December 2014 - Ukraine Special Weapons News

Ukraine: UN kicks-off campaign to reach displaced persons with humanitarian aid UN News Centre 31 Dec 2014 -- Amid continuing fighting and a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today announced it is launching an initiative aimed at ferrying aid to the country's internally displaced persons (IDPs), as well as other vulnerable citizens trapped by the ongoing hostilities.
NATO Financing of Ukrainian Military to Deepen Crisis: Diplomat Sputnik 31 Dec 2014 -- The North-Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) financial assistance aimed at building up Ukraine's military capabilities will worsen the current economic crisis and harm the process of peaceful reconciliation in the country, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Nebenzya said.
Kiev Hopes to Sign Ceasefire Protocol With Donetsk, Luhansk in OSCE Meeting Sputnik 30 Dec 2014 -- Kiev hopes to sign a protocol on a complete ceasefire with the eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's republics when the parties meet with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), a Ukrainian military spokesman said during a briefing Tuesday.
Ukraine Formally Scraps Non-aligned Status VOA 29 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has signed a law revoking Ukraine's non-aligned status as part of efforts to move the country closer to NATO, the western military alliance. Russia views NATO expansion as a threat and President Vladimir Putin last week signed a military doctrine reiterating those concerns.
Ukraine Formally Drops Non-aligned Status VOA 29 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a bill on Monday scrapping his country's non-aligned status, but indicated that he would hold a referendum before seeking NATO membership.
Ukraine paves way for NATO membership Iran Press TV 29 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's president has signed into law a bill that drops the country's nonaligned status, paving the way for Kiev's membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Ukrainian President Signs Law Allowing NATO Membership Bid RFE/RL 29 Dec 2014 -- President Petro Poroshenko has signed a law abandoning Ukraine's neutral 'non-bloc' status, and said Ukrainians will decide whether the country should seek NATO membership once it meets the standards of the Western military alliance.
Poroshenko: Ukraine Will Never Let Standoff in East Become Frozen Conflict Sputnik 29 Dec 2014 -- Kiev authorities will do everything possible to prevent the current standoff in eastern Ukraine from transforming into a frozen conflict, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Monday.
Ukrainian President Signs Bill to Cancel Non-Bloc Status Sputnik 29 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed into law the bill to cancel the non-bloc status of Ukraine during a televised press conference Monday.
Kiev, Donetsk Military Meet, No Agreements Reached: DPR Official Sputnik 29 Dec 2014 -- Representatives from Kiev and the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) met in Donetsk for talks but no agreement was reached, a DPR Defense Ministry representative said Monday.
Russia agrees to provide electricity, coal for Ukraine Iran Press TV 27 Dec 2014 -- Russia has agreed to provide electricity and coal for Ukraine despite Kiev's decision to cut off electricity as well as bus and train services to Russia's newly-integrated Crimean Peninsula.
Russia Offers To Sell Coal To Ukraine RFE/RL 27 Dec 2014 -- Russia is ready to supply Ukraine with up to 1 million tons of coal monthly to help alleviate Ukraine's energy shortages.
Pro-Russian Separatists Release 8 More Ukrainian Prisoners VOA 27 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's security service says pro-Russian separatists have released four more Ukrainian prisoners as part of a major prisoner swap.
Ukraine, Separatists Exchange Hundreds of POWs VOA 26 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian military and pro-Russian separatists exchanged hundreds of prisoners Friday as part of a plan to end an eight-month pro-Russian rebellion in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine peace negotiations cancelled in Minsk: Belarus Iran Press TV 26 Dec 2014 -- Belarus has announced that a new round of talks between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russia militia forces in Minsk over a stable ceasefire in violence-scarred eastern Ukraine has been scrapped.
Ukraine, pro-Russia forces agree on prisoner exchange Iran Press TV 26 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine has agreed to swap detained pro-Russia forces with dozens of its soldiers.
