November 2014 - Ukraine Special Weapons News

Ukraine: Unauthorized Convoy Crosses Border From Russia VOA 30 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine accused Moscow on Sunday of again using alleged aid shipments to send weapons and ammunition to the separatist rebels as a Russian convoy entered its eastern region without permission.
Russia dispatches humanitarian aid convoy to eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 30 Nov 2014 -- Russia has sent another aid convoy to Ukraine's restive east amid the on-and-off exchanges of fire between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russians and the worsening humanitarian situation there.
Fresh fighting in east Ukraine kills three soldiers, wounds 15 Iran Press TV 30 Nov 2014 -- The military in Ukraine says at least three soldiers have been killed and 15 others injured in fresh exchanges of fire with pro-Russia forces in the country's eastern regions over the past 24 hours.
Pope, Patriarch Seek Dialogue, Peace In Ukraine RFE/RL 30 Nov 2014 -- Pope Francis and the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians have called for peace in Ukraine and appealed to all sides to pursue dialogue based on international law to resolve the conflict.
Russian Humanitarian Convoy Successfully Returns From Donbas: EMERCOM Sputnik 30 Nov 2014 -- Deputy head of the crisis management center with the Russian Emergencies Ministry said that the eighth Russian humanitarian convoy to Donetsk and Luhansk has successfully returned to Russia.
Poroshenko: Ukraine Ready to Help Form New Global Security System Sputnik 30 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stated that Ukraine is ready to participate in new global security system formation.
Humanitarian Convoy Trucks Return From Donetsk to Russia: Official Sputnik 30 Nov 2014 -- Trucks from the convoy of the Russian Emergencies Ministry that delivered humanitarian aid to Donetsk have returned to the Rostov Region unloaded, according to the statement of deputy head of the crisis management center with the Russian Emergencies Ministry Oleg Voronov.
EU Expands Sanctions On Ukraine Separatists RFE/RL 29 Nov 2014 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on separatist leaders who organized elections in eastern Ukraine this month, hitting individuals and organizations with asset freezes and travel bans.
Lavrov: No Ties Between Anti-Russia Sanctions And Ukrainian Crisis Sputnik 28 Nov 2014 -- Western sanctions against Russia have nothing to do with the task of de-escalating the situation in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.
EU: 5 Groups Added to Sanctions List VOA 27 Nov 2014 -- The European Union on Thursday added five separatist groups and 13 Ukrainians to the bloc's sanctions list for their roles in elections this month in rebel-held eastern Ukraine, diplomats said.
Ukraine parliament confirms pro-Western prime minister Iran Press TV 27 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's parliament has confirmed pro-Western Arseniy Yatsenyuk as prime minister to lead a new coalition government.
EU extends its sanctions list over Ukraine crisis Iran Press TV 27 Nov 2014 -- The European Union (EU) has added 13 individuals as well as five entities to its sanctions list over their alleged involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
New Ukrainian Parliament Elects PM, Speaker RFE/RL 27 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's new parliament has elected Arseniy Yatsenyuk for a new term as prime minister.
Ukrainian Lawmakers Submit Draft Bill on Country Leaving CIS Sputnik 27 Nov 2014 -- Several representatives of the coalition of the Ukrainian Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, have introduced a draft bill on Ukraine exiting the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the parliament's official website said Thursday.
Ukrainian Parliament Approves Yatsenyuk as Prime Minister in New Government Sputnik 27 Nov 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament Thursday approved incumbent Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk in his current position in the newly formed government.
Russia troops still operating in east Ukraine: NATO commander Iran Press TV 26 Nov 2014 -- NATO's top military commander says Russian troops are still operating in the volatile eastern parts of Ukraine.
NATO Commander Warns of Crimea 'Militarization' VOA 26 Nov 2014 -- The top U.S. general in Europe said he is alarmed at the Russian militarization of the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and by provocative Russian military flights in NATO airspace.
Russia warns Ukraine against NATO membership Iran Press TV 25 Nov 2014 -- Russia has warned conflict-stricken Ukraine against joining the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), underscoring that such a measure would only aggravate regional tensions.
DPR Asks UNSC to Consider Peacekeeping Mission in East Ukraine Sputnik 25 Nov 2014 -- In a statement released Tuesday the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic requested the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss sending a peacekeeping mission to eastern Ukraine.
Political Pressure Mounts on Ukraine's Poroshenko VOA 25 Nov 2014 -- Political pressure is mounting both at home and abroad on Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, with critics arguing he lacks direction in combating a pro-Moscow insurgency in the east and not moving fast enough on reform.
Stoltenberg: Door Still Open for Ukraine to Join NATO Sputnik 24 Nov 2014 -- NATO's door for Ukraine remains open, but Ukraine has not applied for membership, the bloc's Chief Jens Stoltenberg said Monday.
MH17 wreckage recovery completed in east Ukraine Iran Press TV 23 Nov 2014 -- Dutch experts have concluded the recovery of the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 from its crash site in the troubled eastern Ukraine.
