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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)


May 2014 - Ukraine Special Weapons News

  • Hagel: Thousands of Russian Troops Pull Back from Ukraine Border AFPS 30 May 2014 -- Thousands of Russian troops have pulled back from Ukraine's border in a move Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel called "promising" yesterday during a media briefing en route to Singapore, one of the stops on his 12-day trip to Alaska and countries in Asia and Europe.
  • Ukraine forces clear parts of eastern provinces: Koval Iran Press TV 30 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting Defense Minister Mykhailo Koval says government forces have cleared parts of the eastern provinces from pro-Russians.
  • OSCE says more monitors held in eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 30 May 2014 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says pro-Russians have detained another group of its observers in eastern Ukraine.
  • Vostok Battalion, A Powerful New Player In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 30 May 2014 -- Rumors that battle-hardened Chechen fighters from Russia's notorious Vostok Battalion are active in eastern Ukraine have been swirling for weeks.
  • Now Comes The Hard Part: Vitali Klitschko Aims To Clean Up Kyiv RFE/RL 30 May 2014 -- Vitali Klitschko's first task as Kyiv's mayor will be cleaning up City Hall - literally. Following his landslide victory in Kyiv's May 25 mayoral election, the boxer-turned-politician toured his future office, located in a Soviet-era city administration building that was captured by protesters in the early stages of the Euromaidan uprising.
  • Pro-Russian Troops Reportedly Evict Other Rebels From Donetsk HQ RFE/RL 30 May 2014 -- In an apparent sign of infighting, one faction of pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine has reportedly evicted another faction from the regional administration building in Donetsk that has served as the separatists' headquarters.
  • Ukraine Vows Continued Offensive As Second OSCE Team Missing RFE/RL 30 May 2014 -- Ukraine's government says that it will press on with an offensive to restore peace and order, as a second team of international monitors has reportedly been detained by pro-Russian gunmen.
  • Ukrainian Peacekeepers May Leave Africa for Operation in East RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is considering a possibility that Ukrainian peacekeepers in Africa could be withdrawn to participate in the special operation against federalists in the east, a senior Ukrainian defense official, Andriy Ordinovych, told the UNIAN news agency Friday.
  • Ukrainian Army Denies Reports on Plans to Complete Special Op by June 14 RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian forces have not confirmed the media reports that it planned to complete the special operation against federalization supporters in the eastern regions of the country by June 14, news agency UNN reported Friday.
  • OSCE Says Another Group of Monitors Detained in Eastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has lost contact with members of its Luhansk-based team, the Organization for Security and Cooperation said Friday.
  • Ukraine to Continue Special Op in East Until Situation Stabilized – Official RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- Ukrainian forces are planning to continue the Kiev regime's special operation in the country's southeast until they reach a complete stabilization in the region, Ukraine's interim Defense Minister Mykhailo Koval said Friday.
  • Ukraine Right Sector Radicals Nabbed in Crimea After Plotting Terrorist Attacks RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a group of Ukrainian radicals from the far-right Right Sector movement implicated in attempted terrorist attacks in Crimea's Simferopol, Yalta and Sevastopol, the agency said Friday.
  • Federalists Destroy Ammo Depot Near Eastern Ukraine's Luhansk RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- Self-defense forces have destroyed the Ukrainian Army ammunition depot in Oleksandrivsk, a city in the eastern Ukraine's Luhansk region, the National Guard said on the website Friday.
  • Ukrainian Army Resumes Shelling of Troubled Slaviansk RIA Novosti 30 May 2014 -- Ukrainian troops have resumed their shelling of the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk, local citizens told RIA Novosti Friday.
  • Ukraine's Military to Continue Eastern Offensive VOA 30 May 2014 -- Ukraine officials vowed Friday to continue a military offensive against pro-Russian rebels in the country's east, after separatists there shot down a helicopter, killing at least a dozen servicemen.
  • US Official: Russia Has Withdrawn Most Troops from Ukraine Border VOA 30 May 2014 -- Russia has withdrawn most of its troops from the Ukrainian border, but seven battalions, amounting to thousands of men, remain there, officials said Friday.
  • Slavyansk militia asks Ukraine army not to fire at purification facilities using liquid chlorine VoR 30 May 2014 -- Local militiamen have cautioned the Ukrainian Armed Forces against carrying out strikes against the city of Slavyansk's water purification facilities that use liquid chlorine in their operations. 'We have to note that the city of Slavyansk has purification facilities that use liquid chlorine. And if the National Guard or the Ukrainian army starts to fire at them, a catastrophe will become inevitable,' a militia spokesman has said, reaffirming the absence of any toxic agents in Slavyansk.
  • Military operation will continue until total normalization in East Ukraine - acting defense minister VoR 30 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting defense minister, Mikhail Koval, has announced that the military operation in the east of the country will continue until the situation in the region is brought back to normal entirely. 'We will continue to work until this region starts to live a normal life again,' Koval said at a press briefing on Friday.
  • Putin Kicks Off Eurasian Union, Without Ukraine VOA 29 May 2014 -- Moscow increasingly speaks of Russia's "sphere of influence.' And, on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin took a major step in securing that position by creating a shared market of former Soviet states to help integrate economic policy.
  • Helicopter Crash Kills 12, Not 14, Near Slaviansk – Ukraine's National Guard RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- Twelve Ukrainian servicemen, including a general, were killed when a helicopter was shot down in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk on Thursday, the country's National Guard said, correcting the number of victims previously given by acting President Oleksandr Turchynov.
  • All Bodies in Donetsk Airport Hostilities Identified, 33 of Them Russian RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- All the bodies of federalists killed in the May 26 hostilities at the Donetsk airport have been identified, and 33 of them are Russian nationals, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Thursday.
  • 1,200 Ukrainian Soldiers Dead in Slaviansk Special Op – People's Mayor RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- About 1,200 Ukrainian army soldiers have been killed during a special operation in Slaviansk, and eight helicopters and 15 armored vehicles were destroyed, Slaviansk people's mayor Vyacheslav Ponomaryov said Thursday.
  • Detained OSCE Observers in Donetsk Safe and Sound – Ukrainian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- The members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitoring group detained in Ukraine's Donetsk region earlier this week are safe and sound, acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia said at a briefing in Kiev on Thursday.
  • Separatists Shoot Down Ukrainian Helicopter VOA 29 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have shot down a Ukrainian military helicopter, killing 12 government troops, including a general.
  • Ukraine's Slavyansk under mortar attack: refugees, children unable to leave town - local self-defense HQ VoR 29 May 2014 -- Howitzers and mortars are being fired at Slavyansk on Thursday afternoon; however, refugees who tried to flee in their cars and buses have been told to go back, the local self-defense headquarters said. 'At this moment, the town is under fierce howitzer and mortar firing, no air strikes have so far been carried out by the Ukrainian army. But cars and buses are being turned back at checkpoints of the Ukrainian army who would not let civilians out of the town,' the headquarters said.
  • All bodies in Donetsk Airport hostilities identified, 33 of them Russian VoR 29 May 2014 -- All the bodies of federalists killed in the May 26 hostilities at the Donetsk airport have been identified, and 33 of them are Russian nationals, Alexander Borodai, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Thursday.
  • Ukraine's Foreign Ministry turns down humanitarian aid from Russia VoR 29 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has turned down an official note of the Russian Foreign Ministry asking for permission to provide humanitarian aid to residents of Ukraine's eastern regions.
  • Russia to Kiev: Stop this fraternal war Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Russia has called on Ukraine to immediately stop what it calls a fraternal war in the country, while urging the West to steer Kiev away from a "national disaster."
  • 14 soldiers killed as gunship downed in East Ukraine Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- At least 14 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed as pro-Russia protesters shot down an army helicopter.
  • Ukrainian Helicopter Shot Down By Rebels, 14 Troops Killed RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- Ukrainian authorities say between 12 and 14 soldiers, including an army general, were killed when pro-Russian separatists shot down a military helicopter near Slovyansk, while Russia urged the West to press Kyiv to stop the military operation and avert a 'catastrophe.'
  • What Are Eastern Ukraine's (Legitimate) Grievances With Kyiv? RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- When Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko visits Donetsk after his inauguration next month, he is likely to get an earful of demands from eastern Ukrainians who are unhappy with Kyiv.
  • Kyiv's Deadline Looms On $2 Billion Russian Gas Debt RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- A deadline is looming for Ukraine to pay off its natural gas debts to Russia's state-controlled Gazprom or face a supply cut that also would impact other parts of Europe.
  • Security Council told of 'dramatic increase' in deadly fighting in eastern Ukraine UN News Centre 28 May 2014 -- In the Security Council's first meeting on Ukraine since the presidential election there, United Nations political chief Jeffrey Feltman said violence in the country's east has dramatically increased and reiterated Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's call on President-elect Petro Poroshenko to steer the country away from instability.
  • UN Welcomes Ukraine Election; Calls for Calm; Dialogue VOA 28 May 2014 -- U.N. Security Council members have overwhelmingly praised Sunday's election in Ukraine, and urged an end to violence and the restoration of calm and national dialogue.
  • Ukraine, Russia Leaders to Attend D-Day Ceremonies VOA 28 May 2014 -- Ukraine's president-elect Petro Poroshenko will attend the 70th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landings in Normandy, his office said on Wednesday.
  • Draft law on imposing state of emergency in Donetsk and Lugansk registered in Verkhovna Rada VoR 28 May 2014 -- A draft law has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada on introducing a state of emergency in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The draft law was put forward by MP Nikolai Rudkovsky. Earlier on Wednesday,the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine has indefinitely extended the restrictions imposed on flights to Sergey Prokofyev International Airport in Donetsk on May 26 in connection with a force operation, says Denis Antonyuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian State Aviation Administration.
  • Kiev resumes call-up for compulsory military service VoR 28 May 2014 -- Kiev has resumed call-up for compulsory military service, planning to draft 1,308 conscripts, the press service of the Kiev administration said Wednesday.
  • Few Russian Troops Withdraw From Ukraine Border AFPS 28 May 2014 -- Tens of thousands of Russian troops remain encamped on the Ukrainian border, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
  • Ukraine's Poroshenko vows to crush unrest in east Iran Press TV 28 May 2014 -- Ukraine's president-elect, Petro Poroshenko, has promised to quickly crush pro-Russia activists in the country's eastern region.
  • Uneasy Calm Reported In Donetsk After Bloody Battle RFE/RL 28 May 2014 -- An uneasy calm appears to have returned to the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, one day after dozens of pro-Russian separatist fighters were reported killed in fighting with government forces.
  • EU Backs New Ukrainian Leadership RFE/RL 28 May 2014 -- European Union leaders praised Ukraine's presidential election and vowed to support the country's new leader as he assumes power in a country struggling with a flailing economy, pro-Russian separatists in the east, and ongoing pressure from Moscow.
  • Kiev Admits $2.2Bln Gas Debt to Gazprom – Russian Energy Minister RIA Novosti 28 May 2014 -- Ukraine has recognized its $2.2 billion debt to Russia for natural gas deliveries prior to April 1, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Wednesday.
  • At Least 10 Injured in Gunfire in Ukraine's Slaviansk – Reports RIA Novosti 28 May 2014 -- At least ten civilians were wounded Wednesday in an army attack on Ukraine's southeastern city of Slaviansk, as pro-regime troops continued their "anti-terror operation" (ATO) with machine gun and heavy weapons fire.
  • Kiev Must Immediately Halt Violence as Election Finishes – Lavrov RIA Novosti 28 May 2014 -- Ukraine must immediately move to stop violence and launch nationwide dialogue following last Sunday's presidential vote in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists Wednesday after talks with his Argentinian counterpart in Moscow.
  • Ban welcomes 'generally peaceful' polls in Ukraine, expresses alarm at fresh violence in east UN News Centre 27 May 2014 -- While welcoming the "generally peaceful" nature of Ukraine's weekend presidential elections, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed concern that eligible voters in some parts of the county's crisis torn eastern region were not allowed to participate in the national poll.
  • Ukraine Says It Regained Control of Airport in East VOA 27 May 2014 -- After a day of punishing air strikes and fierce fighting with pro-Russia separatist gunmen, Ukraine said on Tuesday that it had regained control of Donetsk airport.
  • US Ambassador: Russia's Hand in Ukraine Hard to Deny VOA 27 May 2014 -- As the uprising in eastern Ukraine intensifies, the Russian government's involvement is becoming harder to deny, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine said Tuesday.
  • Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania plan to establish joint military unit VoR 27 May 2014 -- Cabinet has endorsed a draft agreement with Poland and Lithuania to set up a collaborative military unit, acting Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhailo Koval said Tuesday. 'We are going to sign this draft agreement and get down to work before long,' Koval said.
  • Dozens of Militants Killed in Battle for Donetsk Airport VOA 27 May 2014 -- After a day of punishing air strikes and fierce fighting with pro-Russian separatist gunmen, Ukraine said on Tuesday that it had regained control of the Donetsk airport.
  • Russia ready for consultations with Kiev on border issues - Russian Foreign Ministry VoR 27 May 2014 -- Moscow is ready for consultations with Kiev on state border issues, as was previously requested by Ukraine, but would like to understand first what problems they suggest discussing, a Russian deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin said Tuesday. 'Such a meeting is possible in principle. [But] it is important to understand what the Ukrainian authorities mean by requesting such consultations. If we get clarifications on this, such a meeting will be possible,' Karasin said.
  • National Guard loses up to five people in operation in southeast - Ukraine's Interior Ministry VoR 27 May 2014 -- The losses of the National Guard amounted to up to five people throughout the entire forceful operation in southeastern Ukraine, the Interior Ministry said.
  • Donetsk clashes: up to 50 people died, more than 100 injured in massive punitive operation VoR 27 May 2014 -- Fatalities may reach 100 people in a punitive operation active stage of which Ukrainian law enforcement agencies started in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk on Monday,Chairman of the Supreme Council presidium of the Donetsk People's Republic Denis Pushilin reported to TASS news agency on Tuesday. He added that there were up to 50 civilians among the victims. Earlier, Donetsk mayor Alexander Lukyanchenko said that 40 people were killed in fighting on May 26.
  • Kiev should immediately stop using army against Ukraine population - Moscow VoR 27 May 2014 -- Stopping the use of the Armed Forces against the civilian population of Ukraine will become an 'endurance test' for the Kiev authorities, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. 'Immediately stopping the use of the army against the population and ending any violence by all sides is the top priority task and 'endurance test' for the Kiev authorities,' he said at a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Interfax reports.