Ukraine Suspends Trains, Buses To Crimea, Citing Security Concerns RFE/RL 26 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine says it is halting all train services to Russian-annexed Crimea because of security concerns.
Kiev to Pull Back Heavy Arms in 48 Hours After Complete Ceasefire: Official Sputnik 26 Dec 2014 -- Kiev forces will pull back their heavy arms from the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine within 48 hours once a full ceasefire is observed, Ukrainian General Staff spokesman Oleksiy Mazepa said Friday.
DPR Nationalizes Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises: Leader Sputnik 26 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian state-owned enterprises located in the territory of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) have been nationalized, the republic's leader Alexander Zakharchenko told Donetsk News Agency.
DPR Leader Says Will Build Partnership Relations With Neighbors Sputnik 26 Dec 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) will build relations based on partnership with all its neighbors, the republic's leader Alexander Zakharchenko told Donetsk News Agency.
Ukraine efforts to join NATO threaten Europe: Russia Iran Press TV 25 Dec 2014 -- Russia has warned that Ukraine's attempts to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) threaten Europe's security.
Lavrov Says Russia Did Not 'Lose' Ukraine Sputnik 25 Dec 2014 -- Russian-Ukrainian relations are likely to return to the pre-crisis level when the civil conflict in the country is over, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
Kiev Aims to Disrupt Minsk Reconciliation Talks: Donetsk Leader Sputnik 25 Dec 2014 -- The Kiev government views the ceasefire only as a chance to prepare for the resumption of military action against independence supports and is ready to violate the truce, the leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) said Thursday.
No Progress Seen After Initial Ukraine Talks VOA 24 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian government negotiators and their pro-Russian separatist counterparts have ended a first day of talks Wednesday without visible signs of progress toward ending an eight-month rebellion near the Russian border.
Ukraine officials, pro-Russia fighters start peace talks Iran Press TV 24 Dec 2014 -- Representatives from the Ukrainian government and pro-Russia forces have launched peace negotiations in Belarusian capital, Minsk, to reach a stable ceasefire in violence-scarred eastern Ukraine.
NATO pushed Ukraine to shelve non-aligned status: Russia Iran Press TV 24 Dec 2014 -- A Russian deputy defense minister has accused members of the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of pushing crisis-hit Ukraine to drop its non-aligned status and seek membership in the military alliance.
Ukraine Peace Talks Under Way In Minsk RFE/RL 24 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian crisis talks have begun in Minsk, bringing together representatives of Ukraine, Russia, pro-Russian separatists, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Donbas Militia Release Over 1,300 Ukrainian Soldiers: Security Service Sputnik 24 Dec 2014 -- Independence supporters in Ukraine's south-eastern regions (Donbas) have released over 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers they had captured as prisoners in the course of Kiev's military operation in the region, the country's Security Service has announced in a statement.
Ukraine Must Conduct Reforms Before Applying for Membership: Stoltenberg Sputnik 24 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine can only submit an application for joining NATO after it conducts all the necessary reforms, the alliance's Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, has announced.
Ukraine and Separatists Resume Peace Talks VOA 24 Dec 2014 -- Representatives of Ukraine and separatist rebels who support Russia resumed fresh peace talks Wednesday, with the Russian government and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) also taking part.
Ukraine's Parliament Drops Non-aligned Status VOA 23 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine took a further step toward seeking NATO membership Tuesday, when the country's parliament passed a law abolishing Kyiv's neutral, non-aligned status.
Ukraine Votes To Abandon Neutrality, Set Sights On NATO RFE/RL 23 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's parliament has voted to abandon the country's neutral 'non-bloc' status and set a course for NATO membership, a move immediately denounced by Russia as 'unfriendly.'
Luhansk Not Invited to December 24 Reconciliation Talks, Sends Envoy Anyway Sputnik 23 Dec 2014 -- The chief negotiator of the self-proclaimed Ukrainian people's republic of Luhansk (LPR) said Tuesday that he was not invited to the reconciliation talks in Minsk on December 24, but will travel to Belarus 'to prevent the talks from disruption.'
