrap tires, near Slaviansk, Ukraine, 13 April 2014. The Ukrainian government in Kiev has sent special forces soldiers to the eastern city of Slaviansk after armed pro-Russian activists seized police buildings in the city on 12 April. At least one Ukrainian special forces officer was killed and five wounded in the eastern city of Slaviansk, acting interior minister Arsen Avakov said, as they tried to dislodge armed pro-Russian activists from police buildings. Any casualties among the pro-Russian resisters was not known.
AP Photo/Alexander ErmochenkoA red flag is placed on top a barricade at the regional administration building in Donetsk, Ukraine, Saturday April 12, 2014.
Police building, airport seized in east Ukraine
AP | Apr 14, 2014, 07.30 PM IST
15
comments
AUkraine Crisis|Crimea|UN Security Council|European Union|Kiev
Russia has warned the Kiev government against using force against the protesters in the east and has threatened to cancel the conference.
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Dozens of angry men hurled rocks, smashed the windows and broke into a police station in the city of Horlivka not far from the border with Russia, and flew the Russian flag from the building. Hundreds of onlookers outside chanted "Referendum!" and "Russia!" A video posted online showed a policeman confronting a separatist, then being beaten by the mob and taken away in an ambulance. Other policemen switched their allegiance to the demonstrators.
The events in Horlivka were the latest sign of trouble in Russian-speaking eastern and southern regions, in which pro-Russian gunmen have seized or blocked government buildings in at least nine cities demanding more autonomy from the central government and closer ties with Russia. Later in the day, armed men in masks also seized control of a military airport outside the city Slovyansk, also in the Donetsk region.
The developments came as European Union foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to consider further sanctions against Russia, and three days ahead of a scheduled conference in Geneva involving diplomats from the United States, Russia, the European Union, Ukraine and Switzerland, which is intended to seek ways of defusing tensions.
Russia has warned the Kiev government against using force against the protesters in the east and has threatened to cancel the conference.
One of the men directing the raid in Horlivka introduced himself as a lieutenant colonel of the Russian army to a line of policemen who switched sides, but he did not state his full name. The man, dressed in green camouflage uniform, instructed them to obey their new chief and to attach St. George's ribbons to their uniforms, which have become a symbol of pro-Russian protesters in eastern Ukraine.
The episode fed into accusations from the government in Kiev and western officials that the protests are being instigated by the Kremlin and that some of the insurgents are Russian agents.
Oleksandr Sapunov, one of the men who took part in storming the police building in Horlivka, said the insurgents were fighting against appointees of the Kiev government, including the local police chief, and wanted to appoint a leadership of their own.
"The people came to tell him that he is a puppet of the Kiev junta and they won't accept him," Sapunov said.
Acting deputy interior minister Mykola Velichkovych acknowledged on Monday that some police officers in eastern regions were switching sides. "In the east we have seen numerous facts of sabotage from the side of police," Velichkovych told reporters.
The events echoed those in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia last month after key regional facilities were seized by Russian troops aided by local militiamen.
Ever since pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in late February, Russia has demanded constitutional reforms that would turn Ukraine into a loose federal state.
After refusing demands for a referendum by separatists in the east, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov indicated on Monday that holding a nation-wide referendum on the nation's status was a possibility and that such a vote could be conducted on May 25, along with presidential elections. Turchynov expressed confidence that Ukrainians would vote against turning the country into a federation and against its break-up.
Meanwhile, a deadline set by the Ukrainian government for pro-Russian gunmen to leave government buildings in eastern Ukraine and surrender weapons passed early Monday, with no immediate sign of any action to force the insurgents out.
Turchynov had issued a decree on Sunday that those protesters who disarm and vacate government offices in several cities in the Russian-leaning east of the country by 0600 GMT Monday will not be prosecuted. Turchynov vowed that a "large-scale anti-terrorist operation" would take place to re-establish control over those areas.
There was no immediate comment from the government on the deadline passing.
But Serhiy Taruta, governor of the Donetsk region, where government buildings in several cities, including the regional capital Donetsk, have been seized by pro-Russian gunmen, said an "anti-terrorist operation" was underway in the region, according to the Interfax news agency.
Taruta gave no details of what the operation would entail and there were no signs of increased police presence on the streets of Donetsk Monday. The governor usually does not have authority to launch such measures on his own and he was likely acting on the orders of top security officials in Kiev.