  • Ukraine Forces Retake Airport, Fighting Goes On In Donetsk RFE/RL 27 May 2014 -- Reports say sporadic fighting is continuing on the outskirts of the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a day after heavy clashes in which dozens of pro-Russian separatists were reported killed.
  • Putin Demands End To Ukraine Offensive As Dozens Reported Killed RFE/RL 27 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for an immediate end to what he called the Ukrainian government's 'punitive' military operation in the east, after dozens were reported killed in a day of fighting in the eastern city of Donetsk.
  • Putin Moves Crimean Parliamentary Election Forward RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree announcing that an election for members of Crimea's and Sevastopol's legislative assembly planned for next year will instead be held on September 14.
  • Kiev Sees no Need for State of Emergency in Eastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema said Tuesday that there was no need to declare a state of emergency in Eastern Ukraine where military operations are currently under way.
  • Putin Calls for End to Violence, Urges Dialogue in Ukraine RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Ukraine in a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Tuesday, calling for an end to violence in the crisis-hit country, the Kremlin said Tuesday.
  • Ukraine Resumes Special Operation in Country's East RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukrainian troops have resumed the Kiev authorities' special operation in the east of the country, which had been suspended for Sunday's presidential election, acting Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema said Tuesday.
  • Nearly 100 Killed in Monday's Donetsk Hostilities – Federalists RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Over 50 members of local self-defense forces and nearly the same number of civilians were killed in clashes on Monday with pro-Kiev troops in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Tuesday.
  • Kiev Asks Russia to Pay $1Bln for Gas Left in Crimea Storage RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukraine has asked Russia to pay $1 billion for 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas stored at an underground facility belonging to Crimea's Black Sea oil and gas company Chernomorneftegaz, Acting Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Tuesday.
  • Kiev to Pay Debt for Russian Gas After Fixing $268 Price for Further Deliveries RIA Novosti 27 May 2014 -- Ukraine is ready to pay its debt to Russia for gas deliveries only after securing a price of $268 per thousand cubic meters for future supplies, Finance Minister Oleksander Shlapak said Tuesday.
  • Ukraine President-Elect: No Talks with 'Terrorists' VOA 26 May 2014 -- Ukraine's likely president-elect Petro Poroshenko says there will be no talks with 'terrorists' - his word for the armed pro-Russian separatists in the east.
  • Russian Officials Call for Talks with Ukraine's New President VOA 26 May 2014 -- For weeks, Russian officials cast doubt on Ukraine's presidential election. But on Sunday voting took place peacefully in 90 percent of the country, and with most of the votes counted Petro Poroshenko has clearly won more than 50 percent and a first-round victory.
  • Analysis: Ukraine's Likely President Leans Toward West but Must Face Moscow VOA 26 May 2014 -- Billionaire Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's likely new president, wasted little time in exhibiting his pro-Western leanings.
  • Fire from gov't forces kills two, wounds child at Donetsk train station VoR 26 May 2014 -- Two adults were killed and a child was injured by fire from government forces on the square in front of the rail terminal in Donetsk on Monday during a current anti-militia operation, the press service of the unilaterally proclaimed 'Donetsk People's Republic' told Interfax agency.
  • Donetsk People's Republic to have dialogue with new Ukrainian authorities with mediators VoR 26 May 2014 -- The administration of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic is ready for dialogue with the new administration of Ukraine provided there are mediators, including Russia, Denis Pushilin, presidium chairman of the Supreme Council of the Donetsk People's Republic, said in a phone conversation with Interfax on Monday.
  • Poroshenko wants military operation in southeastern Ukraine to continue in new format VoR 26 May 2014 -- Petr Poroshenko, who is leading in the Ukrainian presidential election, has said the army operation in southeastern Ukraine should continue in a changed format. 'I support the continuation of this [army operation] but I demand a new format,' Poroshenko said at a press briefing on Monday.
  • Donetsk People's Republic introduces martial law VoR 26 May 2014 -- Martial law is introduced in the proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic on Monday, Denis Pushilin, chairman of the presidium of the Donetsk People's Republic Supreme Council, told TASS.
  • NATO Secretary General congratulates Ukrainian people on Elections NATO 26 May 2014
  • Poroshenko says will return Crimea to Ukraine Iran Press TV 26 May 2014 -- Ukraine's president-elect has said that one of his main priorities is to return Crimea to his country's rule but Russia says Crimea will not be returned to Ukraine.
  • Donetsk airport under Ukraine army fire Iran Press TV 26 May 2014 -- The main airport in Ukraine's newly-declared Republic of Donetsk, which is under control of pro-Russia activists, has been targeted with airstrikes by the Ukrainian army.
  • Russia ready for dialog with Ukraine: Lavrov Iran Press TV 26 May 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed Moscow's readiness to have dialog with Ukraine's newly-elected president, Petro Poroshenko.
  • Poroshenko Rolls Up His Sleeves: Ukraine's New President's Top, Top Priorities RFE/RL 26 May 2014 -- Chocolate magnate Petro Poroshenko seems set to be declared the outright winner of Ukraine's May 25 presidential election. But even before the confetti hits the floor, he'll have to start tackling some daunting tasks to stabilize a country in the grips of economic, political, and geopolitical crises.
  • Poroshenko, Moscow Signal They're Ready For Dialogue RFE/RL 26 May 2014 -- Ukraine's new president and Moscow have signaled they are ready to talk over the crisis in Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian Forces Launch Operation To Retake Donetsk Airport RFE/RL 26 May 2014 -- Reports say the Ukrainian military has launched an offensive to take back the main airport in Donetsk following its seizure by armed separatists.
  • On The Maidan: Should I Stay Or Should I Go? RFE/RL 26 May 2014 -- Under the blazing sun, a patchwork of flags and anti-Putin banners flutter in the breeze from the metal frame of Kyiv's Christmas tree, which still overlooks Euromaidan's sprawling, barricaded tent encampment.
  • Ukraine's Military Bombs Donetsk Airport – Federalists RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Ukrainian military aircraft have bombed the Donetsk airport in eastern Ukraine, representatives of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Monday on Twitter.
  • Ukraine's Poroshenko Aims to Continue Special Operation in Eastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Billionaire Petro Poroshenko, who has claimed victory in Sunday's presidential vote in Ukraine, said the special operation in eastern Ukraine should continue and become more effective.
  • Ukraine Frontrunner Poroshenko Says Ready to Negotiate With Federalists RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Billionaire Petro Poroshenko, who leads Ukraine's presidential race, said Monday he was ready to sit down at the negotiating table with all people of the turbulent Donetsk and Luhansk regions, but added illegal armed forces must give up their weapons.
  • Lavrov Calls New Round of East Ukraine Crackdown 'Tremendous Mistake' RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday the restart of the active phase of Kiev's military operation in eastern Ukraine would be a "tremendous mistake."
  • Moscow Ready to Expand Dialogue With Kiev, Western Mediation Not Needed – Lavrov RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Direct contacts between Moscow and Kiev have never ceased, and Russia is ready to establish pragmatic and equal dialogue following the recent presidential election, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.
  • Ukraine Army Kills 2, Captures 14 in Luhansk RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Ukrainian troops killed two opposition activists and captured 14 in an offensive on Sunday in Ukraine's easternmost region of Luhansk, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said Monday.
  • Ukraine to Keep Non-Aligned Status, Revision Possible RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Ukraine's membership in NATO is off the table for now, but its future in the military alliance will depend on Russia's plan of action, the Ukrainian acting foreign chief said Monday.
  • Poroshenko Plans to Visit Russia in June to Discuss Ukrainian Crisis RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Petro Poroshenko, who is leading the presidential election results in Ukraine, told journalists Friday that he hopes to meet with Russian leaders in early June to discuss the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
  • EU Says Ukraine Presidential Election Successful, Has High Hopes for New Leader RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- The European Union welcomes Sunday's presidential election in Ukraine and looks forward to working with the newly elected president, EU leaders said in a joint statement Monday.
  • Ukraine's Presidential Vote 'Step Forward' – Russian Lawmaker RIA Novosti 26 May 2014 -- Russian State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin said Monday that Sunday's presidential election in Ukraine was a step away from lawlessness and toward a lawful government in Kiev.
  • 2014 Presidential Elections in Ukraine US Dept. of State 26 May 2014 -- Press Statement by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
  • Statement by the President on Elections in Ukraine The White House 25 May 2014
  • Poroshenko Declares Victory In Ukraine Vote; Runoff Likely Averted RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- Confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko has declared victory in Ukraine's presidential election with exit polls indicating he secured an absolute majority in the first round of voting.
  • Exit Polls: Poroshenko Wins Ukraine Presidential Vote VOA 25 May 2014 -- Former foreign minister Petro Poroshenko appeared to have won the Ukrainian presidency with more than half the votes cast - avoiding the need for a runoff, according to two polls of voters as they left polling stations Sunday.
  • Poroshenko leads presidential race with over 55% of votes - exit polls VoR 25 May 2014 -- Pyotr Poroshenko, a business tycoon and member of Ukraine's parliament, is winning the presidential elections in Ukraine with 55.9% of the vote, according to exit poll data, ITAR-TASS reports. His closes rival, Yulia Timoshenko, the leader of the Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party, received over 12% of the vote.
  • Snapshot: Who Is Petro Poroshenko? RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- Petro Poroshenko, whose fortune is estimated at some $1.3 billion, is one of the richest men in Ukraine and best known as the owner of the popular Roshen brand of chocolates. But the 48-year-old future president is also a savvy and experienced politician, who has held ministerial posts in several of Ukraine's governments in the past 15 years.
  • Displaced From Crimea, Voting On The Mainland RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- It wasn't so much the armed troops on Crimea's streets that led Anton Plitus to leave his homeland shortly after Russia annexed the peninsula. Instead, it was what he described as an atmosphere of hatred and intolerance.
  • Voices From Ukraine's 'Borderlands': Fears Of 'Chaos' Bring People To The Polls RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- Bardak, or chaos, seemed to be the buzzword in this agricultural town of 7,500, as a small but steady stream of people cast their ballots in Ukraine's presidential elections.
  • Interview: Russia Watcher Lucas Says 'Tide Has Turned A Bit' For Ukraine RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- There are still plenty of ways Russia can continue to meddle in Ukraine's affairs. But with Petro Poroshenko'v apparent victory in the May 25 presidential election amid a solid turnout, Kyiv may have turned a corner. .
  • Ukraine Votes In Crucial Presidential Election RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- Voting is under way in Ukraine's presidential election, three months after the ouster of the country's pro-Russia leader.
  • Medvedev arrives in Crimea on his second visit in two months VoR 25 May 2014 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has arrived for a two-day working trip to Crimea on Sunday, according to ITAR-TASS. This trip is Medvedev's second one after Crimea's accession to Russia in March. On March 31, he held an offsite meeting of the Russian government on the peninsula.
  • Ukraine Votes In Presidential Election RFE/RL 25 May 2014 -- Ukraine votes in a presidential election on May 25. Authorities hope the election can help resolve a confrontation with Russia that has split the country with pro-Russian separatists in control of much of two eastern regions, Donetsk and Luhansk.
  • Media Turn In Mixed Performance As Ukraine Campaign Comes To An End RFE/RL 24 May 2014 -- Many in Ukraine and around the world have pinned their hopes for stabilizing the country on the outcome of the May 25 presidential election.
  • Prime Minister Urges Voters To 'Defend Ukraine' RFE/RL 24 May 2014 -- Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk is urging Ukrainians to vote in the country's May 25 presidential election to 'defend Ukraine.'
  • Reporter's Notebook: Dnipropetrovsk Defies East Ukraine Stereotypes RFE/RL 24 May 2014
  • Putin Warns Of Threat To Europe's Gas Supplies From 'Ukrainian Radicals' RFE/RL 24 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has told officials from leading energy companies that Russia is concerned about threats by 'Ukrainian radicals' to disrupt gas supplies to Europe.
  • Low Turnout Expected in Restive East Ukraine VOA 24 May 2014 -- Ukraine election monitors say armed pro-Russian separatists are likely to prevent up to two-thirds of voters in eastern districts from choosing a new president Sunday, despite calls from Kyiv for a strong voter turnout.
  • Donetsk, Lugansk People's Republics unite in Novorossiya VoR 24 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics have merged in one state.
  • Armed clashes continue between self-defense and law enforcers outside Ukraine's Slavyansk VoR 24 May 2014 -- Armed clashes between pro-Russia gunmen of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been going on near the village of Semyonovka outside Slavyansk for three hours on Saturday, TASS reports.
  • Kiev leaders may not want completely legitimate president - Putin VoR 24 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin argued on Saturday that Ukraine's president to be elected on Sunday might become a transitional figure or, on the contrary, concentrate maximum powers, and that either possibility would trigger more intensive political strife in the country. Vladimir Putin said he would 'treat with respect' the choice of the Ukrainian people in the country's May 25 early presidential elections.
  • Small Number of Russians Moving From Ukrainian Border AFPS 23 May 2014 -- A small number of Russian troops have moved away from the southern and eastern borders of Ukraine, but thousands more remain in place, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said here today.
  • Putin Vows to Recognize Ukraine Presidential Vote VOA 23 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to recognize the outcome of Sunday's presidential election in Ukraine, while voicing hope that Ukraine's new president will end military operations against separatists in the east.
  • Ukraine in 'full-scale civil war': Putin says Iran Press TV 23 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the crisis in Ukraine has evolved into a full-scale civil war, blaming the situation on Washington's backing for the overthrow of former Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych.
  • Ukraine Vote Campaign Climaxes After 17 Troops Killed RFE/RL 23 May 2014 -- Candidates vying to become Ukraine's next president are due to hold their final campaign rallies on May 23, one day after the Ukrainian Army suffered heavy losses to pro-Russian separatists in the east.
  • Eight Things You Didn't Know About The Ukrainian Election RFE/RL 23 May 2014 -- It's all but certain that 'chocolate king' Petro Poroshenko is going to win more votes than 'gas princess' Yulia Tymoshenko in Ukraine's May 25 first-round elections. But there are still a few new things to learn about the vote.
  • Missing The Vote: Fear Trumps Election Hopes In Donetsk RFE/RL 23 May 2014 -- Donetsk is the largest city in eastern Ukraine, with a population of nearly a million people. But it appears that many - if not most - of its voters will not be able to take part in Ukraine's presidential election on May 25 because of the climate of fear separatists have established on the city's streets.