Ukraine's Decision to Cancel Non-Aligned Status Big Mistake: Moscow Sputnik 23 Dec 2014 -- The Verkhovna Rada's (the Ukrainian parliament), vote to waive Ukraine's non-aligned status is a serious political mistake that could have dire consequences for the settlement of the crisis in the country, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said Tuesday.
Ukraine's Decision to Cancel Neutral Status 'Unfriendly': Diplomat Sputnik 23 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament vote to renounce the country's non-aligned status and work toward NATO membership is an unfriendly step in regard to Russia, a senior Russian diplomat said Tuesday.
About 50,000 Ukrainians to Be Called Up for Army Service From 2015 Sputnik 23 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's Ministry of Defense plans to bolster its military by calling up some 50,000 people during a new wave of mobilization, the ministry's spokesperson Viktoria Kushnir said Tuesday.
Lavrov: Ukraine's Scrapping Non-Alignment Status Counterproductive Sputnik 23 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's passage of a bill to drop its non-aligned status is counterproductive and will not settle the country's internal crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
Ukrainian Parliament Passes Bill to Waive Non-Aligned Status Sputnik 23 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament passed a bill on Tuesday cancelling the country's non-aligned status and confirming Kiev's determination to join NATO.
Leaders Agree On More Ukraine Peace Talks In Minsk RFE/RL 23 Dec 2014 -- The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany have agreed to call another round of Ukraine peace talks this week.
Kazakh President Calls For Compromise Between Russia And Ukraine RFE/RL 22 Dec 2014 -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev, during a visit to Kyiv, has reportedly called on Russia and Ukraine to seek compromise in order to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine and preserve its territorial integrity.
Russia, Ukraine Not Yet Discussing Gas Transit After 2019: Energy Minister Sputnik 22 Dec 2014 -- Russia and Ukraine are currently not negotiating the continuation of transit gas to Europe through Ukraine's territory after 2019, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Monday.
Tenth Russian Humanitarian Aid Convoy Returns From Donbas: EMERCOM Sputnik 22 Dec 2014 -- The tenth Russian humanitarian aid convoy to Ukraine's eastern Donbas region has returned home, said Russian Emergencies Ministry spokesperson Alexander Drobyshevsky.
Belarus President Offers Support to Ukraine VOA 21 Dec 2014 -- Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived in Kyiv Sunday to offer his support as Ukraine struggles with its pro-Russian separatist insurgency and to try to revive stalled peace talks.
Ukraine to Spend Over $5 Billion on Defense in 2015: Security Council Sputnik 20 Dec 2014 -- Some 86 billion Ukrainian hryvnias, or about $5.4 billion, in defense and national security funding will be incorporated into Ukraine's 2015 budget, Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov said Saturday.
Ukraine to Hold Three Waves of Military Mobilization in 2015 Sputnik 20 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine will hold three waves of mobilization next year, Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Turchynov said Saturday.
Obama Orders Trade Ban on Crimea for Russian 'Occupation' VOA 19 Dec 2014 -- President Barack Obama has imposed a wide-ranging trade ban on the Russian-annexed Crimea peninsula, with an executive order that bars exports of key U.S. goods and services and blocks Crimean imports.
UN: Children Bearing Brunt of Ukraine War VOA 19 Dec 2014 -- The U.N. Children's Fund reports that the conflict in Ukraine is having a terrible impact on more than 1.7 million children.
Five soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine Iran Press TV 19 Dec 2014 -- Five Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and another seven wounded in a deadly clash with pro-Russia forces.
EU could de-escalate sanctions if Russia shifts on Ukraine: France Iran Press TV 18 Dec 2014 -- France says the European Union (EU) could "de-escalate" sanctions against Russia if Moscow alters its stance on the crisis in Ukraine.
EU approves new sanctions against Crimea Iran Press TV 18 Dec 2014 -- The European Union has slapped additional bans on Crimea, which reunified with the Russian Federation earlier this year.