German Foreign Minister Says Ukraine's NATO, EU Membership Impossible Sputnik 23 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's NATO, EU membership would not be possible in the foreseeable future, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in his interview with Der Spiegel magazine published on Sunday.
DPR to Lay Claims Over Whole Donetsk Region's Territory: Deputy PM Sputnik 23 Nov 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) is going to lay territorial claims over the entire territory of Ukraine's Donetsk Region, should the talks with Kiev occur, DPR Deputy Prime Minister Denis Pushilin said Sunday.
Ukraine Marks Anniversary of 1930s Deadly Famine VOA 23 Nov 2014 -- During a weekend commemoration for millions who died of starvation in Ukraine in the early 1930s, President Petro Poroshenko lashed out at Soviet-era totalitarianism for causing the deaths and accused today's Russian-backed rebels in the east of using similar tactics.
Russian Duma Approves Crimea Free Economic Zone Sputnik 22 Nov 2014 -- Russia's lower house of parliament has passed a series of measures with the aim of creating a free economic zone in the Republic of Crimea, Russian media have reported.
As challenges mount for displaced in eastern Ukraine, UN agency ramps up food voucher plan UN News Centre 21 Nov 2014 -- Key steps have been taken recently to deliver food vouchers to some 10,000 internally displaced people in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reported today, while underscoring that ensuring access to food in the country's crisis-gripped eastern region remains a "priority concern."
U.S. Delivers Radar Systems to Ukraine AFPS 21 Nov 2014 -- The U.S. military delivered three lightweight, counter-mortar radar systems yesterday to Ukrainian armed forces, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters today.
Kiev accuses Moscow of shelling Ukrainian territory Iran Press TV 21 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine has accused Russia of shelling Ukrainian territory from across the border amid continuing tensions between Kiev and Moscow.
New Ukraine Coalition Agreed, Sets NATO As Priority RFE/RL 21 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's newly agreed five-party ruling coalition has reportedly set the country's membership of NATO as its major goal.
'Do What You Agreed To Do,' Biden Tells Putin In Kyiv, Amid Maidan Events RFE/RL 21 Nov 2014 -- Speaking in Kyiv, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said that 'it is unacceptable in the 21st century for countries to attempt to redraw borders by force in Europe or intervene militarily because they don't like a decision their neighbors have made.'
US to Work with Allies to Impose Additional Costs on Russia Over Ukraine: Sputnik 21 Nov 2014 -- The United States would work with its European and G-7 partners to increase the costs to Russia if it continues to violate Ukraine's sovereignty, the White House press release reported US Vice President Joe Biden as saying.
Biden Denounces Putin's Actions in Ukraine VOA 21 Nov 2014 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Friday condemned Russian behavior in Ukraine as 'unacceptable' and urged it to abide by a September peace deal by adhering to a cease-fire and removing military forces from the country.
White House to Ukraine: 'We Have Your Back' VOA 20 Nov 2014 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, ahead of talks Friday with President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.
UN: Rights Abuses on Rise in War-torn E. Ukraine VOA 20 Nov 2014 -- A new United Nations report found the presence of large numbers of sophisticated weapons as well as foreign fighters, including Russian soldiers, have led to a worsening of the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine.
Russia Warns US on Ukraine Arms Supply VOA 20 Nov 2014 -- Russia said on Thursday that the United States providing weapons to Ukraine's government to fight separatists in the country's east would have a "serious destabilizing" effect and would be in violation of a number of agreements.
Russia warns US against arms delivery to Ukraine Iran Press TV 20 Nov 2014 -- Moscow has strongly warned Washington against providing Ukraine's military with lethal arms in its operations against pro-Russia forces in the east.
Germany criticizes Russia over crisis in east Ukraine Iran Press TV 20 Nov 2014 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has censured Moscow for what she described as Russia's violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
U.S. Official: Washington Should Consider Lethal Aid To Kyiv RFE/RL 20 Nov 2014 -- A senior aide to U.S. President Barack Obama has said that the United States should reconsider its policy of not providing lethal aid to Ukraine, which is grappling with pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.
UN: More Than 950 Killed Despite Ukraine Truce RFE/RL 20 Nov 2014 -- The United Nations says fighting in eastern Ukraine has killed an average of 13 people a day since a cease-fire between government forces and pro-Russian rebels was signed on September 5.
US Arms Sales to Kiev Would Only Fuel Tensions: Russian Official Sputnik 20 Nov 2014 -- Possible US arms sales to Ukraine will only fuel tensions in the country hit by a massive civil conflict, Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev said Thursday.
In latest report, UN rights office says nearly 1,000 dead amid shaky Ukraine ceasefire UN News Centre 20 Nov 2014 -- Almost 1,000 people have been killed in Ukraine since a tenuous ceasefire was established there in early September amid efforts to end the violence between armed rebel groups and the Government, the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said today as it released its latest report on the situation in the country.