  • Simple Switch to US Nuclear Fuel for Ukraine Plants Impossible - IAEA Official RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Simply switching from Russian-made nuclear fuel to its US equivalent for use in Ukrainian reactors is impossible, Miroslav Lipar, an official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.
  • Moscow Ready to Work With New Ukrainian Leadership After Election – Putin RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Russia will work with the new power structures in Ukraine after Sunday's presidential election and hopes that military activities cease after the vote, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • Moscow Hopes for Positive Result of Direct Contacts Between Adversaries in Ukraine RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Russia hopes the direct contacts that have been launched in Ukraine between the country's adversaries will lead to a positive result, but the most important condition to carry out this goal remains an end to violence, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • US Sees Ukraine Crisis as Technical Issue – Putin RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- The situation that has appeared in Ukraine is very important for Russia but is only a technical issue for the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • Kiev Could Facilitate Dialogue With Moscow by Paying Gas Debt – Putin RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Kiev could create favorable conditions for dialogue with Moscow by paying its debt for gas supplies, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday.
  • Putin Says West Supported Unconstitutional Coup in Ukraine RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Western countries supported the unconstitutional coup in Ukraine at the same time that Moscow suggested finding an exit from the crisis in the country through dialogue, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • West's Refusal of Dialogue May Lead to Ukraine's Membership in NATO – Putin RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Russia fears that the West's refusal to engage in dialogue on Ukraine may lead to Kiev joining NATO and the US deploying missile defense systems in the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • Putin Calls 4-Party Consultations on Ukraine-EU Association 'Nothing But Slogans' RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- The European Union has so far announced nothing but slogans about consultations on Ukraine's possible association with the EU, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • Ukraine Torn by Full-Fledged Civil War – Putin RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Following the coup in Ukraine, chaos followed and a full-fledged civil war has broken out, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday.
  • By Reunifying With Crimea Russia Protected Citizens From Odessa-Like Tragedy – Putin RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- The number of victims in Crimea could have been even larger than in the tragedy in Odessa if Russia had not reunified with the peninsula, which was the right thing to do, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday.
  • Private Military Companies Involved in Ukraine Standoff – Russian General Staff RIA Novosti 23 May 2014 -- Private military companies are participating in events in Ukraine, the head of the Russian military's General Staff said Friday.
  • Ahead of Ukraine Vote, Fighting Continues in East VOA 23 May 2014 -- Fighting continued Friday between pro-Russian separatists and government forces in eastern Ukraine, two days before a presidential election.
  • Worries Grow Over Ukraine 'Yugoslav Scenario' VOA 23 May 2014 -- When Russian President Vladimir Putin reclaimed Crimea for Moscow, he called the territory "inseparable" from the motherland.
  • Putin: Russia Will Accept Ukrainian Election Outcome VOA 23 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will respect the outcome of Ukraine's presidential election. It is the first time he has explicitly indicated that he will accept Ukraine's election result.
  • Several houses destroyed in Slavyansk by artillery fire VoR 23 May 2014 -- Several houses were destroyed when Slavyansk and its suburbs were hit by massive artillery fire overnight, a member of the local people's police force told ITAR-TASS on Friday. Ukrainian government forces particularly intensively fired at the village of Semyonovka, he said. A house burned up after it was hit by a direct strike. The family left the house the day before, and thus survived. A neighboring house was partly destroyed after a shell exploded right on its porch. Another house near the center of Slavyansk was partly destroyed when a shell exploded near the gates, the source said.
  • Ukraine: amid fresh violence in country's east, Ban appeals for calm ahead of elections UN News Centre 22 May 2014 -- As violence continues to roil eastern Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated today his appeals to all parties ahead of Sunday's scheduled presidential elections to redouble their efforts to help create the conditions that will allow voters across the crisis-torn country to safely cast their ballots.
  • The Costs Of Russia's Ukraine 'Victory' RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Russia's aggressive policies in Ukraine since the fall of 2013 have resulted in some remarkable gains for Moscow.
  • At Least 14 Soldiers Killed In Attacks In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Acting Ukrainian President OIeksandr Turchynov says 13 soldiers were killed in an overnight attack by separatists forces in the Donetsk region.
  • Pro-Russia protesters seize four mines in Ukraine Iran Press TV 22 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian protesters have seized four coal mines in the east Ukrainian region of Lugansk.
  • Amid Chaos: How Will Eastern Ukrainians Manage To Vote? RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Kidnappings, gunfights, and separatist unrest in the industrial east. So how will Ukraine be able to pull off a landmark presidential election in these conditions?
  • Kyiv Calls For UN Security Council Meeting Amid Deadly Violence RFE/RL 22 May 2014 -- Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council after at least nine members of Ukraine's security forces were killed in clashes with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
  • Russia Says Kiev Ignoring Geneva Agreements, OSCE Roadmap RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Kiev is not abiding by the Geneva agreement and continues to step up its security operation against peaceful citizens in eastern Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Thursday.
  • Moscow Concerned About Lack of OSCE Response on Odessa Tragedy Inquiry RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has not yet reacted to Moscow's call for the Kiev authorities to ensure an impartial investigation into the Odessa tragedy of May 2, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Thursday.
  • Thousands of Ukrainian Soldiers Stationed Near Luhansk – LNR Official RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- Over 6,000 troops under the control of the Kiev authorities are stationed near the country's eastern city of Luhansk, though they are demoralized and calling for negotiations, the Head of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) Valery Bolotov said Thursday.
  • Ukrainian Army Still Gathering Forces Near Slaviansk, Assault Imminent – Self-Defense Forces RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian army continues to gather forces near Slaviansk and is evidently planning to storm the city, leader of the Slaviansk self-defense forces Igor Strelkov told RIA Novosti Thursday.
  • Luhansk People's Republic to Announce Full Mobilization RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic will declare a general mobilization of men aged 18 to 45, Head of the Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) Valery Bolotov said Thursday.
  • New Armed Clashes Erupt in Luhansk People's Republic RIA Novosti 22 May 2014 -- The self-defense forces said Thursday armed clashes have occurred with Ukrainian troops in the outskirts of the Luhansk.
  • Pro-Russia Rebels Kill 14 Ukraine Troops as Crucial Poll Nears VOA 22 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting president says 13 service members were killed when pro-Russian separatists attacked a military checkpoint in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
  • Donetsk lawmakers decide against holding presidential poll on May 25 VoR 22 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic will not take part in Ukraine's snap presidential election scheduled for May 25, Vladimir Makovich, a deputy chairman of the presidium of the Donetsk republic's Supreme Council said on Thursday, according to Itar-Tass.
  • Lugansk regional council chief calls for end to punitive operation VoR 22 May 2014 -- Chairman of the Lugansk regional council Valeriy Holenko has asked the country's government to stop the punitive operation in the eastern regions.
  • Dempsey Discusses Russian Tactics in Ukraine AFPS 21 May 2014 -- Russia's annexation of Crimea and its threats to eastern and southern Ukraine amount to an "alarming use of both military force and subversion" the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
  • Troops withdraw to help Kiev vote: Russia Iran Press TV 21 May 2014 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin says withdrawal of troops from regions near Ukraine was meant to help create favorable conditions for the Ukrainian presidential vote.
  • US accuses Russia of no full withdrawal from Ukraine border Iran Press TV 21 May 2014 -- US Army Secretary John McHugh has accused Moscow of not withdrawing Russian troops from the borders of Ukraine completely.
  • Ukraine: UN official cites 'worsening' human rights situation in southern, eastern regions UN News Centre 21 May 2014 -- The southern and eastern regions of crisis-racked Ukraine are now awash in weapons and the scene of numerous cases of illegal detentions and abductions, a senior United Nations human rights official warned today, noting that he had discussed with the parties some rights-based and humanitarian de-escalation measures.
  • Biden Warns Russia Against Undermining Ukraine Poll RFE/RL 21 May 2014 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has warned Moscow against undermining the upcoming Ukrainian presidential election. Speaking in Bucharest alongside Romanian President Traian Basescu on May 21, Biden said that 'we must be resolute' in enforcing sanctions against Moscow and that tougher measures could come if the May 25 polls are undermined.
  • In Eastern, Southern Ukraine, The Police Sometimes Melt Away RFE/RL 21 May 2014 -- Outside the burnt out shell of Odesa's Trade Union building, Angela Sedova places flowers around a makeshift memorial to the over 40 mainly pro-Russian protesters who died after being engulfed in flames during clashes with Ukraine-unity demonstrators.
  • Putin Questions Ukraine Vote Legitimacy VOA 21 May 2014 -- President Vladimir Putin raised doubts Wednesday about the legitimacy of Ukraine's upcoming presidential election but said Russia is moving its troops away from the Ukrainian border to help create favorable conditions for Sunday's vote.
  • Elections in Ukraine must be nationwide and free - Russian Foreign Ministry VoR 21 May 2014 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry is urging the Kiev authorities to ensure fairness in the coming presidential elections to be held in Ukraine on May 25. 'Of course, the presidential elections themselves are a step in the right direction. So it is especially important to ensure they are of a truly nation-wide and free character. A path towards this is via a wide compromise within Ukrainian society regarding the constitutional grounds of the state,' the Russian Foreign Ministry Information and Press Department said in a statement.
  • Russia, US maintain permanent contacts over Ukraine - Russian Defense Ministry VoR 21 May 2014 -- Russia's and the US defense agencies maintain permanent contacts over Ukraine, Russia's Defense Ministry top official said. 'The defense officials are holding substantial talks in a sincere atmosphere,' the chief of the Russian Defense Ministry Main Directorate for International Military Cooperation, Sergei Koshelev told Rossiya 24 TV Channel on Wednesday.
  • Kiev targets Slavyansk residential areas Iran Press TV 20 May 2014 -- Ukraine's government troops stationed outside the country's eastern city of Slavyansk in the Donetsk region have targeted residential areas of the city.
  • Akhmetov Decides To Stop Separatism In Donetsk RFE/RL 20 May 2014 -- Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine's richest man, normally prefers shadows to sunlight. But that's changed in the past week, with a series of strikes and noisy protests calling for the ouster of pro-Russian separatists from his native Donetsk. In the latest demonstration on May 20, the billionaire called on Donetsk residents to stage daily protests until the self-declared 'Donetsk People's Republic,' the driving force behind the May 11 self-rule referendum, was eliminated.
  • Miners Enter The Fray In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 20 May 2014 -- The shrill wails of sirens resounded throughout Ukraine's eastern rust belt on May 20, a rallying call for miners and steelworkers to unite against separatists seeking to take over their region.
  • Federalists Take Over 11 Election Commissions in Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk Regions RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian Central Election Commission has announced that self-defense forces has captured 11 district election commissions in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN reported Tuesday.
  • Over 50 Injured, 3 Dead in Ukraine's Slaviansk Since Start of Military Op RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- More than 50 people have been taken to hospitals since the start of the military operation in Ukraine's Slaviansk, the head of the health department of the city council said Tuesday.
  • Russia to Turn Crimean Military Hardware Over to Ukraine By End of Year RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- The Russian Defense Ministry plans to turn over all Ukrainian military equipment that was stationed in Crimea by the end of this year, Deputy Defense Minister General Dmitry Bulgakov told RIA Novosti Tuesday.
  • Russia Calls for Ukraine to Implement OSCE Roadmap Ahead of Elections RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- Ukraine must implement the roadmap of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and halt domestic military actions or the upcoming presidential election may aggravate the crisis in the country, Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said Tuesday.
  • Some 10,000 people in Ukraine now affected by displacement, UN agency says UN News Centre 20 May 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency estimated today that 10,000 people, most ethnic Tatars, but also Ukrainians, Russians and mixed families, have fled Crimea and restive eastern Ukraine to other parts of the country, out of fear of insecurity or persecution.
  • Ukrainian gov't asks US for armament disposed after military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan VoR 20 May 2014 -- The self-appointed Ukrainian government has requested the US to extend the list of goods supplied for the Ukrainian armed forces. The Ukrainian government wants to receive armored vehicles, arms, body armors and special equipment for intelligence purposes, RIA Novosti says, citing Defense News newsweekly.
  • Russian troops near Ukraine return to bases: Moscow Iran Press TV 20 May 2014 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says the country's troops stationed near the border with Ukraine are dismantling their camps and preparing to return to their bases.
  • Russia Withdraws Troops From Ukrainian Border RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- Russia has started a pullback of its troops from temporary bases near the Ukrainian border, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Tuesday.
  • Medvedev Says Russia Not Obliged to Guarantee Ukraine's Territorial Sovereignty RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- Russia is not obligated to guarantee the territorial sovereignty of Ukraine because it never took on that obligation, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday.
  • Russia Ready to Inform West of Drills near Ukrainian Border - Medvedev RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- Moscow is prepared to inform the West of troop deployment near the border with Ukraine, but the issue of the time and place of holding military drills within Russian territory is a domestic entitlement, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday.
  • Russian PM Says Claims of Moscow Planning to Attain Parts of Ukraine – Propaganda RIA Novosti 20 May 2014 -- Confirmation that Russia has plans to claim any part of Ukraine is propaganda and the comparison with the situation with Crimea is inappropriate, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday.
  • Russia: Troops Pulling Back from Ukraine Borders VOA 20 May 2014 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says its 40,000 army troops near the Ukraine border have started dismantling their positions.
  • Russian troops coming back after military exercises on border with Ukraine VoR 20 May 2014 -- On the order by Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu formations of Russian Armed Forces which conducted military exercises in regions bordering Ukraine are coming back to their permanent bases, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry told TASS on Tuesday.
  • Ukraine neo-Nazis at war with civilians: Putin Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused "neo-Nazi forces" fighting against pro-Moscow activists in Ukraine of waging a war against civilians.
  • Russia urges Kiev to withdraw troops from E Ukraine Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Russia has urged the interim government in Kiev to immediately withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine while ordering the end of drills by Russian forces in regions bordering Ukraine.
  • Humanitarian situation in E Ukraine worsening: UN Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine amid continued assaults by the army on pro-Russian protesters.
  • Russia Ready to Discuss Gas Discounts if Ukraine Pays April Debt RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Russia is prepared to discuss energy discounts after Kiev pays its April 1 bill for Russian natural gas, which Ukraine and the European Commission have confirmed stands at $2.2 billion, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Monday.
  • Ukraine Official: 32 Victims of Odessa Violence Possibly Poisoned VOA 19 May 2014 -- A top Ukrainian Interior Ministry official said Monday that 32 pro-Russian protesters who perished in the Odessa trade union building that burned down during violence in the southern Ukrainian port city earlier this month may have been poisoned with chloroform.