Taruta said the action would be aimed at "protecting the peace and order on our land, which today is being taken away from us by armed, aggressive fanatics cynically and cold-bloodedly," he was quoted as saying. "They are terrorists and we will not let them rule on our land." He did not provide any details of the operation.
The west has accused Moscow of fomenting the unrest.
"The fact is that many of the armed units that we've seen were outfitted in bulletproof vests, camouflage uniforms with insignia removed," US ambassador Samantha Power said during a UN Security Council session on Sunday. "These armed units ... raised Russian and separatist flags over seized buildings and have called referendums and union with Russia. We know who is behind this."
Vadim Karasyov, a political analyst in Kiev, said the Kremlin was using the ousted president, Viktor Yanukovych, to help foment separatist tensions. "The Kremlin is implementing its scenario in the east, using Yanukovych and his loyalists, while Russian instructors are running the show," Karasyov said.
Russia has tens of thousands of troops massed along Ukraine's eastern border, and western government have expressed fears that Moscow might use the violence in the mainly Russian-speaking region as a pretext for an invasion, in a repeat of events in Crimea weeks ago.
Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin denied western and Ukrainian claims that Moscow was behind the violence, and told UN diplomats that Ukraine's interim government has been using radical neo-Nazi forces to destabilize its eastern region.
"Some people, including in this chamber, do not want to see the real reasons for what is happening in Ukraine and are constantly seeing the hand of Moscow in what is going on," Churkin said. "Enough. That is enough."
AP | Apr 14, 2014, 07.30 PM IST
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AUkraine Crisis|Crimea|UN Security Council|European Union|Kiev
Russia has warned the Kiev government against using force against the protesters in the east and has threatened to cancel the conference.
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Dozens of angry men hurled rocks, smashed the windows and broke into a police station in the city of Horlivka not far from the border with Russia, and flew the Russian flag from the building. Hundreds of onlookers outside chanted "Referendum!" and "Russia!" A video posted online showed a policeman confronting a separatist, then being beaten by the mob and taken away in an ambulance. Other policemen switched their allegiance to the demonstrators.
The events in Horlivka were the latest sign of trouble in Russian-speaking eastern and southern regions, in which pro-Russian gunmen have seized or blocked government buildings in at least nine cities demanding more autonomy from the central government and closer ties with Russia. Later in the day, armed men in masks also seized control of a military airport outside the city Slovyansk, also in the Donetsk region.
The developments came as European Union foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to consider further sanctions against Russia, and three days ahead of a scheduled conference in Geneva involving diplomats from the United States, Russia, the European Union, Ukraine and Switzerland, which is intended to seek ways of defusing tensions.
Russia has warned the Kiev government against using force against the protesters in the east and has threatened to cancel the conference.
One of the men directing the raid in Horlivka introduced himself as a lieutenant colonel of the Russian army to a line of policemen who switched sides, but he did not state his full name. The man, dressed in green camouflage uniform, instructed them to obey their new chief and to attach St. George's ribbons to their uniforms, which have become a symbol of pro-Russian protesters in eastern Ukraine.
The episode fed into accusations from the government in Kiev and western officials that the protests are being instigated by the Kremlin and that some of the insurgents are Russian agents.
Oleksandr Sapunov, one of the men who took part in storming the police building in Horlivka, said the insurgents were fighting against appointees of the Kiev government, including the local police chief, and wanted to appoint a leadership of their own.
"The people came to tell him that he is a puppet of the Kiev junta and they won't accept him," Sapunov said.
Acting deputy interior minister Mykola Velichkovych acknowledged on Monday that some police officers in eastern regions were switching sides. "In the east we have seen numerous facts of sabotage from the side of police," Velichkovych told reporters.
The events echoed those in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia last month after key regional facilities were seized by Russian troops aided by local militiamen.
Ever since pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in late February, Russia has demanded constitutional reforms that would turn Ukraine into a loose federal state.
After refusing demands for a referendum by separatists in the east, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov indicated on Monday that holding a nation-wide referendum on the nation's status was a possibility and that such a vote could be conducted on May 25, along with presidential elections. Turchynov expressed confidence that Ukrainians would vote against turning the country into a federation and against its break-up.
Meanwhile, a deadline set by the Ukrainian government for pro-Russian gunmen to leave government buildings in eastern Ukraine and surrender weapons passed early Monday, with no immediate sign of any action to force the insurgents out.