US Should Consider Lethal Aid to Ukraine, Says Obama Nominee VOA 19 Nov 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama's nominee to fill the number two post at the State Department says the White House should consider providing Ukraine with lethal, defensive military equipment.
Ukrainian Forces Prepare to Defend Mariupol VOA 19 Nov 2014 -- Shelling continues on the outskirts of Mariupol, in southeast Ukraine, as Russia-backed rebels have gradually advanced from the northeast on the strategic port city. Ukrainian troops posted at checkpoints say they are prepared to defend the city, but could use more support. While in the city center, joint patrols and "anti-violator" drills are conducted to prepare to deal with any potential civil unrest.
Ukraine Rebels Dismiss Minsk Peace Deal as They Push for Territory VOA 19 Nov 2014 -- The rumble of tank shelling and mortar exchanges comes in waves, startling flocks of crows. For hours there can be silence here in the center of Donetsk, only for the quiet to be shattered as clashes between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces resume, mainly around the city's wrecked airport and in the fiercely contested village of Pesky.
Ukraine Rules Out Direct Talks With Separatists VOA 19 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine rejected Russia's suggestion to talk directly to separatists to end the conflict in the east, telling Moscow to stop "playing games" aimed at legitimizing "terrorists."
Russia warns of Ukraine's potential plan for attack on east Iran Press TV 19 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's decision to stop budget payments to its eastern regions may be a precursor to a military attack on the areas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says.
Russia Blames West For Ukraine Crisis, Says Ties Must Be Equal RFE/RL 19 Nov 2014 -- Russia has lashed out at the United States and European Union over Ukraine, saying the conflict there is the product of what Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called 25 years of selfish Western expansionism.
Yatsenyuk Says Kyiv Won't Talk To Moscow's 'Mercenaries' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has rejected a Russian call for direct talks between Kyiv and pro-Russian separatists, saying his government would not to talk to Moscow's 'mercenaries.'
Russia Will Aid Eastern Ukraine for as Long as Needed: Emergencies Ministry Sputnik 19 Nov 2014 -- The Russian Emergencies Ministry will continue helping eastern Ukraine residents as long as it is necessary, ministry spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky said Wednesday.
Lavrov: Kiev Wants to Cancel Non-Alignment Status to Сapture East by Force Sputnik 19 Nov 2014 -- The Kiev government does not try to conceal that it wants to change its non-alignment status to recapture eastern Ukraine by force, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
Russia Needs Guarantees Ukraine Will Not Join NATO: Kremlin Sputnik 19 Nov 2014 -- Russia needs 'hundred-percent guarantees' that the West will not consider Ukraine's joining NATO, Russian President's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the BBC in an interview released Wednesday.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Says Ready to Sign Poroshenko's Coalition Deal Sputnik 19 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Wednesday he was ready to sign the final draft of the government coalition in the country's parliament that was published by President Petro Poroshenko.
DPR Considering Its Own Currency Instead of Hryvnia: Council of Ministers Sputnik 19 Nov 2014 -- The authorities of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) are considering introducing a currency to replace the hryvnia on its territory, Alexander Karaman, deputy chairman of the republic's council of ministers for social affairs said Wednesday.
Ukraine Readies for Possible Russian-backed Attack VOA 18 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's military is preparing to repel a possible assault by Russian-backed rebels in the east following reports of Russian military reinforcements crossing the border.
Donetsk Residents Angry Over Kyiv Threat VOA 18 Nov 2014 -- Citizens of the Ukrainian city of Donetsk say they did not ask for pro-Moscow separatists to take over their city and they should not be punished for the breakaway insurgency by the Ukrainian government in Kyiv, which will end the funding of all public services in rebel areas by this weekend.
NATO Sees Military Buildup In Ukraine, Urges Russia To Pull Back RFE/RL 18 Nov 2014 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says there has been a 'serious military buildup' both in conflict-torn eastern Ukraine and on the Russian side of the border, and he has urged Moscow to pull back its forces.
Kiev Invites Russia to Hold Serious Talks on East Ukraine: Yatsenyuk Sputnik 18 Nov 2014 -- Kiev has invited Moscow to hold "serious talks" in a neutral territory to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Tuesday.
UK Sends 10 Armored Vehicles to OSCE Mission to Ukraine: Defense Ministry Sputnik 18 Nov 2014 -- The UK will send ten armored vehicles to Ukraine as a part of its OSCE mission's support to help it to be conducted safely.e
Putin Admits Russian Troop Role in Crimea Annexation VOA 17 Nov 2014 -- Contradicting previous denials, President Vladimir Putin has admitted that Russia's armed forces played a role in events leading up to Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, but denied direct involvement of his country's military in a referendum that was used to justify the move, according to an interview broadcast by German television.
EU Moves to Sanction Separatists as E. Ukraine Fighting Intensifies VOA 17 Nov 2014 -- European Union foreign ministers moved Monday to ratchet up sanctions against pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, amid reports of intensified fighting in the region.