  • U.S. And NATO Say No Russian Troop Withdrawal RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- The United States and NATO say they've seen no sign Russian troops have moved away from the border with Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had ordered such a move.
  • Putin Orders Troops to Return to Permanent Bases After Drills Near Ukraine RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the return of all troops involved in drills in the Rostov, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions on the border with Ukraine to their permanent bases, the Kremlin said.
  • Kyiv's Bid To Ban Communist Party Could Provoke 'Radical Opposition' RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov has asked the Justice Ministry to evaluate evidence of illegal activities by the Ukrainian Communist Party and to consider banning it.
  • Putin Orders Troops Away from Ukraine Border VOA 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops he said were staging military drills in areas near Ukraine to return to their home bases.
  • Russia Orders Troops Back, Calls For 'Rethinking' Ties With West RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops stationed near Ukraine's border to return to their home bases.
  • Ukraine Standoff has Worldwide Implications VOA 19 May 2014 -- The continuing East-West standoff over Ukraine is being watched closely elsewhere in Europe and around the world, where the United States and its allies are trying to convince various countries to modify their policies.
  • Lugansk People's Republic turns to UN for recognition VoR 19 May 2014 -- The parliament of the self-proclaimed 'Lugansk People's Republic' has sent a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon requesting recognition of the republic's sovereignty and independence. 'We are convinced that it is our natural right deriving from the founding international documents to refer an appeal of the people of the Lugansk People's Republic to the international community and request that recognition of our state system be considered,' the letter says.
  • Chloroform found in Odessa House of Unions - Ukrainian Interior Ministry VoR 19 May 2014 -- Chloroform was discovered in the House of Unions in Odesa, where several dozen people were killed in flames on May 2, chief of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's Main Investigative Department Vitaly Sakal announced.
  • Ukrainian servicemen in Donetsk region left to mercy of fate – reports VoR 19 May 2014 -- Ukrainian servicemen deployed at roadblocks near the town of Krasnoarmeysk in the eastern Donetsk have been left by their commanders 'to the mercy of fate'.
  • Fresh clashes erupt in Ukraine Kramatorsk Iran Press TV 18 May 2014 -- Fresh clashes have erupted between Ukraine's National Guard forces and pro-Russians in the city of Kramatorsk in the north of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.
  • Ukraine Election Officials Voice Concern Over Election RFE/RL 18 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Central Election Commission has expressed fears it may be impossible to hold next weekend's presidential election in the country's restive east.
  • Unrest Continues as Ukraine Preps for Presidential Vote VOA 18 May 2014 -- One week before Ukraine holds a national election, unrest and separatist fervor remain strong in the country's eastern areas. The Obama administration is stressing the importance of the May 25 vote, even as Ukraine's full participation remains in doubt.
  • Anger But Not Separatism in Odessa VOA 18 May 2014 -- Emotions continue to run high in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa, two weeks after dozens of pro-Russian activists were killed in a fire that their supporters blame on competing protesters from the pro-Europe movement.
  • Ukraine's National Guard radicals shoot dead 10 soldiers who wished to side with federalists - people's mayor VoR 18 May 2014 -- National Guard militants have shot dead ten soldiers who wanted to defect to self-defense volunteer forces in the town of Slavyansk in eastern Ukraine, Stella Khorosheva, the official spokeswoman for Slavyansk People's Mayor Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, told the RIA Novosti news agency by telephone on Sunday.
  • Ukraine Holds Second Round Of 'National Dialogue' With Separatist Leaders Absent RFE/RL 17 May 2014 -- Ukraine's government has held a second round of 'national unity' talks aimed at de-escalating the crisis in the country's southeast.
  • Gray Zone: Mariupol Sinks Into Power Vacuum RFE/RL 17 May 2014 -- A week after the southeastern port city of Mariupol saw some of the worst violence of the Ukraine crisis so far, an uneasy calm has fallen over the city.
  • At Ukraine Peace Talks, Eastern Leaders Assail Central Government VOA 17 May 2014 -- Lawmakers and officials from eastern Ukraine on Saturday strongly criticized the fledging central government, accusing it of ignoring legitimate grievances in areas of the regions controlled by pro-Russian militias fighting for independence.
  • Overnight Fighting Reported In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 16 May 2014 -- Reports from eastern Ukraine say government forces and separatist rebels were engaged in combat early on May 16, with government forces firing artillery at separatist positions on the outskirts of Slovyansk.
  • Russia Mulls Recognizing Crimean Tatars as Indigenous People – Putin RIA Novosti 16 May 2014 -- Russia may consider a proposal to acknowledge the Crimean Tatars as an indigenous people, but first the issue needs to be carefully studied, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • Crimeans Not Bargaining Chip in Russia-Ukraine Disputes – Putin RIA Novosti 16 May 2014 -- The people of Crimea should not be pawns in disputes between Ukraine and Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday.
  • Putin Says Rehabilitation of Crimean Tatars Sets Base for Further Development RIA Novosti 16 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday a decree on the rehabilitation of Crimea's Tatars, who suffered during the repression of the Stalin era, will lay a foundation for improving the lives of the Tatar people.
  • 127 Killed in Kiev's Special Op in Southeast Ukraine – UN Official RIA Novosti 16 May 2014 -- The Kiev regime's special operation against federalists in southeastern Ukraine has claimed a total of 127 lives, a senior United Nations human rights official said Friday.
  • 'Alarming' deterioration of human rights in eastern Ukraine – UN report UN News Centre 16 May 2014 -- A United Nations report released today documents an "alarming" deterioration of the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine, including serious problems emerging in Crimea, citing numerous examples of targeted killings, torture and beatings, abductions, intimidation and some cases of sexual harassment, committed mostly by anti-Government groups.
  • Background Briefing on Ukraine US Dept. of State 15 May 2014
  • US, Britain: Tough Sanctions Against Russia if Ukraine Vote Is Disrupted VOA 15 May 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary William Hague say the United States and European Union will hit Russia with far tougher economic sanctions if it tries to disrupt next week's presidential election in Ukraine. Kerry and Hague discussed the crisis in Ukraine Thursday in London with foreign ministers from France, Italy, and Germany.
  • Putin expects more active EU role in solving Ukraine gas debt problem VoR 15 May 2014 -- Russia is disappointed by the absence of EU specific proposals on solving the Ukraine gas debt problem and expects European countries to play a more active role in this process, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday. In a special address to European leaders, Putin said that Russia's decision to demand advance payments for natural gas deliveries to Ukraine was a forced measure.
  • Russia forced to supply gas to Ukraine upon prepayment only - Putin VoR 15 May 2014 -- There was no choice over the decision to demand pre-payment from Ukraine, and Moscow is prepared for dialogue to normalize the situation, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'I would like to point out once again. This (transition to a pre-payment system) is a forced one,' he said in a message distributed by the Kremlin's press-service. Ukraine's gas debt has rocketed to $3.508 billion from $2.237 billion over a month, added the President.
  • 11 Ukraine soldiers killed in clashes with militia near Slavyansk, Kramatorsk VoR 15 May 2014 -- The people's mayor of Slavyansk, Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, claims that Ukraine's security forces suffered heavy losses during clashes with militiamen outside of Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, on Wednesday evening.
  • Donetsk gives Ukraine forces ultimatum for withdrawal Iran Press TV 15 May 2014 -- Self-defense forces in Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk have issued an ultimatum for the Kiev military troops to withdraw from the province within 24 hours.
  • Kiev violating Geneva agreement: Russia Iran Press TV 15 May 2014 -- Russia has said Ukraine's failure to jump-start the national reconciliation process is in violation of the April 17 Geneva agreement.
  • Ukraine Government Reports Military Success Against Separatists RFE/RL 15 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian government says its security forces have destroyed two bases used by pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.
  • Ukraine Holds National Unity Talks Without Separatists VOA 14 May 2014 --Ukraine launched talks Wednesday on national unity without the participation of pro-Russian separatists who are seeking autonomy from Kyiv in the country's east and southeast.
  • Any attempt to grant NATO membership to Ukraine would hurt European security - Lavrov VoR 14 May 2014 -- Ukraine 'is as close to civil war as you can get' and a solution must be found that satisfies all regions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. Russia has 'no intention' of sending its troops anywhere, Lavrov said in an interview today with Bloomberg Television at the Foreign Ministry building in central Moscow.
  • Helicopters used in eastern Ukraine don't bear UN symbols - Ukrainian Defense Ministry VoR 14 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has denied the Russian authorities' statements that military helicopters bearing UN symbols are used in the military operation in the eastern regions of Ukraine. 'Indeed, we are using white helicopters that previously fulfilled peacekeeping tasks. However, they bear an emblem of the Ukrainian armed forces,' the press service for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry told Interfax.
  • Self-defense units in Slavyansk, Kramatorsk claim to have killed 8 Ukrainian gov't troops, destroyed several armored vehicles VoR 14 May 2014 -- Self-defense units opposing the de facto Kiev authorities in Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, the Donetsk region of Ukraine, claim to have killed at least 8 troops and destroyed several armored vehicles belonging to the government forces early on Wednesday.
  • Ukraine on brink of civil war: Russia FM Iran Press TV 14 May 2014 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Ukraine is on the brink of a civil war, as Kiev is set to hold talks over the country's crisis.
  • Ukraine to hold 'national unity' talks Iran Press TV 14 May 2014 -- Ukraine's interim authorities are set to hold "national unity" talks without leaders from the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, amid growing concerns about the country's future.
  • Ukraine Opens 'National Unity' Talks Amid Report Of New Attack RFE/RL 14 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian government has launched roundtable talks in an effort to de-escalate the crisis in the country's east.
  • Crimea Ready to Provide Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine's Luhansk, Donetsk Regions RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- Crimea is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Crimea Vladimir Konstantinov said Wednesday.
  • Russia Has Strong Suspicions of US Mercenary Activity in Ukraine - Lavrov RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- Moscow believes information that Western, first and foremost American, mercenaries are operating in Ukraine to be true, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
  • Russia Baffled by UN-Labeled Helicopters Used in Ukraine's Crackdown RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called Wednesday for an explanation as to why the Kiev authorities used a helicopter with UN signage during special operations in southeastern Ukraine.
  • Slaviansk Protesters to Move from Defense to Offense RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- Federalization supporters in Slaviansk intend to move from a defensive to offensive strategy, the press secretary of the people's mayor told RIA Novosti.
  • Crimea Open to Closer Ties With Ukraine's Breakaway Regions RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- Crimean authorities are ready to cooperate with Ukraine's breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, Crimean Prime Minister Sergei Aksyonov said Wednesday.
  • UN, Kiev in Talks Over UN-Marked Choppers Used in Crackdown RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- The United Nations is in talks with authorities in Kiev who apparently have been using UN-marked helicopters in a military operation against Ukraine's restive southeastern territories, according to the RT news channel.
  • Russian, European Lawmakers Interested in Dialogue on Ukraine RIA Novosti 14 May 2014 -- Sergei Naryshkin, the speaker of Russia's lower house of parliament, emphasized Wednesday the importance of dialogue between Russian and foreign lawmakers, and said more contacts were planned in the near future.
  • Kerry to Russia: Don't Interfere in Ukraine Poll VOA 13 May 2014 -- In another sign of support for Ukraine and warning to Russia, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that with upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine, its people should be able to forge their own destiny.
  • 7 soldiers killed in Ukraine clashes Iran Press TV 13 May 2014 -- Seven Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and seven more injured during clashes with pro-Russia protesters near the east Ukrainian city of Krematorsk.
  • Kiev refuses to engage in dialogue: Moscow Iran Press TV 13 May 2014 -- Russia has accused the pro-Western interim leaders in Ukraine of refusing to negotiate with pro-Moscow activists in the south and east of the country.
  • Kiev Says No Need to Resume Geneva Talks on Ukraine RIA Novosti 13 May 2014 -- Ukraine sees no need to hold a new four-party meeting with the EU, Russia and the US until the agreements reached in Geneva on April 17 are implemented, the director of the Department of Information Policy at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
  • Luhansk 'People's Governor' Injured in Assassination Attempt After Independence Referendum RIA Novosti 13 May 2014 -- The People's Governor of Luhansk Region in eastern Ukraine was injured Tuesday in an assassination attempt, two days after an independence referendum in the region, Southeastern Army spokesman Vasiliy Nikitin told RIA Novosti.
  • Ukraine's Military Reform Temporarily Put On Hold RIA Novosti 13 May 2014 -- Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov has temporarily suspended the program to reform the country's armed forces, according to a decree published on the Ukrainian parliament's website Tuesday.
  • Kiev to Continue Special Operation in Southeastern Ukraine – Interim Leader RIA Novosti 13 May 2014 -- The Kiev regime is set to continue the special operation against federalists in the country's southeast following referendums in the region on Sunday, acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov said Tuesday.
  • EU Further Expands Sanctions List Over Ukraine's Crisis RFE/RL 13 May 2014 -- The European Union has expanded its sanctions over Ukraine's crisis after pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence from Ukraine and separatists in Donetsk asked Moscow to allow their self-declared "republic" to join the Russian Federation.
  • EU Steps Up Diplomatic Efforts To Resolve Ukraine Crisis RFE/RL 13 May 2014 -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said it is 'critically important' to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis.
  • 6 Soldiers Killed in E. Ukraine Ambush VOA 13 May 2014 -- Six Ukrainian soldiers were killed and eight wounded on Tuesday when their armored column was ambushed by pro-Russian separatists near Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukrainian, the Defense Ministry said.
  • Ukraine Parliament sets up committee to investigate Odessa, Mariupol bloodshed VoR 13 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian Parliament backed Tuesday the motion to set up a temporary investigative committee to inquire into the cases of civilian deaths in Odessa, Mariupol, Krasnoarmiisk, as well as other Ukrainian southern and eastern cities, Ukraine's UNIAN news agency reported.
  • Ukraine's acting PM promises to repay gas debts if Moscow reverts to old prices VoR 13 May 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has reassured Brussels of Kyiv's readiness to pay gas bills within ten day if Gazprom (MOEX: GAZP) signs a document extending the old gas price at $268 per 1,000 cubic meters.
  • Seven Ukraine's troops killed, eight wounded in military convoy attack near Kramatorsk - Defense Ministry VoR 13 May 2014 -- The number of Ukrainian paratroopers from the 95th Airmobile Brigade killed in a Tuesday battle with self-defense forces near Kramatorsk, the Donetsk region, has risen to 7, the Ukrainian Security Service reported.