Turchynov had issued a decree on Sunday that those protesters who disarm and vacate government offices in several cities in the Russian-leaning east of the country by 0600 GMT Monday will not be prosecuted. Turchynov vowed that a "large-scale anti-terrorist operation" would take place to re-establish control over those areas.
There was no immediate comment from the government on the deadline passing.
But Serhiy Taruta, governor of the Donetsk region, where government buildings in several cities, including the regional capital Donetsk, have been seized by pro-Russian gunmen, said an "anti-terrorist operation" was underway in the region, according to the Interfax news agency.
Taruta gave no details of what the operation would entail and there were no signs of increased police presence on the streets of Donetsk Monday. The governor usually does not have authority to launch such measures on his own and he was likely acting on the orders of top security officials in Kiev.
Taruta said the action would be aimed at "protecting the peace and order on our land, which today is being taken away from us by armed, aggressive fanatics cynically and cold-bloodedly," he was quoted as saying. "They are terrorists and we will not let them rule on our land." He did not provide any details of the operation.
The west has accused Moscow of fomenting the unrest.
"The fact is that many of the armed units that we've seen were outfitted in bulletproof vests, camouflage uniforms with insignia removed," US ambassador Samantha Power said during a UN Security Council session on Sunday. "These armed units ... raised Russian and separatist flags over seized buildings and have called referendums and union with Russia. We know who is behind this."
Vadim Karasyov, a political analyst in Kiev, said the Kremlin was using the ousted president, Viktor Yanukovych, to help foment separatist tensions. "The Kremlin is implementing its scenario in the east, using Yanukovych and his loyalists, while Russian instructors are running the show," Karasyov said.
Russia has tens of thousands of troops massed along Ukraine's eastern border, and western government have expressed fears that Moscow might use the violence in the mainly Russian-speaking region as a pretext for an invasion, in a repeat of events in Crimea weeks ago.
Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin denied western and Ukrainian claims that Moscow was behind the violence, and told UN diplomats that Ukraine's interim government has been using radical neo-Nazi forces to destabilize its eastern region.
"Some people, including in this chamber, do not want to see the real reasons for what is happening in Ukraine and are constantly seeing the hand of Moscow in what is going on," Churkin said. "Enough. That is enough."
Ukraine crisis: UN meeting told Russia is massing 40,000 troops on the border
Russia has been accused of intimidation and aggression as deadline approaches for separatists to disarm
Reuters
4:20AM BST 14 Apr 2014
411 Comments
The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency session to discuss the escalating crisis in Ukraine, just hours before a deadline by Kiev for pro-Russian separatists to disarm by Monday morning or face a "full-scale anti-terrorist operation" by its armed forces.
The Council began meeting at 8pm (0000 GMT on Monday) at Russia's request after Moscow called Kiev's plans to mobilise the army to put down a rebellion by pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine "criminal."
Britain's UN ambassador said Russia had massed tens of thousands of well-equipped troops near the Ukrainian border in addition to the 25,000 troops it recently moved into Crimea, which Moscow seized last month.
Russian SU-27/30 and SU-24 fighter jets sitting on a tarmac at Buturlinovka Air base, 150 km to the Ukainian border (AFP)
"Satellite images show that there are between 35,000 and 40,000 Russian troops in the vicinity of the border with Ukraine equipped with combat aircraft, tanks, artillery and logistical support units," Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said.
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Mr Lyall Grant accused Russia of agression and intimidation "similar to last century".
The meeting came after Ukrainian acting president Oleksander Turchinov, angered by the death of a state security officer and the wounding of two comrades near the flashpoint eastern city of Slavyansk, gave rebels occupying state buildings until 0600 GMT to lay down their weapons.
Pro-Russia activists near a barricade outside a regional police building seized by armed separatists in Slavyansk (AFP)
"The National Security and Defence Council has decided to launch a full-scale anti-terrorist operation involving the armed forces of Ukraine," Mr Turchinov said in an address to the nation.
He blamed Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimea region when Moscow-backed former president Viktor Yanukovych fled after months of pro-Western protests, for being behind the rash of rebellions across Russian-speaking towns in eastern Ukraine.
"We will not allow Russia to repeat the Crimean scenario in the eastern regions of Ukraine," Mr Turchinov said.
The deadline and the standoff with Russian troops at the border have raised fears of a military confrontation with Moscow.
The head of Ukraine's state security service (SBU) said government forces would respond ruthlessly if pro-Russian separatists opened fire.