Ten Ukraine soldiers, police killed in east: Officials Iran Press TV 17 Nov 2014 -- Ten Ukrainian soldiers and police officers have reportedly been killed in the country's volatile east, which has witnessed fierce fighting between government troops and pro-Russia forces in recent months.
Settlement of Ukraine crisis possible: Putin Iran Press TV 17 Nov 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that it is possible to find a way to settle the lingering crisis in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Says No Plans of East Ukraine Offensive Sputnik 17 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said the Kiev government was not planning to launch an offensive against self-proclaimed republics in the east of the country.
NATO Prefers to Ignore Russian Efforts to Stabilize Situation in Ukraine Sputnik 17 Nov 2014 -- NATO prefers to ignore the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine and Moscow's efforts to stabilize situation in the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Ukraine Claims It Is Prepared for Military Confrontation With Russia Sputnik 17 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine has prepared its first line of defense, equipment and reservists in the event of a military confrontation with Russia, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Monday.
Putin: Russia Concerned by Threat of Ethnic Cleansing in Ukraine Sputnik 17 Nov 2014 -- Moscow is concerned by the risk of ethnic cleansing in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday.
Kiev Commits War Crime by Halting Pension Payments in East Ukraine: DPR Sputnik 17 Nov 2014 -- The Kiev authorities are committing a war crime by withholding payments to eastern Ukraine pensioners, the chairman of Donetsk People's Republic's (DPR) Supreme Council Denis Pushilin said Sunday.
I am not afraid of war with Russia: Poroshenko Iran Press TV 16 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says Kiev is ready for a "total war" with Russia as clashes continue in the eastern part of the country.
MH17 wreckage removal begins in eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 16 Nov 2014 -- The process of removing the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 has started in eastern Ukraine, where the plane mysteriously crashed four months ago.
Poroshenko's Decree on Donbas Marks Kiev's Withdrawal From Minsk Talks: LPR Sputnik 16 Nov 2014 -- In an interview, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow was concerned by the risk of ethnic cleansing in Ukraine, adding that Kiev should stop using force in southeastern regions and create conditions for a political dialogue.
Putin: Poroshenko's Decree on Donbas Economic Blockade Is 'Mistake' Sputnik 16 Nov 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists Sunday that the decree issued by his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko, which set up an economic blockade of Donbas (Ukraine's southeastern regions), is a mistake and an untimely move.
MH17 Wreckage Removal Begins in E. Ukraine VOA 16 Nov 2014 -- Local emergency workers recovered human remains and aircraft parts Sunday from the site where Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine, four months after the plane was downed, killing 298 people.
G20 Leaders Rebuke Putin Over Ukraine VOA 16 Nov 2014 -- The G20 summit in Brisbane, Australia, has ended, capping a week of summits that saw several awkward encounters between U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Criticized Over Ukraine's Crisis, Putin Leaves G20 Summit Early RFE/RL 16 Nov 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin flew out of Australia on November 16 before the end of the G20 summit after facing harsh criticism from world leaders over Russia's role in the Ukrainian crisis.
US, Australia, Japan Demand Justice for Loss of Malaysian Jet Over Ukraine VOA 15 Nov 2014 -- President Barack Obama and the prime ministers of Australia and Japan are demanding justice for those who shot down a Malaysia Airlines jet over eastern Ukraine in July, killing 298 people.
Ukraine's Financial Outlook Is Gloomy VOA 15 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine is engulfed in a financial crisis. Without further Western aid, the Kyiv government will run out of money to service its debts. If the situation continues, Ukraine could face possible default on its bonds in four to six months, if Russia demands early repayment on a multibillion-dollar loan it gave Kyiv before the ouster this year of pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych.
Kiev orders closure of state services in east Iran Press TV 15 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has ordered the closure of all state services in the eastern regions controlled by pro-Russia forces.
Russian 'Aggression' In Ukraine Takes Center Stage At G20 RFE/RL 15 Nov 2014 -- Russia's role in Ukraine's crisis was taking center stage in Brisbane, Australia on November 15 as world leaders gathered for the two-day G20 summit.
LPR Head Calls Poroshenko's Economic Blockade of Donbas 'Act on Genocide' Sputnik 15 Nov 2014 -- Full economic blockade of Donbas is akin to an act of genocide, LPR's head Igor Plotnitsky said; earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has ordered a halt in serving bank accounts of enterprises and residents in southeastern Ukraine within a month.
Moscow Interested in MH17 Crash Investigation as It Has Nothing to Hide Sputnik 15 Nov 2014 -- Russia is interested in a thorough investigation of Malaysia Airlines MH17 flight crash; On July 17, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.
Major Non-NATO Ally Status Unbeneficial to Ukraine: US State Department Sputnik 15 Nov 2014 -- A major non-NATO ally status will not give Ukraine any advantages, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Paul Jones has said.