EU Adopts New Crimea Sanctions As Summit Weighs Crisis RFE/RL 18 Dec 2014 -- The European Union on December 18 agreed to new sanctions against Moscow-annexed Crimea as EU leaders prepared to discuss a 'tough and responsible' strategy toward Russia following its involvement in Ukraine.
Poroshenko Submits Bill to Cancel Ukraine's Non-Aligned Status Sputnik 18 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday submitted a bill to the parliament on ending the country's non-aligned status, a statement on the presidential website said.
Statement by the President on the Ukraine Freedom Support Act The White House 18 Dec 2014
During Ukraine visit, senior UN official pledges broad support for Government UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- The top United Nations political official today voiced the Organization's "unwavering commitment" in helping Ukraine address the range of political, humanitarian, security and development challenges it continues to face amid ongoing fighting in the country's east.
Ukraine Must Create One of Europe's Most Powerful Armies: Security Council Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine must create one of the most powerful armed forces in Europe, the recently appointed head of the country's National Security and Defense Council said Wednesday.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Receive Winter Clothing From UK: Defense Ministry Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's Armed Forces have received winter clothing and medical equipment from the United Kingdom, a spokesperson for the country's Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
Russia Concerned Over Possible Lethal Weapon Supplies to Ukraine: Deputy FM Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Western countries should promote the start of a political dialogue in the conflict-torn Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said, stressing that Russia is concerned by the possibility of lethal weapon supplies to Kiev.
Ukraine's President: Peace Talks Could Resume Dec. 21 VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko says his government could resume peace talks with Russian-backed separatists and Russia's government Sunday in Minsk.
Kerry Cites 'Constructive Moves' by Russia on Ukraine VOA 16 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says "Russia has made constructive moves" on the Ukraine crisis that could open the path to resolving the conflict and easing or lifting international economic sanctions.
Lavrov: Moscow Supports Ukraine's Integrity, E Ukraine Not 'Another Crimea' Sputnik 16 Dec 2014 -- Russia fully supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and has never viewed the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk as 'another Crimea,' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
Biden: US will pay Ukraine $10 billion Iran Press TV 16 Dec 2014 -- The United States will grant as much as $10 billion as financial support to Ukraine, Vice President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
EU agrees to impose new sanctions against Crimea Iran Press TV 16 Dec 2014 -- The EU foreign policy chief says Brussels has agreed to impose new sanctions against Crimea, stressing the bloc will not recognize its reunification with the Russian Federation.
Secretary General tells Ukrainian Prime Minister ''NATO stands with you'' NATO 15 Dec 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the Alliance's efforts to support Ukraine's government with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk at NATO Headquarters
Amid ongoing hostilities, UN warns of 'life-threatening' conditions for Ukraine's civilians UN News Centre 15 Dec 2014 -- As the conflict in eastern Ukraine heads into its tenth month, continued fighting and bitter cold temperatures are placing more than five million people at risk, the top United Nations human rights official warned today as he described conditions for those still living in conflict-affected areas as becoming "increasingly dire."
Ukraine PM: $10B Needed to Avoid Bankruptcy VOA 15 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk says his country urgently needs $10 billion to avoid bankruptcy.
UN report details dire plight of people in eastern Ukraine amid ongoing rights violations UNOHCHR 15 Dec 2014 -- With the onset of winter, more than five million people living in conflict affected areas of Ukraine are facing mounting hardship and some are struggling to survive, according to a report issued on Monday by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UN issues damning report on Ukraine crisis Iran Press TV 15 Dec 2014 -- The United Nations has issued a compromising report on the crisis in Ukraine, apportioning blame to both Kiev and pro-Russians.
Medvedev: Kiev's Blockade of East Ukraine Shows Lack of Responsibility Sputnik 15 Dec 2014 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev noted in an op-ed for Nezavisimaya Gazeta on Monday that Ukraine's economic blockade of its breakaway eastern regions proves its unwillingness to take responsibility for governing them.