Armed pro-Russia protesters prepare for the battle with Ukrainian police on the outskirts of Slavyansk (AFP)
"If they open fire, we will annihilate them. There should be no doubt about this," Valentyn Nalyvaichenko said in a televised interview.
Russia's Foreign Ministry called the planned military operation a "criminal order" and said the West should bring its allies in Ukraine's government under control.
"It is now the West's responsibility to prevent civil war in Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement.
The 15-nation council has held numerous emergency meetings on Ukraine but has been incapable of taking any concrete action because of Russia's sharp disagreements with the United States and Europe.
Earlier, the American ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, said on ABC's "This Week" that the United States was prepared to step up sanctions against Moscow if pro-Russian military actions in eastern Ukraine continued.
"The president has made clear that, depending on Russian behaviour, sectoral sanctions in energy, banking, mining could be on the table, and there's a lot in between," she added.
Ukraine has repeatedly said the rebellions are inspired and directed by the Kremlin. But action to dislodge the armed militants risks tipping the stand-off into a new, dangerous phase as Moscow has warned it will protect the region's Russian-speakers if they come under attack.
Russia has been accused of intimidation and aggression as deadline approaches for separatists to disarm
Reuters
4:20AM BST 14 Apr 2014
The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency session to discuss the escalating crisis in Ukraine, just hours before a deadline by Kiev for pro-Russian separatists to disarm by Monday morning or face a "full-scale anti-terrorist operation" by its armed forces.
The Council began meeting at 8pm (0000 GMT on Monday) at Russia's request after Moscow called Kiev's plans to mobilise the army to put down a rebellion by pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine "criminal."
Britain's UN ambassador said Russia had massed tens of thousands of well-equipped troops near the Ukrainian border in addition to the 25,000 troops it recently moved into Crimea, which Moscow seized last month.
"Satellite images show that there are between 35,000 and 40,000 Russian troops in the vicinity of the border with Ukraine equipped with combat aircraft, tanks, artillery and logistical support units," Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said.
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13 Apr 2014
Mr Lyall Grant accused Russia of agression and intimidation "similar to last century".
The meeting came after Ukrainian acting president Oleksander Turchinov, angered by the death of a state security officer and the wounding of two comrades near the flashpoint eastern city of Slavyansk, gave rebels occupying state buildings until 0600 GMT to lay down their weapons.
"The National Security and Defence Council has decided to launch a full-scale anti-terrorist operation involving the armed forces of Ukraine," Mr Turchinov said in an address to the nation.
He blamed Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimea region when Moscow-backed former president Viktor Yanukovych fled after months of pro-Western protests, for being behind the rash of rebellions across Russian-speaking towns in eastern Ukraine.
"We will not allow Russia to repeat the Crimean scenario in the eastern regions of Ukraine," Mr Turchinov said.
The deadline and the standoff with Russian troops at the border have raised fears of a military confrontation with Moscow.
The head of Ukraine's state security service (SBU) said government forces would respond ruthlessly if pro-Russian separatists opened fire.
"If they open fire, we will annihilate them. There should be no doubt about this," Valentyn Nalyvaichenko said in a televised interview.
Russia's Foreign Ministry called the planned military operation a "criminal order" and said the West should bring its allies in Ukraine's government under control.
"It is now the West's responsibility to prevent civil war in Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement.
The 15-nation council has held numerous emergency meetings on Ukraine but has been incapable of taking any concrete action because of Russia's sharp disagreements with the United States and Europe.
Earlier, the American ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, said on ABC's "This Week" that the United States was prepared to step up sanctions against Moscow if pro-Russian military actions in eastern Ukraine continued.
"The president has made clear that, depending on Russian behaviour, sectoral sanctions in energy, banking, mining could be on the table, and there's a lot in between," she added.
Ukraine has repeatedly said the rebellions are inspired and directed by the Kremlin. But action to dislodge the armed militants risks tipping the stand-off into a new, dangerous phase as Moscow has warned it will protect the region's Russian-speakers if they come under attack.
5.31am AEST
Alec Luhn is in Donetsk, where pro-Russian forces took over a regional government building last week. Kiev has warned of military action to eject the protesters. Earlier today at least one military helicopter was sighted over the city.