No fresh peace talks with pro-Russia forces: Ukraine Iran Press TV 14 Nov 2014 -- The Ukrainian government says it will not take part in any fresh negotiations with pro-Russia forces, who are pursuing autonomy in eastern Ukraine.
Poroshenko: Ukraine Able to Defend Itself if Minsk Agreement Breached Sputnik 14 Nov 2014 -- The Ukrainian army is well prepared and able to defend the country's borders in case of 'developments contrary to the Minsk plan', Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Friday.
EU Says Not Ready to Link Increased Military Activity in Donbas to Russia Sputnik 14 Nov 2014 -- The European Union is not ready to link the increased military activity and the movement of convoys in Ukraine's east to Russia, a senior EU official said Friday.
Kyiv Stresses Need for Bolstered Military VOA 14 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's president says his country's armed forces are 'willing and able to fight back' should the cease-fire agreement reached in September between his government and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine unravel.
US Analysts See Situation in E. Ukraine as Very Dangerous VOA 13 Nov 2014 -- The conflict in eastern Ukraine is intensifying. Russian military forces concentrated along the border and frequent violations of the cease-fire agreement reached in September between Kyiv and Moscow-backed separatists, lead many American experts to believe the situation in the region has become very dangerous.
Obama Calls on Russia to Respect Ukraine Cease-fire VOA 13 Nov 2014 -- President Barack Obama has called on Russia to honor a September cease-fire between Kyiv and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine Future Clouded After Two 'Elections' VOA 13 Nov 2014 -- After the recent completion of elections in Ukraine there was hope the conflict in the east would ease, but that has not happened. Military convoys from Russia are flowing into rebel-controlled areas again, raising fears of a new offensive and a long-term conflict.
NATO and the OSCE exchange views on situation in Ukraine NATO 12 Nov 2014 -- The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, visited NATO HQ on Wednesday 12 November.
Under Fire In Ukraine, OSCE Questions Its Worth RFE/RL 13 Nov 2014 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, fighting back against mounting allegations of pro-Russian bias in its mission in Ukraine, has gone on the offensive, calling for stronger support and better access to the porous Ukraine-Russia border.
Russia Denies Ukraine Presence As Fighting Persists RFE/RL 13 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's military and pro-Russian separatists have reported new casualties amid growing fears of an escalation of the conflict that has shattered ties between Moscow and the West, while Russia firmly denies it has any soldiers in eastern Ukraine.
Russian Troops Never Crossed Ukrainian Border: Foreign Ministry Sputnik 13 Nov 2014 -- Russian troops have never crossed the border with Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich told reporters Thursday.
Ceasefire in Ukraine under 'continuous, serious strain,' UN official warns UN News Centre 12 Nov 2014 -- Prevailing hostilities in Ukraine in recent days are putting the ceasefire agreed to in September under "continuous and serious strain," a senior United Nations political official told the Security Council today, warning against the possibility of a return to full-scale fighting despite prospects of hope offered by recent parliamentary elections.
Ukraine Says Its 'Restraint' Is Preventing War in East VOA 12 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations, Yuriy Sergeyev, says that it is due to his country's "restraint" that the conflict in the east between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russia separatists has not yet turned into an all-out war.
EU disburses 260-million-euro loan to Ukraine Iran Press TV 12 Nov 2014 -- The European Union has agreed to disburse 260 million euros (USD 333 million) in loan to Ukraine, as part of a previously agreed package worth 1.61 billion euros (USD 2.06 billion).
Ukraine deploys more troops to east despite truce Iran Press TV 12 Nov 2014 -- The government in Kiev is deploying more forces to the volatile eastern regions of Ukraine despite a ceasefire deal with pro-Russia forces.
Ukraine's Donetsk rocked by intense artillery fire Iran Press TV 12 Nov 2014 -- Intense artillery fire has once again erupted in the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian government troops and pro-Russian forces have been engaged in a months-long battle, witnesses say.
NATO: Russian Weapons, Troops Entering Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Nov 2014 -- NATO says it has observed columns of Russian military equipment entering conflict-wracked eastern Ukraine in the past two days.
Donetsk Has No Plans to Attack Kiev Forces Unless Threatened Sputnik 12 Nov 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has no plans to attack Kiev forces but get ready to repel a possible assault, a deputy DPR military commander said Wednesday.
Moscow Denies NATO Allegations of Russian Military Crossing Into Ukraine Sputnik 12 Nov 2014 -- NATO allegations of Russian military convoys crossing the border with Ukraine are completely untrue, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Kiev Redeploying Troops Near Special Operations Area: Ukraine Sputnik 12 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian authorities are redeploying troops in the Special Operations Area of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said Wednesday.
Fresh fighting in eastern Ukraine kills 5 soldiers Iran Press TV 11 Nov 2014 -- The Ukrainian military says at least five government soldiers have been killed in fresh exchanges of fire with pro-Russian militia forces in the country’s eastern regions in the past 24 hours.