Medvedev: EU Not Willing to Treat Ukraine as Equal Partner Sputnik 15 Dec 2014 -- In an op-ed in Russia's Nezavisimaya Gazeta on Monday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev stated that the European Union does not treat Ukraine as an equal partner, subjecting them to a great number of political and economic demands with few concrete benefits in return.
Kiev Volunteer Battalions Violate Human Rights in East Ukraine: UN Report Sputnik 15 Dec 2014 -- The actions of Kiev-controlled paramilitary volunteer battalions and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in eastern Ukraine are in violation of human rights, a UN monitoring mission said in a report Monday.
Medvedev: Kiev May Lose $15Bln After Association With EU Sputnik 15 Dec 2014 -- Kiev may lose up to $15 billion due to its association with the European Union, should Customs Union member-states take steps to protect their markets, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Monday.
Ukraine Aid Bill Heads To Obama RFE/RL 14 Dec 2014 -- A bill authorizing lethal aid for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia unanimously passed the U.S. Senate late on December 13, sending it to U.S. President Barack Obama to sign or veto the measure.
Kiev Denies Allegations of NATO Equipment Shipments to Closed Airports Sputnik 14 Dec 2014 -- The Eastern Ukrainian militia reports an increase of air activity over the territory controlled by the Ukrainian forces, according to Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The militia fighters spotted transport and attack planes, as well as strike and multipurpose helicopters.
Kerry, Lavrov Meet Again on Ukraine Conflict VOA 14 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met again Sunday to discuss Ukraine, just days after U.S. lawmakers voted in support of providing military aid for Ukrainian forces.
East Ukraine death toll crosses 4,600: UN Iran Press TV 13 Dec 2014 -- The UN says the death toll from fighting between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine has exceeded 4,600 in nearly eight months.
Lavrov, Kerry To Meet In Rome Amid Ukraine Tensions RFE/RL 13 Dec 2014 -- Officials in Washington and Moscow say U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov plan to meet in Rome on December 14 amid ongoing tensions over the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine to Discuss NATO Accession Steps on December 15: Ukainian Diplomat Sputnik 13 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will discuss Kiev's accession to and cooperation with NATO on December 15 in Brussels, the deputy head of Ukraine's mission in the alliance told the country's national news agency Ukrinform on Saturday.
Russia Warns US on Bill Authorizing Military Hardware to Ukraine VOA 13 Dec 2014 -- Russia says there will be repercussions if Washington imposes new sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.
Ukraine plans to increase conscripts, military budget in 2015 Iran Press TV 12 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine says it will dramatically increase the number of its conscripts to a quarter of a million and boost its military budget in 2015 to deal with the ongoing conflict in its eastern provinces.
Russia's Lavrov urges new peace talks on Ukraine Iran Press TV 12 Dec 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is looking forward to another round of peace talks on the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
U.S. Spending Bill With Ukraine Aid Moves In Congress RFE/RL 12 Dec 2014 -- A $1.1 trillion spending bill that includes provisions to assist Ukraine and punish Russia for its annexation of Crimea has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Poroshenko Says Truce In Ukraine Now 'Real' RFE/RL 12 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said a 'real' cease-fire is now in place in eastern Ukraine, and Russia's foreign minister said the shaky truce presents an opportunity to end the conflict.
Moscow Slams New US Law on Lethal Aid to Ukraine as 'Confrontational' Sputnik 12 Dec 2014 -- Moscow sharply criticized on Friday the adoption of a US Congress bill aimed at providing lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine and imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
Ukraine to Increase Troop Numbers by 18,000 in 2015: Defense Minister Sputnik 12 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine will increase the number of military service members in 2015 with an additional 18,000 personnel, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said Friday.
Ninth Russian Humanitarian Aid Convoy Reaches Donetsk, Luhansk Sputnik 12 Dec 2014 -- Another batch of Russian humanitarian aid, the ninth of its kind since August, has arrived in the east Ukrainian self-proclaimed Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk on Friday.