  • May 11 referendums should be treated as signals of deep Ukraine statehood crisis - Moscow VoR 13 May 2014 -- Moscow believes that the May 11 referendums held in Ukraine's Donetsk and Lugansk regions should be taken as confirmation of the depth of the crisis in Ukraine. 'The referendums recently held in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine should be perceived as a clear signal to Kiev indicating a deep crisis of mutual understanding, [a crisis] of Ukraine's own statehood in the broad sense of the word,' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and head of the European Union Delegation to Russia, Vygaudas Usackas.
  • Donetsk and Lugansk Republics begin unification talks - Donetsk People's Republic co-chairman VoR 13 May 2014 -- The People's Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk have started talks on unification. On Monday, co-chairman of the government of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, unveiled the two republics' plans to unite. 'Yesterday, our republics initiated unification. There have to be preliminary talks. The decision will be made by the leadership,' Pushilin said. The talks began on Tuesday morning.
  • Donetsk Region Rejects Ukraine's Upcoming Presidential Vote RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic will not participate in Ukraine's upcoming presidential election on May 25, DPR Co-Chairman Denis Pushilin said Monday.
  • Ukraine's Donetsk Region May Decide on Independence RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic may decide in the next few hours whether to remain part of Ukraine or secede from the country, DPR Co-Chairman Denis Pushilin said Monday.
  • Nearly 90% of Voters Support Independent Donetsk People's Republic RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- Up to 89.7 percent of voters in a referendum on Sunday in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk Region backed independence for the region, the head of the election committee said Monday.
  • Ammunition for Special Forces Airlifted for Slaviansk Operation RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- Ammunition for servicemen is being transferred by plane to the area of an ongoing special operation in eastern Ukraine's Slaviansk, the country's acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Monday.
  • Ousted Ukraine Leader Says Fascism Reigns in Country RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has demanded the interim authorities immediately withdraw their troops as well as mercenaries from the southeastern Ukraine and condemned the rise of a fascist regime in the country.
  • Luhansk Keeps Open Possibility of Referendum on Joining Russia RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- The leadership of the Luhansk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine does not rule out the possibility of a referendum on joining Russia, said Vasiliy Nikitin, a representative of the region's self-defense forces.
  • Majority of Voters Back Luhansk Independence in Referendum RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- Over 96 percent of voters in Ukraine's easternmost Luhansk region supported the independence of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic during a referendum on Sunday, Electoral Committee Head Aleksandr Malykhin said Monday.
  • Ukraine's Luhansk Region Seeks Recognition of Independence RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic will file an independence bid with the United Nations, Southeastern Army Press Secretary Vasiliy Nikitin said Monday.
  • Moscow Respects Choice of Ukrainian People in Referendums RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- The Kremlin said Monday it respects the choice that the people in Ukraine's southeastern Donetsk and Luhansk provinces made during referendums on self-rule on Sunday and hopes the government in Kiev will follow suit.
  • Almost 98% Vote for Self-Rule In Ukraine's Luhansk - Election Committee RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- Between 94 and 98 percent of eligible voters in Ukraine's easternmost region of Luhansk have voted for greater autonomy from the regime in Kiev, the head of the region's Central Election Committee said Monday.
  • Despite recent escalation, full-blown conflict in Ukraine can be averted – Ban UN News Centre 12 May 2014 -- There is still time to avert a full-blown conflict in Ukraine, where the crisis continues to escalate, particularly in the east and south of the country, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
  • US Says It Does Not Recognize E. Ukraine Polls VOA 12 May 2014 -- The United States says it does not recognize the results of "so-called" referendums held on Sunday in eastern Ukraine, viewing them as 'a transparent attempt to create disorder.'
  • Russian Parliament Will Consider East Ukraine in Relations With Kiev RIA Novosti 12 May 2014 -- The Russian parliament will take into account the position of Donetsk and Luhansk in further relations with Ukraine, Russian lawmaker Leonid Slutsky said Monday.
  • Donetsk Separatists Call For Moscow Absorption Following Vote RFE/RL 12 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk on May 12 declared independence and asked Russia to consider absorbing the eastern Ukrainian region.
  • Explainer: How Ukraine's Referendums Broke The Rules RFE/RL 12 May 2014 -- The voting did not pass without violence. At least one person was reported killed in the western Donetsk city of Krasnoarmiisk.
  • Russia Calls For Talks Between Kyiv, Separatists On Self-Rule RFE/RL 12 May 2014 -- The Russian government says Ukrainian officials in Kyiv should hold talks with pro-Russian separatists on the results of widely disputed self-rule referendums in eastern Ukraine.
  • Ukraine's Lugansk declares itself sovereign state VoR 12 May 2014 -- Ukraine's self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic on Monday declared itself a sovereign state following a referendum on the status of the region, People's Governor of the Lugansk region Valery Bolotov said. 'We have chosen our own path of independence from tyranny and bloody dictatorship by Kiev junta, from fascism and nationalism. We have chosen the path of freedom and the rule of law,' Bolotov said in an address to residents of the Lugansk region.
  • Putin, OSCE chairman-in-office note importance of establishing dialogue between Kiev, southeastern Ukraine VoR 12 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Swiss President, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office Didier Burkhalter have discussed the Ukrainian issue on the telephone. 'Following the meeting held in Moscow on May 7, the discussion of the situation in Ukraine was continued taking into account the referendum results in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions,' the Kremlin press office said.
  • Lugansk People's Republic not to have Ukrainian presidential election on May 25 VoR 12 May 2014 -- There will be no Ukrainian presidential election in the Lugansk People's Republic on May 25 due to the new status of the region, Army of the Southeast spokesman Vasily Nikitin told a press conference in Lugansk on Monday.
  • Donetsk residents came to referendum because people had reached their wits' end - Yanukovych VoR 12 May 2014 -- Viktor Yanukovych said he understands the decision made by the people of Donetsk region to come to the referendum and vote for their independence.
  • Moscow respects expression of Donetsk, Lugansk residents' will - Kremlin VoR 12 May 2014 -- Russia was closely following the preparations for and the course of the referendums in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine, and respects the choice made by the population, the Kremlin said. 'We have taken note of high voter turnout despite attempts to derail the voting and we condemn the force used, including military hardware, against civilians, which lead to fatalities,' the Kremlin said.
  • Ukraine east referendums have zero credibility: UK Iran Press TV 12 May 2014 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague has condemned the independence referendums held in eastern Ukraine, claiming that they lack credibility.
  • No need for new international talks on Ukraine: Russia Iran Press TV 12 May 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has ruled out the need for new international talks on Ukraine, saying tensions in the Eastern European country will only de-escalate if rival sides hold direct talks.
  • US has no real military option in Ukraine: Gates Iran Press TV 12 May 2014 -- Former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said that President Barack Obama's options in Ukraine are limited and that his country has no "military option" there.
  • Ukraine slams independence votes as 'farce' Iran Press TV 12 May 2014 -- Ukraine's interim President has slammed the independence referendums held in two eastern regions of the country as a "farce without any legal basis."
  • East Ukraine referendum: 90% of voters support statehood of Donetsk People's Republic VoR 12 May 2014 -- Almost 90 percent of voters in Ukraine's Donetsk Region said 'yes' answering the referendum question whether they support the Act of state self-rule of the Donetsk People's Republic, Roman Lyagin, head of the republic's central electoral commission, said. The final results of the vote will be announced on May 12.
  • Whither Ukraine? CNN map says in… Pakistan TV-Novosti 11 May 2014 -- The American news giant, CNN, has reshaped the world a bit in their live coverage of events in Ukraine. The eastern part of the European country got pinned miles and miles away from where it actually is – in Pakistan.
  • EU terms east Ukraine sovereignty votes as illegal Iran Press TV 11 May 2014 -- The European Union has said that it will not recognize the outcomes of referendums on declaring sovereignty in eastern Ukraine.
  • US private troops fighting alongside Ukrainian army against pro-Russians Iran Press TV 11 May 2014 -- Hundreds of American privates soldiers from a security company with a record of alleged atrocities in Iraq are fighting along with the Ukrainian army against the pro-Russian activists in southeast of Ukraine, according to media reports.
  • Polls closed in several eastern Ukrainian cities Iran Press TV 11 May 2014 -- Polls have closed in several eastern Ukrainian cities after people cast their ballots in referendums on declaring sovereignty.
  • Ukraine army seizes state buildings in Krasnoarmeysk Iran Press TV 11 May 2014 -- Ukraine's National Guard troops have taken control of two state buildings in the city of Krasnoarmeysk in Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk, self-defence forces say.
  • Over 80% cast ballot in Luhansk vote: Local officials Iran Press TV 11 May 2014 -- Over eighty percent of eligible voters in Ukraine's eastern Luhansk region have taken part in a referendum on declaring sovereignty, according to local officials.
  • US blasts Russia over referendums in Ukraine's eastern regions Iran Press TV 11 May 2014 -- The United States has criticized Russia for referendums in Ukraine's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, saying Washington will not recognize the results.
  • Ukraine's Separatists, Weapons At The Ready, Preside Over Referendums RFE/RL 11 May 2014 -- There wasn't much to see at the polling station in School No. 52 in the eastern city of Luhansk, where a trickle of voters shuffled in to cast ballots on independence from Ukraine.
  • Separatists Claim Victory In East Ukraine Self-Rule Vote RFE/RL 11 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists have claimed a decisive victory in a self-rule vote they held in two eastern Ukrainian regions amid reports of at least one person being killed by Ukrainian security forces.
  • Ukraine Separatists Claim 89 Percent Voted for 'Independence' of Donetsk Region VOA 11 May 2014 -- Organizers of Sunday's independence referendum in Ukraine's eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk say 89 percent of those who cast ballots voted in favor of seceding from Ukraine.
  • After Disputed E. Ukraine Votes, US Focuses on May 25 Poll VOA 11 May 2014 -- Referendums went forward Sunday in eastern Ukraine in two regions seeking possible independence from Kyiv, despite widespread statements condemning the votes as illegal and illegitimate. The controversial votes were held as Ukraine prepares for a nationwide poll on May 25 to elect a new president.
  • Ukrainian servicemen kill civilian in Donetsk region town of Krasnoarmeysk - reports VoR 11 May 2014 -- Servicemen of the Ukrainian national guards have killed a civilian in the town of Krasnoarmeysk in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin, a co-chairman of the government of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, said, according to Itar-Tass. 'They (Ukrainian law enforcers) were impeding the referendum. Members of the elections commission have barely escaped,' he added.
  • New entity to be formed after referendum in Ukraine's southeast – Donetsk region people's governor VoR 11 May 2014 -- A new constituent entity will be formed in Ukraine after the referendum in its eastern Lugansk and Donetsk regions, people's governor of Ukraine's Donetsk region Pavel Gubarev, who has been recently released from prison in Kiev, told the Russia 24 television channel, according to Itar-Tass.
  • Donetsk region referendum turnout nears 70% VoR 11 May 2014 -- About 70% of voters have taken part in a referendum over self-determination in the Donetsk region, said Roman Lyagin, the chief election official of the Donetsk People's Republic, according to Interfax. 'By 4 pm, the turnout was 69.21 percent,' he told a press conference. Over 2,298,000 people have cast their votes in the Donetsk region referendum, the election official added. The highest turnout, over 80%, was registered in the Kalinin district and in Donetsk, the lowest, 24.57 percent in Mariupol, Lyagin said.
  • Kiev uses helicopters, APCs, National Guard in Lugansk region to thwart referendum VoR 11 May 2014 -- So-called National Guard units made up of neo-Nazi extremists are reportedly heading for Lugansk, eastern Ukraine, to disrupt voting in Sunday's referendum on the future status of the Lugansk region, a source in the elections commission of the Krasny Luch district told Interfax.
  • On the Illegal Referenda in Eastern Ukraine US Dept. of State 10 May 2014 -- Press Statement by Jen Psaki, US Dept. of State Spokesperson
  • Eastern Ukraine Separatists Proceed With Vote VOA 10 May 2014 -- Organizers of a referendum on independence in two troubled eastern Ukrainian regions say the vote will take place as planned on Sunday, despite concerns Ukraine's government may try to block it.
  • Ahead of Breakaway Vote, Tensions Remain High in Eastern Ukraine VOA 10 May 2014 -- Violence is flaring and anger rising in eastern Ukraine, less than 24 hours before a controversial referendum calling for a yes-or-no vote on whether to break away from Ukraine and form separate 'people's republics.'
  • Donetsk Republic's election committee denies ahead-of-schedule start of referendum VoR 10 May 2014 -- Information on ahead-of-schedule start of referendum on the region's status of the Donetsk People's Republic is not consistent with reality, the Donetsk Republic's spokesman Vitaly Ivanov told TASS by phone today.
  • Ukrainian security forces pulling in combat equipment to Lugansk – people's governor VoR 10 May 2014 -- Ukrainian hawks are pulling in military hardware to Lugansk on the eve of the referendum on the status of the Lugansk region, regional people's governor Valery Bolotov said at a briefing on Friday.
  • Donetsk region prepares 1,500 voting stations for referendum VoR 10 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Donetsk region will open 1,527 voting stations for the referendum arranged by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, the regions' election commission chairman Roman Liagin said on Saturday.
  • Ukrainian armed forces claims pullback from Mariupol center VoR 10 May 2014 -- Ukrainian National Guard units have pulled back from the flashpoint of confrontations in Mariupol in order not to provoke the activists and to ensure the security of the civilian population, the National Guard press service reports.
  • Referendum in East Ukraine catastrophic: Kiev Iran Press TV 10 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting president has warned that a "Yes" vote in an upcoming referendum on independence in eastern regions could cause a catastrophe.
  • Future of Odessa, Ukraine's 'Jewel of the Black Sea,' Uncertain VOA 09 May 2014 -- The violence between pro-Kyiv and pro-Russian groups in Odessa last week killed over 40 people and sent shockwaves across Ukraine and beyond. The city founded by Catherine the Great in 1794 has long been a cosmopolitan port attracting tourists and traders from across the world.
  • Pro-Russians In Eastern Ukraine Gear Up For Self-Rule Referendum RFE/RL 09 May 2014 -- Pro-Moscow rebels in eastern Ukraine are putting the finishing touches on preparations for their referendum on self-rule, scheduled for May 11.
  • Heavy Clashes In Mariupol As Ukrainian Security Forces Target Separatists RFE/RL 09 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Interior Ministry says about 20 'terrorists' have been killed in fighting between security forces and pro-Russian supporters in the eastern Ukrainian port of Mariupol.