Now Alec finds two contrasting scenes among pro-Moscow demonstrators, inside and outside the government building:
People inside Donetsk admin building freaking out about imminent gov't assault. Outside people happily watching Zhirinovsky on @VRSoloviev
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 14, 2014
"Anyone who wants to join the people's army, please come to 1st floor." Leaders talking about creating barracks & training people #Donetsk
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 14, 2014
4.56am AEST
Ukraine's central bank has almost doubled a key lending rate on the hryvnia, Reuters reports:
[The bank] raised its overnight loan rate to 14.5 percent from 7.5 percent, the bank said in a statement, in an apparent attempt to restrict new money flows and prevent further pressure on the hryvnia currency.
The bank last changed the rate in August last year, when it cut the rate by 50 bases points. The hryvnia has lost about 38 percent of its value against the dollar since the beginning of the year due to the conflict with Russia.
4.27am AEST
EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg agreed to add four names to the list of people whose assets in the European Union have been blocked for allegedly embezzling Ukrainian state property under fugitive pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych, the Associated Press reports:
The new names, which brought the total to 22, including Yanukovych himself, are to be made public Tuesday.
Frans Timmermans, the Dutch foreign minister, said it was too early to impose more sanctions, but that the EU should be prepared, AP said. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that if negotiations planned in Geneva later this week fail to get Russia to back off in Ukraine, the trade bloc's leaders could impose further sanctions at a snap summit next week:
The White House on Monday said President Barack Obama would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, perhaps later in the day, and made clear the United States was not considering lethal aid for Ukraine, Reuters reports:
"We are looking at a variety of ways to demonstrate our strong support for Ukraine including diplomatically and economically," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.
"We're not actively considering lethal aid but we are reviewing the kinds of assistance we can provide," he said.
US President Barack Obama speaks at an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House in Washington, DC on April 14, 2014. Photograph: YURI GRIPAS/AFP/Getty Images
3.06am AEST
The Guardian's Alan Yuhas (@AlanYuhas) translates a report on ameeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Sergei Aksyonov, who led the political front of Crimea's secession movement. The Kremlin posted a Russian version of their conversation.
Aksyonov, reputedly known as "Goblin" in Ukrainian crime circles, was officially named acting governor of Crimea. During the conversation, Aksyonov told Putin that his government is handing out "about 20,000 passports every day", and that there's "no reason for concern". He accused Kiev of shutting off water into Crimea, but said that "we're working" on whatever problems there are.
Then Putin asked "How are preparations going for tourist season?" Aksyonov answered by saying that Crimea will be ready "literally by the end of the week … we're doing everything possible so as not to disappoint the tourists. In the first place we're trying to satisfy Russians' needs."
The conversation ended with this exchange:
Putin: Sergei Valerievich, you've done very much to reunify Crimea with Russia and for that you have the thanks of Crimeans and Russians all over the country.
Aksyonov: It's thanks to you, Vladimir Vladimirovich! It's by your service in the first place, so you have our thanks.
Putin: But there remains more for you to do as a leader, because the economy's in a state of neglect … In order get out of this situation, there's a lot that needs to be done and you'll have to work as hard as you've done so far – with great dedication and professionalism. I'd like to congratulate you … it's a very big job. I wish you success.
– Alan Yuhas
Updated at 4.06am AEST
3.02am AEST
France is prepared to seek "firm and graduated" sanctions in the crisis over Ukraine along with its European partners, president Francois Hollande told US president Barack Obama on Monday, Reuters reports, citing a statement from Hollande's office:
"Hollande expressed France's determination to put in place a firm and graduated sanctions policy with [France's] European partners," the statement said.
2.59am AEST
The Russian foreign ministry tweets a warning by Moscow's envoy to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that an assertion of military force by Kiev in eastern Ukraine could lead to "civil war."
Kiev’s operation in southeast of #Ukraine can lead to civil war ITAR-TASS: World - Kiev’s operation in southeast of Ukraine can lead to civil war @RF_OSCE @OSCE
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 14, 2014
Reuters has more from Andrey Kelin, the OSCE envoy:
Alec Luhn is in Donetsk, where pro-Russian forces took over a regional government building last week. Kiev has warned of military action to eject the protesters. Earlier today at least one military helicopter was sighted over the city.
Now Alec finds two contrasting scenes among pro-Moscow demonstrators, inside and outside the government building:
People inside Donetsk admin building freaking out about imminent gov't assault. Outside people happily watching Zhirinovsky on @VRSoloviev
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 14, 2014
"Anyone who wants to join the people's army, please come to 1st floor." Leaders talking about creating barracks & training people #Donetsk
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 14, 2014
4.56am AEST
Ukraine's central bank has almost doubled a key lending rate on the hryvnia, Reuters reports:
[The bank] raised its overnight loan rate to 14.5 percent from 7.5 percent, the bank said in a statement, in an apparent attempt to restrict new money flows and prevent further pressure on the hryvnia currency.