3 killed, 8 wounded in fresh east Ukraine clashes Iran Press TV 11 Dec 2014 -- Fresh clashes between the army and pro-Russia forces in east Ukraine have claimed the lives of three Ukrainian soldiers.
Ukraine Says Three More Soldiers Killed Despite Truce RFE/RL 11 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian military said on December 11 that three Ukrainian soldiers were killed and eight injured in attacks by pro-Russian separatists over the previous 24 hours -- the first casualties since a fresh truce deal in eastern Ukraine went into effect on December 9.
Ukrainian Parliament Approves Increased Defense Spending in 2015-2020 Sputnik 11 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament approved a government action plan for 2015-2020 Thursday, allowing for five percent of the country's annual GDP to be funneled into national security and defense.
Poroshenko's Calls on Russia to Close Border With Ukraine Baffling: Moscow Sputnik 11 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's call for Moscow to close the Russian-Ukrainian border is "baffling," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Thursday.
Poroshenko Once Again Lays Responsibility for Ukrainian Conflict on Russia Sputnik 11 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has once again laid responsibility for the situation in the southeast of the country on Russia, almost repeating his September speech word for word.
Australia to Provide $2Mln to Ukraine's Armed Forces: Kiev Sputnik 11 Dec 2014 -- Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott on Thursday pledged to provide over two million dollars to Ukraine's armed forces, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's press service said.
Poroshenko Tells Russia To Pull Out RFE/RL 11 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called on Russia to end its support for separatists in the east of his country, including withdrawing any Russian forces on Ukrainian soil.
Biden: Ukraine Can't 'Blow' Another Chance To Change RFE/RL 10 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has said Ukraine cannot lose another chance to change the country for the better.
Kiev Wants to Abandon Minsk Peace Agreements: DPR Envoy Sputnik 10 Dec 2014 -- Recent statements by former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma confirm Kiev's desire to abandon the Minsk agreements, Denis Pushilin, the envoy of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in Minsk peace talks said on Wednesday.
Russia resumes gas delivery to Ukraine Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2014 -- Russia has started sending its gas to Ukraine again after a six-month halt due to a price dispute, Ukraine's gas transport monopoly says.
Ukraine military suspends combat operations in east Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian government troops have suspended their military operations in the volatile eastern parts of the country in preparation for a ceasefire on the front line of the conflict.
Ukraine Attempts 'Day Of Silence' Truce RFE/RL 09 Dec 2014 -- Early reports from eastern Ukraine say the country's 'Day of Silence' truce between government troops and pro-Russian separatists is being largely observed.
Ukraine Says Russia Vows To Resume Gas Supplies This Week RFE/RL 08 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's gas transport monopoly Ukrtransgaz says Russia has vowed to resume supplies of natural gas to Ukraine on December 11 after a six-month cut to deliveries due to a dispute over prices and unpaid debts.
Ukraine Peace Talks May Take Place This Week VOA 08 Dec 2014 -- Russia says it is committed to holding talks this week on ending the violence in eastern Ukraine.
Kiev Ready to Observe 'Day of Silence' on Tuesday: Defense Minister Sputnik 08 Dec 2014 -- The Kiev government is set to observe the ceasefire in southeastern Ukraine on Tuesday regardless of whether the Contact Group on reconciliation in Ukraine will meet in Minsk that day, the Ukrainian Defense Minister said Monday.
Fresh fighting claims 5 lives in east Ukraine Iran Press TV 07 Dec 2014 -- Renewed fighting between government troops and pro-Russia forces in the violence-scarred eastern regions of Ukraine has left a total of five civilians dead.
DPR Insists December 12 Earliest Time for Contact Group Meeting Sputnik 07 Dec 2014 -- Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) insists on holding new Contact Group meeting on Ukraine no earlier than December 12, Deputy Chairman of DPR Parliament Denis Pushilin said Sunday.