News Analysis: What's Behind The Resurgence Of Fighting In Eastern Ukraine? RFE/RL 11 Nov 2014 -- Fighting in eastern Ukraine -- and particularly around the city of Donetsk -- has flared up again, more intensely than anything since the shaky cease-fire was agreed in Minsk on September 5.
OSCE Says Risk Of Escalation In Eastern Ukraine 'Rising' RFE/RL 11 Nov 2014 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says the risk of an escalation in violence in conflict-wracked eastern Ukraine is 'rising.'
Volunteer Battalions to Become Part of Kiev Forces: Defense Ministry Sputnik 11 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian volunteer battalions, operating in the southeast of the country, will be put under the command of the country's army, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has said in an interview with the ICTV channel.
NATO Commander ?Concerned’ by Flow of Weapons Into E. Ukraine VOA 11 Nov 2014 -- NATO's military commander expressed concern Tuesday over an increasing flow of weaponry and military supplies to Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, as European observers in the region reported seeing another unmarked military convoy near the rebel stronghold of Donetsk.
U.S. Urges Russia To 'Stop Fueling The Fire' In Ukraine RFE/RL 10 Nov 2014 -- The United States has called on Russia to 'stop fueling the fire' in eastern Ukraine with new weapons and other support for pro-Russian separatists there.
Pro-Kiev forces troubling MH17 probe: Putin Iran Press TV 10 Nov 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says pro-Ukraine forces are bringing to a halt the investigation into the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in Ukraine.
EU, U.S. Voice Concern Over Ukraine Convoy Reports RFE/RL 10 Nov 2014 -- The United States and European Union have voiced concern over reports of large convoys of troops and weapons moving through territory controlled by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Yanukovych-Era Counterintel Chief Arrested In Ukraine RFE/RL 10 Nov 2014 -- A state security officer who was Ukraine's counterintelligence chief in the final weeks of former President Viktor Yanukovych's rule has been arrested on suspicion of 'high treason.'
Germany Demands That Russia Adhere To Ukraine Truce Deal RFE/RL 10 Nov 2014 -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says that the situation in eastern Ukraine is deteriorating and that all sides, including Russia, must adhere to a cease-fire and steps toward peace agreed in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, on September 5.
Shelling, Heavy Weapons Movement Reported in E. Ukraine VOA 10 Nov 2014 -- Fresh reports of violence and convoys of heavy weaponry on the move in eastern Ukraine on Monday increased doubts about the viability of a shaky cease-fire reached between Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists in September.
US Alarmed Over Reports of Russian Buildup in E. Ukraine VOA 09 Nov 2014 -- The White House voiced "grave concern" Sunday over reports of military reinforcements pouring into eastern Ukraine from neighboring Russia, including the cross-border transfer of heavy weapons and tanks.
EU Says Reports Of Convoys In Ukraine 'Very Worrying' RFE/RL 09 Nov 2014 -- The European Union has expressed deep concern over reports of military convoys moving westward on rebel-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine and urged Russia to withdraw any troops or weapons under its control from the neighboring country.
President Poroshenko Promises Not to Allow Ukraine's Division on Linguistic Grounds RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has stated on his Facebook page Sunday, he will not allow the division of the country on linguistic grounds, though he still intends to keep the Ukrainian language as the only state language.
Donetsk Militia in East Ukraine Reports Intense Fighting Along Engagement Line RIA Novosti 09 Nov 2014 -- Intense exchanges of artillery fire resumed Sunday morning near the Donetsk airport in eastern Ukraine, with thundering blasts heard as far as the city center, a RIA Novosti correspondent said.
OSCE Reports Convoys In East Ukraine RFE/RL 09 Nov 2014 -- The OSCE says it is 'very concerned' after its monitors witnessed columns of military equipment moving through territory in east Ukraine controlled by pro-Russia separatists.
Lavrov: Russia Urges Not to Go Back to Use of Force in Ukrainian Crisis Settlement RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2014 -- Russia urges not to foster the popular in Kiev ideas of going back to the use or force as a method of resolution of the Ukrainian Crisis, promises to contribute to political settlement of the situation in its contacts with both sides, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday.
Lavrov: Russia, US to Try to Convince Ukrainian Leadership to Fulfill Geneva Obligations RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2014 -- Russia and the United States will try to convince the Ukrainian leadership to fulfill Geneva obligations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday after the bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Beijing.
Shooting Halted in Ukraine's Donetsk Region, Continues Around Luhansk: DPR RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2014 -- Shooting in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, which continued throughout Friday, has subsided, but fighting continues in the Luhansk region, the headquarters of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) told RIA Novosti Saturday night.
Russia to Prepare New Batch of Humanitarian Aid for Eastern Ukraine: Emergencies Ministry RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2014 -- The Russian Emergencies Ministry is going to send a new batch of humanitarian aid for the east Ukraine's Donbas region, the chief military expert at the ministry told journalists on Saturday.
Kerry, Lavrov Hold Talks On Iran, Syria, Ukraine RFE/RL 08 Nov 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says there is no link between international efforts to curb Iran's controversial nuclear program and other issues in the Middle East.