The bank last changed the rate in August last year, when it cut the rate by 50 bases points. The hryvnia has lost about 38 percent of its value against the dollar since the beginning of the year due to the conflict with Russia.
4.27am AEST
EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg agreed to add four names to the list of people whose assets in the European Union have been blocked for allegedly embezzling Ukrainian state property under fugitive pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych, the Associated Press reports:
The new names, which brought the total to 22, including Yanukovych himself, are to be made public Tuesday.
Frans Timmermans, the Dutch foreign minister, said it was too early to impose more sanctions, but that the EU should be prepared, AP said. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said that if negotiations planned in Geneva later this week fail to get Russia to back off in Ukraine, the trade bloc's leaders could impose further sanctions at a snap summit next week:
"We want to try to reach a political solution and de-escalation" at Geneva, Fabius said. "The European Union will participate along with Ukraine, Russia and the United States. We strongly hope to address the substantive issues there."
EU foreign ministers also passed a pair of proposals, the AP reports: The first allows the granting of up to 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in loans to cover Ukraine's critical balance of payments needs;
[DOUBLEPOST=1397504809][/DOUBLEPOST]4.10am AESTEU foreign ministers also passed a pair of proposals, the AP reports: The first allows the granting of up to 1 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in loans to cover Ukraine's critical balance of payments needs;
The ministers also agreed to temporarily abolish or reduce customs duties on Ukrainian imports. The EU, the world's largest trade bloc, accounts for about one third of Ukraine's external trade, and an end to tariffs would save Ukrainian exporters almost 500 million euros a year, according to the EU's executive arm.
On Thursday, the European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, is to meet with her U.S., Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in Geneva.
4.15am AEST
The White House confirms that CIA director John Brennan was in Kiev over the weekend, Guardian Washington correspondent Paul Lewis reports, but press secretary Jay Carney said it was “absurd” to portray the visit as anything other than a routine attempt to foster security cooperation.
On Thursday, the European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, is to meet with her U.S., Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in Geneva.
4.15am AEST
The White House confirms that CIA director John Brennan was in Kiev over the weekend, Guardian Washington correspondent Paul Lewis reports, but press secretary Jay Carney said it was “absurd” to portray the visit as anything other than a routine attempt to foster security cooperation.
The White House has admitted that CIA director John Brennan was in Kiev on Saturday, but denied such a visit is problematic.
— Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) April 14, 2014
— Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) April 14, 2014
The White House on Monday said President Barack Obama would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, perhaps later in the day, and made clear the United States was not considering lethal aid for Ukraine, Reuters reports:
"We are looking at a variety of ways to demonstrate our strong support for Ukraine including diplomatically and economically," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.
"We're not actively considering lethal aid but we are reviewing the kinds of assistance we can provide," he said.
US President Barack Obama speaks at an Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House in Washington, DC on April 14, 2014. Photograph: YURI GRIPAS/AFP/Getty Images
3.06am AEST
The Guardian's Alan Yuhas (@AlanYuhas) translates a report on ameeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Sergei Aksyonov, who led the political front of Crimea's secession movement. The Kremlin posted a Russian version of their conversation.
Aksyonov, reputedly known as "Goblin" in Ukrainian crime circles, was officially named acting governor of Crimea. During the conversation, Aksyonov told Putin that his government is handing out "about 20,000 passports every day", and that there's "no reason for concern". He accused Kiev of shutting off water into Crimea, but said that "we're working" on whatever problems there are.
Then Putin asked "How are preparations going for tourist season?" Aksyonov answered by saying that Crimea will be ready "literally by the end of the week … we're doing everything possible so as not to disappoint the tourists. In the first place we're trying to satisfy Russians' needs."
The conversation ended with this exchange:
Putin: Sergei Valerievich, you've done very much to reunify Crimea with Russia and for that you have the thanks of Crimeans and Russians all over the country.
Aksyonov: It's thanks to you, Vladimir Vladimirovich! It's by your service in the first place, so you have our thanks.
Putin: But there remains more for you to do as a leader, because the economy's in a state of neglect … In order get out of this situation, there's a lot that needs to be done and you'll have to work as hard as you've done so far – with great dedication and professionalism. I'd like to congratulate you … it's a very big job. I wish you success.