Kiev Confirmes December 9 as Date for Contact Group Meeting on Ukraine Sputnik 07 Dec 2014 -- The next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine will be held on December 9 in Minsk, Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko told RIA Novosti Sunday, stressing that there is no discussion on changing the date.
Putin hopes for new deal on Ukraine ceasfire Iran Press TV 06 Dec 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope that a new deal would be reached for the implementation of ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine ceasefire talks to begin in Minsk: President Iran Press TV 06 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he is sending an envoy to a crucial round of peace talks with pro-Russian fighters on implementing various steps of a recently-clinched ceasefire deal.
Gazprom Confirms $378 Million Ukraine Prepayment RFE/RL 06 Dec 2014 -- Russia's Gazprom has confirmed it has received a prepayment of $378 million from Ukrainian state energy firm Naftogaz for gas shipments in December.
Putin Hopes for New Ceasefire Deal to End Armed Conflict in Eastern Ukraine Sputnik 06 Dec 2014 -- Russia insists the Minsk agreements should be fully implemented, however all Ukrainian warring sides violate the agreement, including Kiev and independence supporters from eastern Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.
US Hesitation to Deliver Arms to Ukraine 'Shame and Dishonor': McCain Sputnik 06 Dec 2014 -- The United States' unwillingness to send weapons to the Ukrainian army is a 'great shame', leading to Ukrainian military casualties, US Republican Senator John McCain told RIA Novosti.
Poroshenko: Kyiv Must Hold Donetsk Airport VOA 05 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's president said Friday that the country's armed forces must not lose control of the airport in the eastern city of Donetsk.
Half a million displaced in eastern Ukraine as winter looms, warns UN refugee agency UN News Centre 05 Dec 2014 -- The fighting in eastern Ukraine this year has internally displaced over half a million people leaving them vulnerable to the harsh winter months ahead, the United Nations Refugee (UNHCR) warned today as aid workers race against the clock to distribute essential cold-weather supplies.
Nazarbaev Urges Europe, Russia To Seek Compromise On Ukraine RFE/RL 05 Dec 2014 -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has said sanctions are having little effect on Russia and that the West should seek compromise with Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.
6 killed, 13 injured in post-truce deal east Ukraine clashes Iran Press TV 05 Dec 2014 -- Fresh clashes between the Ukrainian army and pro-Russia forces have claimed the lives of six Ukrainian soldiers.
Poroshenko Announces 'Day of Silence' Truce RFE/RL 05 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has announced a new initiative to bring a halt to fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Luhansk, Kiev Will Sign New Ceasefire Deal on December 9 Sputnik 05 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council announced a new ceasefire agreement between pro-independence militia in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic and Kiev-led forces, which is planned to be signed on December 9.
Ukraine Announces Dec. 9 Truce VOA 04 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has ordered a new cease-fire next week, as part of a push to end months of fighting with pro-Russian rebels near the Russian border.
Putin Assails West, Hails Crimea As 'Sacred' Russian Land In Address RFE/RL 04 Dec 2014 -- President Vladimir Putin accused the West of trying to destroy Russia, drawing a parallel with Hitler's invasion, and said Moscow will never bend to the will of foreigners, talking tough in an annual address after a year of conflict and crisis that has severely strained ties with the United States and Europe.
Putin: Moscow Will Not Bow to Western Pressure Over Situation in Ukraine Sputnik 04 Dec 2014 -- Moscow is not going to bow thoughtlessly to Western pressure over the situation in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
Kerry, Lavrov Expected To Discuss Ukraine Crisis RFE/RL 04 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are scheduled to meet on December 4 with the crisis in Ukraine expected to be among the topics up for discussion.
Poroshenko: Kiev to Introduce 'Silence Regime' in East Ukraine December 9 Sputnik 04 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Thursday he had decided to introduce a 'silence regime' along the line separating the Kiev-led forces and pro-independence militia in the country's southeast on December 9.
Kerry, Lavrov Trade Barbs on Ukraine VOA 04 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov exchanged sharp comments on Ukraine at an international meeting in Basel, Switzerland.