5 soldiers slain in fresh East Ukraine fighting Iran Press TV 07 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine says at least five government soldiers have been killed in fresh exchanges of fire with pro-Russia forces in its eastern regions in 24 hours.
Kyiv Says 200 Rebels Killed, Russian Tanks, Troops Cross Over Border RFE/RL 07 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian authorities say artillery fired by government forces has killed up to 200 pro-Russian separatists in the country's east amid reports of Russian tanks and soldiers crossing the border.
Poroshenko: Ukraine Yet to Receive Payment for Russian Gas Transit RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2014 -- Kiev has not yet received payment for Russian gas transit to Europe in September and October, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Friday in a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Kyiv: Russian Weapons, Troops Are in East Ukraine VOA 07 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine says Russia has sent dozens of tanks, heavy weapons, ammunitions and soldiers into Kremlin-backed eastern Ukraine.
Moscow accuses Kiev of breaching peace deal Iran Press TV 06 Nov 2014 -- Russia has accused the Ukrainian government of breaching a peace accord aimed at putting an end to heavy clashes in Ukraine's eastern parts.
Ukraine sets passport regime for volatile east Iran Press TV 06 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine has imposed passport controls around volatile pro-Russia areas in the country's east.
Donetsk Faces Kiev's Full-Scale Military Action: DPR Leader RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has to defend itself as Kiev de-facto resumed a full-scale military action in eastern Ukraine, DPR leader Andrei Purgin said Thursday.
Self-Defense Forces Say Tank Attack on Donetsk Suburb Repelled RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2014 -- The pro-Kiev forces' tank attack on a suburb of Donetsk was repelled with at least five armored vehicles destroyed, self-defense forces said Thursday.
Kiev's Military Actions in South-East Serious Breach of Geneva Agreement: Moscow RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2014 -- Kiev's deployment of troops in southeastern Ukraine is a serious breach of the agreement reached in Geneva in April, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Ukraine Stops Funding for Rebel-Held Regions VOA 05 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine on Wednesday announced it will halt government funding to those areas of its eastern regions controlled by Russian-backed separatists.
Tensions rise in east Ukraine amid army build-up Iran Press TV 05 Nov 2014 -- Tensions are reportedly rising in eastern Ukraine following Kiev's decision to send army reinforcements to the restive region.
'F' Word Hangs Over Ukraine's Rebel-Held Regions RFE/RL 05 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine has pledged to recapture them. Separatists vow to expand them. But even as hostilities rage on despite a shaky cease-fire, the areas in eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed rebels appear to be drifting inexorably toward the 'F' word, analysts say.
Ceasefire Deal, Other Agreements With East Ukraine Remain in Force: Kiev RIA Novosti 05 Nov 2014 -- The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Wednesday confirmed their commitment to agreements reached in Minsk in September, including the ceasefire deal with the eastern Ukraine self-defense forces.
NATO, EU Press Russia on Ukraine VOA 04 Nov 2014 -- NATO has observed Russian troops moving closer to the Ukraine border. Speaking in a news conference with EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance has seen the recent troop movements as Moscow continues to support separatists with equipment and special forces in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine Rebel Leader Sworn In After Disputed Election VOA 04 Nov 2014 -- A pro-Russian rebel leader was sworn in as the head of a self-declared 'people's republic' in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday, following elections rejected by Kyiv as illegitimate.
Russia blocks UNSC draft statement on eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 04 Nov 2014 -- Russia has blocked a UN Security Council draft statement that criticizes presidential and parliamentary elections held by pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine.
Kyiv Authorities Slam Separatist Courts Handing Down Summary Death Sentences RFE/RL 04 Nov 2014 -- Officials in Ukraine say residents in the separatist east may be subject to criminal prosecution for participating in so-called 'people's tribunals' that have handed down at least one death sentence.
Poroshenko, Security Chiefs To Review Peace Accord With Rebels RFE/RL 04 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is meeting with his security chiefs to reexamine the peace accord with pro-Russian separatists two days after they staged elections he has dismissed as a 'farce.'
Ukraine's Poroshenko To Meet Security Chiefs RFE/RL 04 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko meets his security chiefs on November 4. They are due to discuss the government's commitments to a September 5 truce after controversial elections in the east by pro-Russian separatists.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Sends Note of Protest Accusing Moscow of Aiding Donbas Forces RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has submitted a note of protest to Russia's Foreign Ministry, accusing Moscow of providing military aid to independence supporters in the Donbas, the Ministry's spokesperson said Tuesday.
DPR Welcomes Kiev's Plans to Abolish Law on Donbas Special Status, Reveal Real Intentions RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) welcomes the plans of Ukraine's authorities to abolish the law on the special status of Donbas, as this law was nothing more than a cover for Kiev's aggressive plans , Donetsk Deputy Prime Minister said Tuesday.