– Alan Yuhas
Updated at 4.06am AEST
3.02am AEST
France is prepared to seek "firm and graduated" sanctions in the crisis over Ukraine along with its European partners, president Francois Hollande told US president Barack Obama on Monday, Reuters reports, citing a statement from Hollande's office:
"Hollande expressed France's determination to put in place a firm and graduated sanctions policy with [France's] European partners," the statement said.
2.59am AEST
The Russian foreign ministry tweets a warning by Moscow's envoy to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that an assertion of military force by Kiev in eastern Ukraine could lead to "civil war."
Kiev’s operation in southeast of #Ukraine can lead to civil war ITAR-TASS: World - Kiev’s operation in southeast of Ukraine can lead to civil war @RF_OSCE @OSCE
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 14, 2014
Reuters has more from Andrey Kelin, the OSCE envoy:
"The (Ukrainian) acting minister of the interior has said that armed forces will be used against those who are in the manifestations and also there are units being organised of paramilitary people who will be given weapons and who will be under command of the officers. It will be, as we heard, nearly 12,000 of these people. This is dangerous," Andrey Kelin told reporters, speaking in English.
"In Moscow we strongly believe it might lead to a civil war. We are very worried," he said after an OSCE Permanent Council meeting to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
2.44am AEST
A security guard at Donetsk airport denies that Ukrainian forces had been arriving there, Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) reports:
"In Moscow we strongly believe it might lead to a civil war. We are very worried," he said after an OSCE Permanent Council meeting to discuss the situation in Ukraine.
2.44am AEST
A security guard at Donetsk airport denies that Ukrainian forces had been arriving there, Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) reports:
Despite reports that government troops had arrived at Donetsk airport as part of the anti-terrorist campaign in eastern Ukraine, a security guard on the runway told the Guardian that no military flights had landed.
He also denied reports that pro-Russian protesters had made an attempt to seize the facility.
He also denied reports that pro-Russian protesters had made an attempt to seize the facility.
2.19am AEST
The Russian fighter that overflew the US warship last weekend was an Su-24, or Fencer, that appeared to be unarmed, the Pentagon tells Reuters.
The plane reportedly made 12 passes:
"This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with their national protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries," said Colonel Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman.
Warren said a Russian Su-24 aircraft, or Fencer, made 12 passes at low altitude near the USS Donald Cook, a destroyer that has been in the Black Sea since April 10. It appeared to be unarmed, he said.
At the time the passes took place, Warren said, the U.S. ship was conducting a patrol in international waters in the western Black Sea. It is now in a Romanian port.
Updated at 2.21am AEST
1.55am AEST
The CIA has not denied reports that director John Brennan traveled to Kiev last weekend, as reported by Interfax drawing on anonymous and unconfirmed sources, but the CIA "rubbished the suggestion that Brennan was directing Ukrainian security officials", Guardian Washington correspondent Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) writes:
[UPDATE: The White House confirms Brennan's trip to Kiev, calls it a routine outing]
“The claim that Director Brennan encouraged Ukrainian authorities to conduct tactical operations inside Ukraine is completely false,” an agency spokesperson told the Guardian. “Like other senior U.S. officials, Director Brennan strongly believes that a diplomatic solution is the only way to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.”
Here's the Interfax report in Russian, "Source: CIA chief in Kiev guiding a series of secret consultations with security leaders". Reading it, Guardian's Alan Yuhas @AlanYuhas notes that even Interfax itself says it cannot confirm the report, based on a source inside the Ukrainian parliament who "explained to Interfax by phone from Kiev" that "an American guest is leading a series of meetings with leaders of the country alongside separate consultations with leaders of the security bloc."
Updated at 4.20am AEST
1.49am AEST
A U.S. military official says a Russian fighter jet made multiple, close-range passes near an American warship in the Black Sea for more than 90 minutes Saturday amid escalating tensions in the region.
The Associated Press reports:
The official says the fighter flew within 1,000 yards of the USS Donald Cook, a Navy destroyer, at about 500 feet above sea level, saying this prompted ship commanders to issue several radio warnings. The fighter appeared to be unarmed and the passes ended without incident.
The USS Donald Cook was operating in international waters east of Romania. It was deployed to the Black Sea April 10th, in the wake of the Russian military takeover of Ukraine's Crimea region and ongoing unrest there. The official was not authorized to talk publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Update: Reuters has spoken with an unnamed Pentagon official who confirms the Russian overflights and calls them "provocative and unprofessional."