Who Are Ukraine's New Foreign-Born Ministers? RFE/RL 03 Dec 2014 -- Natalie Jaresko, Aivaras Abromavicius, and Aleksandr Kvitashvili -- were approved as ministers by Ukraine's parliament on December 2.
'No Big Brother!' Ukrainian Journalists Oppose Kyiv's New Ministry Of Information RFE/RL 03 Dec 2014 -- Ukrainian journalists are up in arms over the government's creation of a new Ministry of Information that it says is needed to counter a steady stream of Kremlin propaganda and misinformation.
Russia Rebukes MH17 Crash Probe for Violating UN Guidelines Sputnik 03 Dec 2014 -- The ongoing investigation into the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 crash in eastern Ukraine runs counter to the UN resolution and guidelines under the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Human Rights Ombudsman Konstantin Dolgov said Wednesday.
Russian Military in Crimea Receives S-300PMU Surface-to-Air Missile Systems Sputnik 03 Dec 2014 -- Russian military forces in Crimea have received new S-300PMU surface-to-air missile systems to protect the peninsula's airspace, a Black Sea military source told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Ukrainian Rebel Leader's Claim Of FSB Ties Omitted By Russian Media RFE/RL 02 Dec 2014 -- Russian state-run media behemoth Rossia Segodnya's interview with a former Ukrainian separatist leader was edited to remove references to his work in Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and chaos among the rebels, his interviewer says.
Ukrainian Parliament Approves New Cabinet, Three Foreigners as Ministers Sputnik 02 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament has voted Tuesday to approve the new cabinet of ministers of Ukraine.
Self-Defense Forces, Kiev Troops Declare Ceasefire in Donetsk Airport: DPR Sputnik 02 Dec 2014 -- The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Kiev government forces have agreed on a ceasefire in the Donetsk Airport, the DPR parliament speaker said Tuesday.
Stoltenberg: NATO to Help Ukraine Implement Defense, Security Reforms Sputnik 02 Dec 2014 -- NATO has vowed to work closely with Ukraine in order to implement the country's defense and security reforms to make the existing partnership even stronger, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday.
LPR Leader Confirms Ceasefire Agreement With Kiev Beginning on December 5 Sputnik 02 Dec 2014 -- The leader of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) in eastern Ukraine, Igor Plotnitsky, confirmed on Tuesday that a ceasefire agreement has been reached with Kiev beginning on December 5, with Kiev pulling back heavy military equipment on December 6.
NATO stands with Ukraine, steps up practical support NATO 02 Dec 2014 -- NATO Foreign Ministers on Tuesday (2 December 2014) stated their political and practical support for Ukraine as its new government embarks on key reforms.
NATO, Kyiv Condemn Russia Over Crimea, Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 02 Dec 2014 -- NATO members and Ukraine have condemned Moscow for what they called Russia's 'deliberate destabilization of eastern Ukraine' and its military buildup in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in March.
NATO, Ukraine Condemn Russian Military Build-up in Crimea VOA 02 Dec 2014 -- Foreign ministers from 28 NATO countries and Ukraine on Tuesday condemned a Russian military build-up in Crimea, and Moscow's "deliberate destabilization" of eastern Ukraine.
Kiev Forces, Luhansk Militia Agree to Ceasefire: OSCE Sputnik 02 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's military and representatives of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic have agreed to a ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) said Monday.
Ukraine Announces Temporary Truce At Donetsk Airport RFE/RL 01 Dec 2014 -- The Ukrainian military says its forces and Russian representatives have agreed to a temporary cease-fire at the airport in rebel-held Donetsk.
NATO Chief: Russia Violating Ukraine Cease-fire VOA 01 Dec 2014 -- NATO says Russia is violating a truce in eastern Ukraine by sending in convoys with advanced weapons and personnel reinforcements for pro-Russia separatists fighting Ukrainian government troops.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2014 - Ukraine Special Weapons News