Draft Law to Abolish Donbas Special Status Under Consideration: Ukrainian Parliament RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- A draft law proposed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and aimed to abolish the Donbas Special Status has been submitted to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada's official website stated Tuesday.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Says West Should Toughen Sanctions Against Russia RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- The West should toughen its sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian crisis, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said in an interview with the Bild newspaper on Tuesday.
Ukrainian Security Forces Use Incendiary Weapons in Donetsk: DPR Commander RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- Ukrainian forces used incendiary weapons as fighting resumed Monday night near the Donetsk airport, deputy commander of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) militia Eduard Basurin told RIA Novosti Tuesday.
Sixth Russian Humanitarian Aid Convoy Awaits Green Light to Go to East Ukraine RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- A new Russian convoy for eastern Ukraine is waiting for a go-ahead to carry humanitarian aid cargo to Luhansk and Donetsk, a deputy chief of the national crisis management center at the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations said on Tuesday.
Sixth Russian Aid Convoy Ready to Set Out For East Ukraine: Emergency Ministry RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2014 -- The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has finished loading its sixth convoy of some 20 vehicles that will bring a new batch of humanitarian aid to the stricken east Ukraine regions, a deputy chief of the national crisis management center at the ministry said early Tuesday.
Poroshenko: Cease-Fire Deal 'Adjustments' Possible After 'Pseudo-Elections' VOA 03 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has denounced elections held Sunday in separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine, calling them "a farce at gunpoint" conducted by "bandits, terrorists and interventionists."
Five Takeaways From Eastern Ukraine's Separatist Vote RFE/RL 03 Nov 2014 -- The elections held in eastern Ukraine by the pro-Russian separatists may not have been recognized by anyone but Russia, but that may be all that matters.
Victors Declared In 'Illegal' Ukraine Votes RFE/RL 03 Nov 2014 -- Self-proclaimed authorities in rebel-held sections of eastern Ukraine say prominent pro-Russian separatist figures have won elections denounced by the West and dismissed by President Petro Poroshenko as a 'farce.'
NATO Commander Warns That Separatist Polls In Ukraine Don't Help RFE/RL 03 Nov 2014 -- NATO's top military commander has said the elections held by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine do not correspond with a September 5 peace plan and will not improve the situation.
LPR Head Says Number of People's Republics in Novorossiya Likely to Increase RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2014 -- The number of people's republics in Novorossiya is likely to increase, as many locals in the region oppose the Kiev government, the newly-elected head of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), Igor Plotnitsky said Monday.
Kiev Unaware of Contents of Russian Humanitarian Convoy for Donbas: Official RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2014 -- Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council is unaware of the contents of the fifth Russian humanitarian aid convoy, which delivered building materials, food, fuel and medications to Donetsk and Luhansk on Sunday, Council's spokesperson Andriy Lysenko stated Monday.
Mir Luganshchine Party Takes 69,2% of Votes in Luhansk, Plotnitsky Wins with 63,8% RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2014 -- The Mir Luganshchine (Peace for Luhansk) party has taken 69.2 percent of the votes after a 100 percent vote-count in the elections in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), the head of the Luhansk Central Election Commission, Sergei Kozyakov, said in a press conference Monday.
Acting Prime Minister Zakharchenko Wins Donetsk Election: Election Commission RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2014 -- Acting Prime Minister Alexander Zakharchenko has won the election in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the republic's central election commission said Monday.
Politicians Elected in DPR, LPR Get Mandate to Resolve Crisis: Russian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2014 -- The politicians elected in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) have received mandate for a solution to resolve the crisis and to restore normal life in the regions, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Monday.
DPR Accuses Pro-Kiev Troops of Attempts to Disrupt Elections: Press Service RIA Novosti 02 Nov 2014 -- Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has documented attempts by the Ukrainian authorities to disrupt the ongoing elections, the press service of the DPR's government told RIA Novosti Sunday.
Russian Humanitarian Convoy Returning From Luhansk RIA Novosti 02 Nov 2014 -- The Russian convoy is returning to Rostov region after delivering humanitarian aid to the crisis-hit city of Luhansk in the east of Ukraine, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said Sunday.
Ukraine Rebels Vote in Controversial Election VOA 02 Nov 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have voted in controversial elections that Kyiv and the West say they will not recognize.
Ukraine's Poroshenko Urges Russia To Denounce 'Farce' Vote RFE/RL 01 Nov 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists defied international criticism by holding elections on November 2 in areas under their control in eastern Ukraine.
Six govt. soldiers killed in east Ukraine fighting Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2014 -- At least six Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in fresh clashes with pro-Russian forces in the country's eastern regions in the past 24 hours.
US says won't recognize elections in eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2014 -- The United States says it will not recognize the elections planned for the weekend by pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
Separatist-Held Ukrainian Regions To Hold 'Elections' RFE/RL 01 Nov 2014 -- Authorities in separatist-held areas of Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions are due to hold self-declared elections on November 2 which Kyiv and Western powers say are illegitimate.

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November 2014 - Ukraine Special Weapons News