  • Putin in Crimea in First Visit Since Annexation VOA 09 May 2014 -- President Vladimir Putin declared his country is now stronger with the annexation of Crimea during his first visit to the region to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of Nazi occupation in the region.
  • Pro-Russian Victory Day Attracts Small Crowd in Donetsk VOA 09 May 2014 -- With two days to go before pro-Russian separatists hold a referendum on whether to secede from Ukraine, they were only able to attract about 10 percent of the usual turnout for Victory Day.
  • Donetsk Governor Says Kyiv Has Not Lost Control of East VOA 09 May 2014 -- The Kyiv-appointed governor of Donetsk said in an interview with VOA that the Ukrainian government has not lost control of the troubled region.
  • Deadly Mariupol clashes leave at least 21 dead - Kiev VoR 09 May 2014 -- Around 20 self defense members were killed and four were captured in Mariupol during the fight at the city police department, while law enforcement authorities have one dead and five injured, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in comments delivered by Interfax.
  • Kiev proposes conducting national-unity dialogue on May 14 VoR 09 May 2014 -- National-unity roundtable discussions will start in Ukraine on Wednesday, May 14, said Ukraine's interim prime minister, Arseny Yatsenyuk.
  • Ukraine proposes 'round table' meeting over crisis Iran Press TV 09 May 2014 -- Ukraine's interim authorities have proposed holding a round table meeting to resolve the crisis in the country.
  • Clashes in Ukraine's Mariupol kill 8: Reports Iran Press TV 09 May 2014 -- Media reports say at least eight pro-Russia activists have been killed during heavy fighting with Ukrainian forces in the southern port city of Mariupol.
  • West and Russia in Diplomatic Bind Over Ukraine VOA 08 May 2014 -- The crisis in Ukraine has the United States, Europe and Russia in a diplomatic bind, analysts say, with little immediate prospect for a lasting solution.
  • Ukraine Separatists to Hold Secession Vote VOA 08 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine say they voted unanimously on Thursday in favor of holding a referendum on independence on Sunday as planned.
  • Poll: Most Ukrainians Want United Country VOA 08 May 2014 -- A survey of nearly 1,700 Ukrainians say they want their country to remain united, even as divisions remain about Russia's influence and regional differences highlight tensions over the government in Kyiv, a poll released on Thursday found.
  • Russia vows further efforts to resolve Ukrainian crisis VoR 08 May 2014 -- Russia will continue efforts to de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine and calls on the West to press the Kiev regime to start all-inclusive dialogue on national reconciliation, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday, May 8, according to RIA Novosti. 'Russia is ready to continue its fair and consistent search for compromises in terms of external influence on the internal conflict in Ukraine,' the ministry stated.
  • Kiev upsets OSCE efforts to launch inclusive dialogue in Ukraine - Russia Foreign Ministry VoR 08 May 2014 -- Kiev has essentially jeopardized the efforts of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to launch an inclusive dialogue in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday, May 8. 'The reaction to the results of the Moscow meeting between the presidents of Russia and Switzerland that came from the Kiev authorities, who have essentially jeopardized the OSCE efforts to launch an inclusive dialogue, is deeply regrettable,' the ministry said.
  • East Ukraine operation will continue regardless of referendum decision - Kiev official VoR 08 May 2014 -- Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Andriy Parubiy has announced that the Armed Forces operation in the east of the country will continue regardless of any decision to be made by representatives of the 'Donetsk People's Republic' concerning their so-called referendum, set for May 11.
  • NATO Secretary General: Ukraine crisis shows defence matters more than ever NATO 08 May 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Thursday (8 May 2014) the Ukraine crisis has made it more urgent that Allies work together to develop modern military capabilities and reverse the decline in defence spending.
  • Ukraine government regains control of Mariupol Iran Press TV 08 May 2014 -- Ukrainian government troops have regained control over the eastern city of Mariupol.
  • Pro-Russian Separatists To Hold Secession Referendums RFE/RL 08 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatist leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk say they will continue with referendums on self-determination on May 11 despite calls by Russian President Vladimir Putin to postpone them.
  • Explainer: The Separatist Referendums In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 08 May 2014 -- Antigovernment rebels in eastern Ukraine say they plan to go forward with self-determination referendums on May 11, despite calls by Russian President Vladimir Putin to postpone them. The initiatives are similar to the one that led to Crimea's annexation by Russia in March. Here's what's known about the polls.
  • Belarusian President Offers to Coordinate on Ukraine With Moscow RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko suggested to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that the two countries could coordinate joint activities in regard to the situation in Ukraine.
  • Ukraine's Yatsenyuk Offers Minority Language Loophole to Regions RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Acting Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk has promised a constitutional reform that would let regional authorities seek an official status for Russian and other minority languages, provided Ukrainian will remain the only state language in the country.
  • Russian Defense Official Bashes NATO for Ignoring Troop Pullout RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov has urged the United States and NATO to stop lying to the global community about Russia's alleged military presence on the Ukrainian border.
  • 15,000 Ukrainian Troops on Russian Border – Russian Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Thursday there were 15,000 Ukrainian troops stationed near the border with Russia.
  • Ukraine's Luhansk Region to Go Ahead With Referendum May 11 RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- The People's Committee in Ukraine's southeastern region Luhansk has decided to go ahead with a referendum on the self-determination of the region scheduled for Sunday.
  • Donetsk Refuses to Postpone May 11 Referendum RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Federalists in Donetsk have agreed to go ahead with a referendum on self-determination planned for this Sunday.
  • Russia Returns 5 More Navy Ships to Ukraine RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Russia has transferred five additional ships to Ukrainian command, with the vessels already having arrived in Odessa, the acting head of the Sevastopol administration told RIA Novosti Thursday.
  • Ukraine's Forces to Fire on All Armed Persons – Interior Ministry RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Ukraine's security forces will fire at anyone with weapons in their hands, the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement on Thursday.
  • Ukraine Says Special Op to Continue Regardless of Referendum Decision RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- The Kiev authorities' special operation in southeastern Ukraine will continue regardless of the decision of the Donetsk People's Republic to hold a referendum on the region's status, a senior Ukrainian official said Thursday.
  • Putin Warns of Growing Militant Nationalism, Nazi Ideology in Europe RIA Novosti 08 May 2014 -- Militant nationalism, which has led to the appearance of Nazi ideology, is raising its head in Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
  • President Putin discusses Ukraine with Russia's Security Council VoR 08 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin had an urgent meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council late on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reported.
  • Separatists Continue to Seize Buildings in East Ukraine VOA 07 May 2014 -- Moscow-backed separatists seized the prosecutor's office in the town of Luhansk, just hours before one of the top leaders of the pro-Russian militants was released from custody by the Ukrainian government. The freeing of Pavel Gubarev appears to be the first step in tentative talks between the separatists and politicians in Kyiv.
  • Ukrainian Forces Appear to Make Little Progress in East VOA 07 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian government says its military forces have made gains in the east of the country over the last few days, but on the ground, armed pro-Russian separatists still appear to control large swaths of the road between Donetsk and Slovyansk. In Kramatorsk, a town near Slovyansk, civilians say they fear both sides in the conflict but are increasingly angered by the government's military operation.
  • Situation in eastern Ukraine stabilizes after Putin's meeting with OSCE head VoR 07 May 2014 -- The situation in the Donetsk region has stabilized; there are no hostilities, representative of the self-defense of Donbass said. 'The mortar fire in Slavyansk stopped. The situation also remains calm in Mariupol after the restoration of control over the city council. Neither is there any fighting in other towns of Donetsk region,' he said.
  • Press statements and replies to journalists' questions President of Russia 07 May 2014 --"In this context, we appeal too, to representatives of southeast Ukraine and supporters of federalisation to hold off the referendum scheduled for May 11, in order to give this dialogue the conditions it needs to have a chance."
  • Pro-Russians consider referendum postponement Iran Press TV 07 May 2014 -- Pro-Russia activists in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region say they will consider Russian President Vladimir Putin's call to postpone a planned May 11 referendum on autonomy.
  • Violent clashes erupt in Ukraine's Mariupol Iran Press TV 07 May 2014 -- Clashes have broken out between Kiev's troops and pro-Russia protesters in the southern Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, amid an ongoing crisis that has rocked the country for over a month.
  • US announces opposition to referendum in eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 07 May 2014 -- The United States has announced its opposition to a planned independence referendum in eastern Ukraine, saying such a move could trigger new sanctions against Russia.
  • Explainer: Why The Russia-Ukraine Gas Dispute Is Making Europe Worried RFE/RL 07 May 2014 -- The European Union gets about one-third of its natural gas from Russia, and about half of that gas arrives in Europe via pipelines passing through Ukraine. Moscow is threatening to cut off natural-gas deliveries to Ukraine unless Kyiv promptly pays its outstanding bills. And that means the EU could potentially be caught in the cross fire.
  • Putin Calls For Postponement Of Referendums In East Ukraine RFE/RL 07 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on separatists in eastern Ukraine to postpone plans to conduct referendums on self-determination planned for May 11.
  • No Sign of Russian Withdrawal From Ukraine Border, Official Says AFPS 07 May 2014 -- Contrary to reports from Russia, there is no evidence of any troop withdrawals from its shared border with Ukraine, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.
  • Putin Calls on Ukrainian Federalists to Put Off May 11 Vote RIA Novosti 07 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged pro-federalization activists in southeastern Ukraine to postpone a referendum on self-determination to ensure the start of nationwide dialogue.
  • Helicopters, Armored Vehicles Used Against Protesters in Slaviansk RIA Novosti 07 May 2014 -- Security forces of the Kiev regime are employing armored vehicles and helicopter gunships to crack down on pro-federalization protesters in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said Wednesday.
  • Ukrainian Commandos Land in Berdyansk RIA Novosti 07 May 2014 -- Ukrainian security forces have landed in the country's southeastern port city of Berdyansk in the Zaporozhe region amid an ongoing "anti-terror" operation, a local news service said Wednesday.
  • OSCE Chief Unveils Ukrainian Proposals at Meeting With Putin RIA Novosti 07 May 2014 -- OSCE Chairman-in-Office Didier Burkhalter has delivered to Moscow the organization's proposals on how to de-escalate the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.
  • Putin Urges Separatists in Ukraine to Postpone Referendum VOA 07 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called on separatists in east Ukraine on Wednesday to postpone a referendum on secession for the mostly Russian-speaking region and said Moscow had withdrawn troops from the border with Ukraine.
  • Is Ukraine Military Ready to Thwart Russian Invasion? VOA 07 May 2014 -- The tensions in eastern Ukraine have put the spotlight on the nation's military and security forces.
  • Unclear gas causes poisonings in Ukraine's Mariupol city council building - media VoR 07 May 2014 -- Several people were poisoned with an unidentified gas in the city council building in Mariupol, Donetsk region, local media said in Wednesday. The newspaper Ilyichyovets said one person had been diagnosed with poisoning with unclear gas. There were other causes of injury as well, with seven people receiving first-degree chemical-inflicted eye burns, and one man hospitalized in a state of alcoholic intoxication and with multiple lacerations on both hands.
  • Four thousand ultra-right militants brought to Odessa - Russian official VoR 07 May 2014 -- Some 4,000 combatants supporting the Kiev authorities have been brought into Odessa, Georgy Fyodorov, deputy head of the Russian Civic Chamber's Committee for Coordination of Aid to Residents of Ukraine said Wednesday.
  • End of violence main condition for launching dialogue in Ukraine - President Putin VoR 07 May 2014 -- Russia demands that the current Kiev administration immediately halt all military operations in the southeastern regions of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the end of violence is an imperative condition for settling the Ukrainian crisis. 'An imperative condition of the beginning of this dialogue is the end of any violence: the engagement of both the armed forces - which is absolutely unacceptable - and illegal armed units of radicalized elements,' Putin told a press conference.
  • Self-defense forces fight for TV tower, checkpoints in Slavyansk - self-defense HQ VoR 07 May 2014 -- The Slavyansk self-defense forces are trying to regain control over several checkpoints and the television tower in the suburbs of Slavyansk, a representative of the city's self-defense forces told Interfax. 'Fighting is going on in the area of the television tower in the village of Andreyevka and in the area of the checkpoints in the village of Kombikormochny and in the area around the gas station. We are regaining control over the checkpoints,' the source said.
  • Claims that Moscow holds key to resolving crisis in Ukraine are Western ploy – President Putin VoR 07 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed as groundless the claims that Moscow holds the key to resolving the Ukrainian crisis. 'As for the key to resolving the problem being in Russia - it is a ploy of our Western partners which has no grounds to it,' he said at a press conference following his meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office Didier Burkhalter. Putin said that Russia cannot be regarded as a party of the current conflict in Ukraine.
  • May 6, 2014 - Secretary of State John Kerry Remarks With EU High Representative Lady Catherine Ashton After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 06 May 2014
  • DOD Works to Counter Russian Intervention in Ukraine AFPS 06 May 2014 -- The Defense Department is working with the State Department and NATO allies to provide reassurance, deterrence and support to Ukraine, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today.
  • Ukrainian Border Guards Get Equipment, DOD Spokesman Says AFPS 06 May 2014 -- Ukraine's border guard has received a large percentage of the U.S.-funded equipment it requested, a Defense Department spokesman said here today.
  • Kerry Calls Eastern Ukraine Referendum 'Crimea Play-Book' RFE/RL 06 May 2014 -- Washington has denounced what it calls 'contrived and bogus' plans by pro-Russia separatist groups in eastern Ukraine to conduct a weekend referendum on self-determination.
  • Kerry to Russia: Don't Sabotage Ukraine Poll VOA 06 May 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday again warned Russia of increased sanctions if it tries to sabotage presidential elections in Ukraine, while on Capital Hill some lawmakers expressed frustration with what they see as the Obama administration's incremental measures.
  • US Lawmakers Focus on America's Response to Ukraine Crisis VOA 06 May 2014 -- A top U.S. official has defended the Obama administration's response to the crisis in Ukraine, and has promised more sanctions against Russia if Kyiv loses more territory to separatists widely seen as backed by Moscow. Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Victoria Nuland testified on Capitol Hill, where a growing bipartisan chorus is urging tougher penalties against Russia before presidential elections in Ukraine, scheduled for May 25.