Read update: Russian "Fencer" plane made 12 passes, Pentagon says.
Updated at 2.22am AEST
1.46am AEST
An unidentified helicopter in Donetsk. Alexander Marquardt is with ABC News:
The United States does not rule out supplying arms to Ukraine, Thomas Shannon, a senior diplomat and adviser to secretary of state John Kerry, said Monday.
Shannon was asked during a trip to Berlin whether the United States could arm Ukrainian forces, Reuters reports:
The Russian fighter that overflew the US warship last weekend was an Su-24, or Fencer, that appeared to be unarmed, the Pentagon tells Reuters.
The plane reportedly made 12 passes:
"This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with their national protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries," said Colonel Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman.
Warren said a Russian Su-24 aircraft, or Fencer, made 12 passes at low altitude near the USS Donald Cook, a destroyer that has been in the Black Sea since April 10. It appeared to be unarmed, he said.
At the time the passes took place, Warren said, the U.S. ship was conducting a patrol in international waters in the western Black Sea. It is now in a Romanian port.
Updated at 2.21am AEST
1.55am AEST
The CIA has not denied reports that director John Brennan traveled to Kiev last weekend, as reported by Interfax drawing on anonymous and unconfirmed sources, but the CIA "rubbished the suggestion that Brennan was directing Ukrainian security officials", Guardian Washington correspondent Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) writes:
[UPDATE: The White House confirms Brennan's trip to Kiev, calls it a routine outing]
“The claim that Director Brennan encouraged Ukrainian authorities to conduct tactical operations inside Ukraine is completely false,” an agency spokesperson told the Guardian. “Like other senior U.S. officials, Director Brennan strongly believes that a diplomatic solution is the only way to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.”
Here's the Interfax report in Russian, "Source: CIA chief in Kiev guiding a series of secret consultations with security leaders". Reading it, Guardian's Alan Yuhas @AlanYuhas notes that even Interfax itself says it cannot confirm the report, based on a source inside the Ukrainian parliament who "explained to Interfax by phone from Kiev" that "an American guest is leading a series of meetings with leaders of the country alongside separate consultations with leaders of the security bloc."
Updated at 4.20am AEST
1.49am AEST
A U.S. military official says a Russian fighter jet made multiple, close-range passes near an American warship in the Black Sea for more than 90 minutes Saturday amid escalating tensions in the region.
The Associated Press reports:
The official says the fighter flew within 1,000 yards of the USS Donald Cook, a Navy destroyer, at about 500 feet above sea level, saying this prompted ship commanders to issue several radio warnings. The fighter appeared to be unarmed and the passes ended without incident.
The USS Donald Cook was operating in international waters east of Romania. It was deployed to the Black Sea April 10th, in the wake of the Russian military takeover of Ukraine's Crimea region and ongoing unrest there. The official was not authorized to talk publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Update: Reuters has spoken with an unnamed Pentagon official who confirms the Russian overflights and calls them "provocative and unprofessional."
Read update: Russian "Fencer" plane made 12 passes, Pentagon says.
Updated at 2.22am AEST
1.46am AEST
An unidentified helicopter in Donetsk. Alexander Marquardt is with ABC News:
Military helicopter that just flew over downtown Donetsk.#Ukraine pic.twitter.com/ylpblgtxT2
— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) April 14, 2014
1.42am AEST— Alexander Marquardt (@MarquardtA) April 14, 2014
The United States does not rule out supplying arms to Ukraine, Thomas Shannon, a senior diplomat and adviser to secretary of state John Kerry, said Monday.
Shannon was asked during a trip to Berlin whether the United States could arm Ukrainian forces, Reuters reports:
"Obviously we are looking at that as an option ... but at this point I can't anticipate whether or not we are going to do that," Shannon said. [...]
"From our point of view what we are seeing in a series of cities mimics what we saw in Crimea both in terms of the tactics and in terms of the people involved. ... From our point of view there is a very obvious Russian hand in all of this and we consider these actions to be destabilising and dangerous."
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"From our point of view what we are seeing in a series of cities mimics what we saw in Crimea both in terms of the tactics and in terms of the people involved. ... From our point of view there is a very obvious Russian hand in all of this and we consider these actions to be destabilising and dangerous."
watch the vice videos
Poppa_Dock
:gladlebron:
when this dude gonna drop that blueprint for armageddon III?
i'm scratching my neck like a crack head waiting for that shyt...straight detox status.