  • Ukraine Says It Supports Dialogue, But Not With 'Terrorists' VOA 06 May 2014 -- Ukrainian officials Tuesday voiced support for a new round of international negotiations to find a peaceful resolution to the growing conflict with pro-Russian separatists in the eastern part of the county. But officials in Kyiv rejected Russia's latest proposal that pro-Russian rebels also be included in the talks.
  • Ukrainian forces prepare provocation against Russia in Donetsk VoR 06 May 2014 -- Russian military uniforms and fake IDs of Russian officers have been taken to the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk to stage an attack on Ukrainian border guards, a Ukrainian law enforcement official told RIA Novosti Tuesday on condition of anonymity. 'The task is to stage an attack on Ukrainian border guards by people dressed in Russian military uniforms and make a video of it,' he said.
  • Kyiv Seeks New Talks as Ukraine Slides Closer to War VOA 06 May 2014 -- Ukraine is ready to back a new round of talks in Geneva in a bid to de-escalate a political crisis with Russia as long as Moscow supports presidential elections on May 25, Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia said on Tuesday.
  • Ukrainian military contingent involved in punitive raid reaches 30,000 servicemen VoR 06 May 2014 -- The numerical strength of Ukrainian armed forces' group involved in the punitive raid in the Donetsk region is 30,000 people, coordinator of Donbass defense Vasily Kiselyov told ITAR-TASS on Tuesday. Additionally, according to self-defense forces' representative, armored vehicles and heavy armaments are being deployed at Slavyansk.
  • Ukrainian army fighting side by side with neo-Nazis against own people - Lavrov VoR 06 May 2014 -- The West continues to ignore the fact that Ukrainian army is fighting, side by side with neo-Nazis against their own people, Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday. Lavrov said that EU and US officials refuse to comment the fact that the Ukrainian army has received the order to fight against own people side by side with the neo-Nazis.
  • West turns blind eye to true causes of Odessa tragedy - Russian FM Sergei Lavrov VoR 06 May 2014 -- Western countries remain indifferent to the causes of last week's tragedy in Ukraine's southern city of Odessa that claimed dozens of lives, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday. 'Even though the West condemns the Odessa tragedy, it's turning a blind eye to the true causes of it,' Lavrov said during the Council of Europe's ministerial meeting in Vienna. The Russian foreign minister added that Western countries had concealed and justified actions aimed at the rehabilitation of Nazi collaborators by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko under the guise of Ukrainian patriotism.
  • Ukraine Parliament Holds Emergency Meeting On Crisis In Country's East RFE/RL 06 May 2014 -- Ukraine's parliament is holding an emergency session to discuss the escalating crisis in the east of the country. Ukrainian media reports say security chiefs on May 6 are expected to brief lawmakers of the Verkhovna Rada behind closed doors on the situation in the east, where pro-Russian forces have seized government buildings and police stations in a string of cities and towns.
  • Ukrainian Parliament Votes Against Referendum on Decentralization RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament has voted against holding a decentralization referendum on May 25 in Ukraine, Parliamentarian Alexander Briginec wrote on Facebook Tuesday.
  • Moscow Slams West for Pushing Own Agenda in Ukraine RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- Russia believes the tensions that have "ripened" in Ukrainian society were used by Western countries to advance their own interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
  • Lavrov Says External Players Should Contribute to Dialogue in Ukraine RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- External players, including Russia, the US and the EU, must help promote dialogue in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
  • Sides in Ukrainian Conflict Must Agree to Exit Crisis – Lavrov RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- The opposing sides in Ukraine need to agree on steps to settle the ongoing political crisis in the country under the observance of the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
  • Lavrov Says Nationwide Dialogue Way Out of Ukrainian Crisis RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- Moscow sees nationwide dialogue as the only resolution to the domestic political crisis in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
  • Lavrov Warns Against Excluding Ukraine Opposition from 4-Party Talks RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- Moscow does not believe holding new multilateral talks on Ukraine would be effective without representation from the country's opposition, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
  • Ukrainian Police Confirm 46 Dead, 3 Missing in Odessa Clashes RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- Forty-six people died and three remain missing as a result of clashes in Odessa last Friday, the branch of Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs in the region said Tuesday.
  • Ukrainian Party Demands Resignation of Acting President RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Party of Regions has demanded the immediate resignation of acting President Oleksander Turchynov and several government officials, the head of the Donetsk regional organization of the party said Tuesday.
  • Federalists Seize City Council in Ukraine's Donetsk Region RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- Pro-federalization supporters have taken control of the city council in the Ukrainian town of Debaltsevo in Donetsk Region, local media reported Tuesday.
  • Ukrainian Government Sides with Neo-Nazis Against Own People – Lavrov RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- The West continues to ignore the fact that Ukrainian army is fighting side by side with neo-Nazis against their own people, Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
  • Moscow Urges UN to Remain Impartial on Ukrainian Issues RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- A senior Russian diplomat has called on UN officials to be as impartial as possible while assessing the ongoing events in Ukraine, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
  • Ukraine's Party of Regions Warns of Imminent National Collapse RIA Novosti 06 May 2014 -- The Party of Regions, the previous ruling political force under ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, warned the current authorities in Kiev Monday that the process of Ukraine's disintegration is becoming irreversible.
  • Ukraine: Alarmed by surging violence, UN rights chief urges greater effort to resolve crisis UN News Centre 06 May 2014 -- Increasing violence in eastern and southern Ukraine is resulting in more and more death and destruction, the top United Nations human rights official said today, calling on all sides in the conflict to make a greater effort to find a peaceful resolution, particularly ahead of the 25 May presidential election.
  • A report on human rights violations in Ukraine presented to the President of Russia President of Russia 05 May 2014 -- The President of the Russian Federation received the White Book, a report prepared by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, which lists numerous facts of human rights violations in Ukraine in the period from late November 2013 to late March 2014.
  • NATO's Top Commander: Russia Won't Invade Ukraine VOA 05 May 2014 -- NATO's top military commander, General Philip Breedlove, said he does not think Russia will invade Ukraine, adding that the Kremlin has other ways to achieve its goals.
  • Fierce Fighting in East Ukraine Tests Leadership in Kyiv VOA 05 May 2014 -- Government security forces faced fierce resistance Monday from pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, while officials in Kyiv say the military is steadily gaining control of the region. Some observers question whether the government has the military strength or political will to end the conflict.
  • Violence in Ukraine's Odessa Could Lead to Even More Unrest VOA 05 May 2014 -- Most of the unrest in Ukraine has been in the predominantly Russian-speaking eastern part of the country. But new disturbances in the last few days -- and a deadly fire that killed 42 mostly pro-Russian activists -- occurred far to the west in Odessa. It is a Black Sea port city that is important -- for different reasons -- to both Ukraine and Russia, and could prove to be a catalyst to even more violence.
  • Ukraine army helicopter shot down in Slavyansk Iran Press TV 05 May 2014 -- A military helicopter has been shot down in the volatile eastern city of Slavyansk, Ukraine's Defense Ministry says.
  • Fresh Ukraine clashes leave dozens dead Iran Press TV 05 May 2014 -- Over 20 pro-Russian protesters and 4 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in fierce clashes between the two sides on the outskirts of the country's eastern city of Slavyansk.
  • Ukraine crisis threatens peace in Europe: Russia Iran Press TV 05 May 2014 -- Russia has warned that failure to stop the ongoing crisis in Ukraine would pose a threat to peace in Europe.
  • Ukraine's Election Schedule Unchanged Despite Violence – Kiev RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- The interim authorities in Kiev see no reason to postpone the May 25 presidential election in Ukraine despite deadly clashes in the country's southeastern regions, the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Information Policy Department said Monday.
  • Russian Report Highlights Rights Violations in Ukraine – Kremlin RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- Russia has compiled a "White Book" listing some of the most atrocious attacks on human rights in Ukraine to raise awareness of the situation in this stricken country, the Kremlin said Monday.
  • Kiev Claims Security Forces Control Most of Kramatorsk RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- Ukrainian security forces are in control of most of the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Region, excluding the city center, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said Monday.
  • Ukraine Reports 4 Deaths, 30 Injured Troops in Slaviansk Clashes RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- Four Ukrainian security officers were killed and over 30 injured in deadly clashes as Ukraine's armed forces tightened their grip Monday on the restive eastern city of Slaviansk, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said.
  • Kiev Authorities Close Border with Crimea RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- The authorities in Kiev have temporarily closed the border with Crimea as of Monday, according to a statement by the country's Cabinet of Ministers.
  • Deadly Clashes Leave Dozens Killed, Hundreds Injured in Southeastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- Deadly clashes between pro-federalization supporters and Ukrainian security forces have raged across the country's east and south in recent days, killing dozens and injuring hundreds.
  • Ukraine Lawmakers Move to Ban St. George Ribbon RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- Members of the Ukrainian parliament from the right-wing Svoboda party have moved to ban all Russia-associated symbols, including the black-and-orange St. George ribbons adopted by pro-federalization supporters in the country.
  • Lawlessness in Ukraine Could Lead to Conflicts in Europe – Moscow RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- The continuation of lawlessness in Ukraine may lead to the escalation of conflicts throughout Europe, according to a report by the Russian Foreign Ministry published on the Kremlin's website Monday.
  • Russia Compiles 'White Book' of Human Rights Violations in Ukraine RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has compiled a "White Book" that describes the most heinous human rights violations perpetrated during the crisis in Ukraine, the ministry said in a statement Monday.
  • Press Clampdown, Use of Army in Ukraine Must Stop – Moscow RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday that Ukraine must immediately cease its clampdown on the press, its restrictions on free travel between Russia and Ukraine and the use of military force against civilians.
  • Kazakhstan Urges Talks With Russia, Ukraine for Launch Pad Project RIA Novosti 05 May 2014 -- The head of the Kazakh space agency on Monday called for trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan to discuss a new launch facility at the country's Baikonur space center.
  • Heavy Fighting Reported in Ukraine's Slovyansk VOA 05 May 2014 -- Ukrainian government forces fought gun battles Monday with pro-Russian milititants in the separatist-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk, a day after pro-Russian protesters stormed the police station in the southern city of Odessa.
  • Civil war provoked by Kiev authorities raging in Ukraine - Lugansk Region Council VoR 05 May 2014 -- 'A civil war provoked by the Kiev authorities' responsible for the 'death of dozens of people' is raging in Ukraine, the Luhansk Regional Council said in a statement on Monday, May 5. 'Half of the country has been classified as law offenders and terrorists only because people see the future of their own country differently than the politicians who have come to power,' the statement said.
  • Russia warns of humanitarian disaster in eastern Ukraine VoR 05 May 2014 -- Russia's foreign ministry on Monday warned that towns in eastern Ukraine encircled by Ukrainian troops were facing a humanitarian disaster with shortages of medicine and food. 'A humanitarian disaster is brewing in the encircled towns - there is already a lack of medicine and there are starting to be disruptions of food supplies,' the ministry said in a statement.
  • Ukraine delays delivery of equipment for Russian defense industry VoR 05 May 2014 -- Ukraine is delaying the delivery of gas turbines for Russian defense enterprises while not refusing to supply them, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said on Monday, May 5.
  • Ukrainian Mi-24 attack helicopter shot down near Slavyansk - defense ministry VoR 05 May 2014 -- A Ukrainian army Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter was shot down on Monday near the eastern city of Slavyansk where armed clashes between regular troops and pro-federalization protesters are underway, the defense ministry said.
  • Ukrainian Troops Killed In Fighting Near Slovyansk RFE/RL 05 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Interior Ministry says four Ukrainian troops were killed and 30 injured around the eastern city of Slovyansk in heavy fighting with pro-Russian militants occupying the city.
  • Acting President In Kyiv Says Russia 'Is At War' With Ukraine RFE/RL 05 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting President Oleksandr Turchynov says Russia 'is at war' with his country, and that local and institutional support for Moscow is a 'colossal problem' in eastern Ukraine.'
  • Odesa Pro-Russia Detainees Transferred To Central Ukraine RFE/RL 05 May 2014 -- Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov says 42 people detained over recent deadly violence in Odesa have been transferred to detention facilities in central Ukraine.
  • Ukraine's security service denies consultations with CIA VoR 05 May 2014 -- The state security service of Ukraine (SBU) denies it is consulting with experts of the US Central Intelligence Agency, Marina Ostapenko, spokesperson for the SBU said Monday. 'As far as I know, there are no consultations with the CIA at the level of the security service,' she said.
  • Nearly 70 Pro-Russian Detainees Released in Odessa VOA 04 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian militants stormed a Ukrainian police station in Odessa on Sunday and freed nearly 70 fellow activists as Ukraine's prime minister blamed police corruption there for dozens of deaths in rioting on Friday.
  • Ukrainians Anxious About May 25 Vote VOA 04 May 2014 -- As Ukraine expands its military offensive in the east, Kyiv residents worry about the growing conflict and wonder if the planned May 25th national election can proceed under these conditions.
  • Ukraine Crisis Emboldens Obama's US Critics VOA 04 May 2014 -- As tensions and turmoil escalate in Ukraine, America's response to the crisis is becoming an increasingly contentious issue in Washington.
  • Dialogue needed between Kiev authorities and southeastern Ukraine - Putin in conversation with Merkel VoR 04 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel had a phone conversation on Sunday in accordance with a prior arrangement. Putin and Merkel continued discussing the crisis in Ukraine, the Kremlin press service has reported. Putin and Merkel pointed out the importance of taking effective international measures, primarily through the OSCE, to relieve the tensions in Ukraine. In this regard, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter will arrive in Moscow on May 7, the press service said.
  • Germany calls for second Geneva meeting on Ukraine's crisis VoR 04 May 2014 -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday called for a second international conference to put an end to the crisis in Ukraine. He said he made the proposal in telephone conversations on Sunday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, US Secretary of State John Kerry, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
  • Donetsk forms first regiment of Republican Army VoR 04 May 2014 -- Authorities of the Donetsk People's Republic announced forming the first regiment of the republican army that will unite all the self-defense forces, a thousand people have already self-subscribed as volunteers, commissar of the Eastern Front movement Nikolai Solntsev told RIA Novosti Sunday.
  • Preparations for Victory Day parade in Crimea causes hysterics in Ukrainian media VoR 04 May 2014 -- Preparations for the Victory Day parade in Crimea have scared Kiev. Ukrainians spotted Russian fighter aircraft and bombers in the sky above the peninsula. The aircraft were drilling aerobatic maneuvers and special effects for their performance in Sevastopol during the Victory Day parade. Crimeans themselves were not in the least worried by the squadrons of Russian planes, while in the Ukraine their drill created a flap.
  • Yatsenyuk promises decentralization, extra guarantees of use of Russian language VoR 04 May 2014 -- Ukraine's coup-appointed Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who arrived in the Black Sea port city of Odessa on Sunday over Friday tragedy that claimed 46 lives there, has promised decentralization and 'additional guarantees' to regions regarding the use of Russian language, Itar-Tass reports.
  • Kiev unable to establish dialogue with southeastern Ukraine without int'l help - Russian deputy FM VoR 04 May 2014 -- Kiev is unable to establish dialogue with South Eastern Ukraine without international help, new measures are to be taken to put the conflicting parties at the negotiating table, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin said Sunday. 'It appears Kiev cannot establish dialogue without foreign help, the diplomat said, adding that new efforts will be taken to place Kiev authorities and representatives from the South-East of the country to the negotiating table to find a solution to the problems that make people suffer and kill them in various regions of Ukraine.'
  • When will Ukraine repay its gas debt? VoR 04 May 2014 -- Ukraine is not ready to fully ensure the transit of Russian gas to the European Union. That's what Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in his comments on the results of recent trilateral talks in Warsaw. Despite repeated violations by Kiev of its gas contract with Russia's Gazprom, the Russian side has honored its obligations in full, he said.
  • Yatsenyuk lashes out at Ukrainian law enforcers for failing to stop Odessa violence VoR 04 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk has promised a 'full, comprehensive and independent' investigation into Friday's tragedy in Odessa where dozens of people burnt alive in the House of Trade Unions after clashes with Right Sector extremists. 'I personally accuse the special services of doing nothing to stop clashes,' he said on Sunday.
  • Ukraine's Slavyansk fully under siege Iran Press TV 04 May 2014 -- Ukraine's military has blocked the main road to the eastern city of Slavyansk, tightening its siege on the troubled city.
  • Ukraine sacks Odessa police chief following deaths Iran Press TV 04 May 2014 -- The police chief of the Ukrainian port city of Odessa has been sacked after recent deadly conflicts in the city.
  • Ukraine to extend ops in pro-Russian east Iran Press TV 04 May 2014 -- Ukraine says it will extend its military operation against pro-Russian protesters in the east amid deadly fighting between the two sides.
  • Odesa Activists Released After Mob Attacks Police Building RFE/RL 04 May 2014 -- Dozens of pro-Russia activists have been freed from police detention in Ukraine's southern port of Odesa after a crowd of some 2,000 surrounded police headquarters demanding their release.
  • Ukraine PM Says Odesa Violence Engineered By Russia RFE/RL 04 May 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has accused Russia of engineering this week's violence in Odesa that left dozens of people dead.
  • EU Urges Independent Probe into Tragic Deaths in Ukraine's Odessa RIA Novosti 03 May 2014 -- The EU said Saturday it is "deeply saddened" by violence in Ukraine's Odessa and called for an independent investigation into the tragic deaths.
  • US cites Ukraine, calls on NATO allies to boost military spending Iran Press TV 03 May 2014 -- US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has called on Washington's NATO allies to increase their military spending, citing the recent crisis in Ukraine to highlight the issue.
  • Kerry to Russia: Stop Supporting Ukraine Separatists VOA 03 May 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is strongly condemning the continuing violence in Ukraine, and he says Russia will face tougher economic sanctions if it does not stop trying to interfere with elections called by the Kyiv government. Kerry is on a trip through Africa; he spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Saturday about the situation in Ukraine.
  • Ukraine Anti-Terror Chief: This Is War VOA 03 May 2014 -- Ukraine expanded its military offensive Saturday against pro-Russia separatists in the country's chaotic east, where European observers who had been held hostage by militants now have been freed. And there is mourning in Odessa, in southern Ukraine, where more than 42 people died Friday during clashes between the two sides.
  • EU Urges Russia, Ukraine to Settle Energy Dispute VOA 03 May 2014 -- Russia's confrontation with the West over the growing unrest in eastern Ukraine could lead to another energy crisis in the European countries that are dependent on Russian energy. Europe gets about one-third of its gas supplies from Russia, and about half of it is dispatched through Ukraine. Europeans are increasingly looking into alternative sources of energy to reduce their reliance on Russia. Meanwhile, the EU is mediating a deal between Russia and Ukraine that would secure a steady gas supply for next winter.
  • Shooting heard near Ukraine's Slavyansk, residents prepare for storming VoR 03 May 2014 -- The relative calm in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slavyansk has been broken by shots on the outskirts of the city, and residents are preparing for the storming by the Ukrainian army, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Saturday.
  • Events in Ukraine prove Russia's position on Crimea right – Putin's spokesperson VoR 03 May 2014 -- The latest events in Ukraine prove that Russia's position on Crimea was the only correct one, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday, May 3. 'We understand how justified and correct the actions taken by President Putin, Russia and the people of Crimea were,' he said. 'If Putin had not assumed a firm position and the people of Crimea had not voted for reunification with Russia, the bloodshed similar to that in the southeast of Ukraine could be happening now in Crimea,' he said, TASS reports.
  • People in Ukraine's Odessa died instantly, poisoned by unknown substance - report VoR 03 May 2014 -- During the fire at Odessa's Trade Unions House people died instantly, having been poisoned by an unidentified substance, the UNIAN news agency reported on Saturday.
  • Moscow expresses concerns about reports on preparations by Ukrainian troops to storm Slavyansk VoR 03 May 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier had a phone conversation on Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry has reported. Lavrov expressed concerns about the reports 'on the preparation by the Ukrainian army with support from Right Sector to storm some cities in the southeastern regions of Ukraine, including the city of Slavyansk,' the report says.
  • UN Secretary General welcomes release of OSCE military observers in Slavyansk VoR 03 May 2014 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hails the release of the OSCE military inspectors and the Ukrainian employees accompanying them, who were abducted on April 25. He expressed appreciation to everyone who helped ensure their safe release, including Russia, an official representative of the UN secretary-general said in a statement released on Saturday.
  • Odessa residents block regional police building, demand punishment of those responsible for deaths VoR 03 May 2014 -- Some 150 residents in Odessa, a southern Ukrainian city blocked the regional police building to protest against police inaction during the clashes provoked by ultranationalist Right Sector militants and so-called 'Maidan self-defense' force, which resulted in the death of 46 people.
  • 172 detained for participation in mass riots in Odessa, some already released - Ukrainian Interior Ministry VoR 03 May 2014 -- A total of 172 people were detained following mass riots in Odessa, and some of these people have already been released, the public relations department of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's Main Department for the Odessa region has reported, citing Deputy Interior Minister Serhiy Chebotar.
  • People's governor of Ukraine's Lugansk declares state of emergency, orders full mobilization VoR 03 May 2014 -- People's Governor of the Lugansk region Valery Bolotov has declared a state of emergency and called for complete mobilization in the region, a pro-federalization activist told RIA Novosti Saturday.
  • Right Sector attacks pro-federalization activists near Slavyansk - self-defense forces VoR 03 May 2014 -- Active clashes are taking place near the Ukrainian city of Slavyansk, a self-defense forces representative, who introduced himself as Vladislav, told journalists.
  • Kramatorsk: some reportedly killed in fight between federalization supporters and Ukrainian security forces VoR 03 May 2014 -- A fight is under way between federalization supporters and Ukrainian security forces in Kramatorsk, reports about fatalities are being checked, the Donbas self-defense headquarters told Interfax. 'The security operation in Kramatorsk has resumed, snipers controled by the Kiev government have occupied multi-storey buildings and are firing from there. In addition, there is fighting on the town streets, involving the use of various weapons,' the source said. Some people have been killed in the clashes, he said.
  • China urges political solution to Ukraine crisis 'through dialogue not confrontation' People's Daily 03 May 2014 -- China on Friday urged all parties concerned to seek a political solution to the deteriorating Ukraine crisis 'through dialogue not confrontation.'
  • 15 Killed in Slavyansk clashes: Ukraine Iran Press TV 03 May 2014 -- Fifteen people have been killed during clashes between radicals and pro-Russians in the eastern city of Slavyansk, a representative of the city's self-defense forces says.
  • Russia urges US to press Ukraine over operations Iran Press TV 03 May 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has urged the Unites States to use its influence to make Ukraine's interim government immediately stop military operations in the country's southeastern part.
  • Kiev retakes Kramatorsk security service headquarters Iran Press TV 03 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian interim government says its forces have retaken the security service headquarters in the eastern city of Kramatorsk.
  • OSCE observers held in east Ukraine released: Russia envoy Iran Press TV 03 May 2014 -- Observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) held in eastern Ukraine have been released, Russia's special envoy to the region says.
  • Kerry, Lavrov Discuss Ukraine Crisis As Offensive Continues RFE/RL 03 May 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, have spoken by telephone about the escalating crisis in Ukraine.
  • Ukraine: Ban welcomes release of abducted military observers, urges calm as violence spreads to Odessa UN News Centre 03 May 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the release earlier today of European military monitors and accompanying Ukrainian staff abducted a week ago in the country's crisis-torn eastern region, even as he expressed sadness at the loss of life amid fresh violence in the port city of Odessa.
  • Ban to dispatch top UN political aide to Ukraine, as Security Council meets again on crisis UN News Centre 02 May 2014 -- As the United Nations Security Council convened its second urgent session this week on the situation in Ukraine, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated his grave concern over the rising tensions in the country's east and south, particularly events in the crisis-gripped city of Slovyansk, where two Ukrainian military helicopters were shot down overnight and a group of European observes captured on 26 April remains in detention.
  • Night battle for Kramatorsk over, sides counting losses VoR 03 May 2014 -- The evening battle for Kramatorsk in Ukraine's southeast has ended, leaving one defender of the city dead and nine others wounded, RIA Novosti reports. According to the agency's source, the Ukrainian army column was unable to enter the city.
  • At least four Ukrainians killed in Odessa violence, building set on fire VoR 02 May 2014 -- At least four men were killed in running battles between pro-Russian and pro-Kiev activists in Odessa on Friday, and the trade union building in the centre of the southern port city was set on fire, regional police said. Police said in a statement another man had been killed, bringing the death toll to at least four in some of the worst violence in the largely Russian-speaking Black Sea port.
  • Obama, Merkel Warn Russia on Ukraine VOA 02 May 2014 -- If Moscow continues fueling unrest in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin and others in his leadership circle will face increasingly broad sanctions, U.S. President Barack Obama warned on Friday.
  • Rebels Shoot Down Ukraine Helicopters; 3 Killed in Odessa VOA 02 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian army launched a major assault on the Pro-Russian stronghold of Slovyansk early Friday, leading to the heaviest fighting since the separatist uprising began last month.
  • Russia calls urgent UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine VoR 02 May 2014 -- Russia called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday to discuss the 'serious escalation of violence in Ukraine,' where security forces have clashed with pro-Moscow separatists.
  • Kiev authorities violate rudely April 17 Geneva announcement - Russian FM VoR 02 May 2014 -- Ukrainian authorities have breached their responsibilities in the April 17 Geneva announcement by starting military operations in the southeastern city of Slaviansk, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday. 'The regime in Kiev, which had already breached the February 21 agreement, has now vulgarly breached its responsibilities according to the Geneva announcement dated April 17, which demands immediate steps to cease all violence,' the statement reads.
  • Сombat helicopters above Slavyansk, east Ukrainian city blocked VoR 02 May 2014 -- A full-scale sweep operation is underway in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slavyansk, armored vehicles are on the outskirts of the city, a spokesman for the Slavyansk militia said Friday. Ukrainian Air Force combat helicopters are in the sky above the east Ukrainian city of Slavyansk, the city is fully blocked, fighting is underway, a representative of the self-defense forces told Itar-Tass by phone. He said that he has no confirmed information on those injured or killed.
  • Russia calls emergency UNSC meeting on Ukraine Iran Press TV 02 May 2014 -- Russia has called an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the "serious escalation of violence in Ukraine" amid a military operation against pro-Russian protesters.
  • Clashes in Ukraine's Odessa kill one person Iran Press TV 02 May 2014 -- Clashes between pro-Russian and pro-Kiev protesters in the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa have left at least one person dead and several others wounded.
  • Slavyansk residents block Ukraine forces Iran Press TV 02 May 2014 -- Civilians near Ukraine's flashpoint city of Slavyansk have stopped a column of Ukrainian armored vehicles and troops from entering the city amid a Kiev offensive on pro-Russian protesters.
  • Tensions High After Ukraine Launches Slovyansk Offensive RFE/RL 02 May 2014 -- Tensions have risen across eastern Ukraine after authorities in Kyiv launched a military offensive early on May 2 against pro-Russian separatists who seized control of government buildings in the eastern city of Slovyansk.
  • Ukraine Reinstates Conscription as Security Deteriorates in Eastern Region VOA 01 May 2014 -- Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has reinstated military conscription to deal with deteriorating security in the east of the country.
  • Ukraine closes 27 checkpoints on Crimean border VoR 01 May 2014 -- The Ukrainian authorities announced Thursday a decision to temporarily close 27 checkpoints along the border line in Crimea, the government said on the website. The decree, signed by the Cabinet of Ministers on April 30, says that the checkpoints are closed in line with the 'law on ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens and the legal framework on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine.'
  • Russia says Kiev's plan to storm southeastern regions to have catastrophic consequences VoR 01 May 2014 -- Kiev's plans to conduct a military operation in Southeastern regions of Ukraine may lead to catastrophic consequences, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. Moscow has also urged Kiev, as well as the United States and the European Union to avoid committing 'criminal errors' over this situation, according to a statement published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
  • Russia involved in Ukraine, Kerry claims Iran Press TV 01 May 2014 -- The US secretary of state claims Washington has obtained intercepted phone calls proving Russia's involvement in the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, a report says.
  • Anti-Kiev protesters raise Donetsk Republic flag Iran Press TV 01 May 2014 -- Anti-government protesters have raised the flag of the self-proclaimed republic of Donetsk atop of the region's Interior Ministry headquarters following clashes with security forces.
  • Lithuanian FM Says Ukraine Has 'Duty' To Halt Separatists RFE/RL 01 May 2014 -- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius says Ukraine has the right and the obligation to use direct force, if necessary, to quell pro-Russian separatist movements in the eastern part of the country.
  • Kremlin Says Germany's Merkel Asks Putin To Help Release OSCE Observers RFE/RL 01 May 2014 -- The Kremlin press service on May 1 reported that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help free a team of OSCE observers that had been captured in eastern Ukraine.



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