March 2015 - Ukraine Special Weapons News

UNICEF launches Ukraine mine awareness campaign amid ongoing civil conflict UN News 31 Mar 2015 -- An estimated 109 Ukrainian children have been injured and 42 others killed by landmines and unexploded ordinance resulting from the Eastern European country's ongoing civil conflict, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said today as it reported on the recent launch of its lifesaving mine awareness campaign.
Ukraine to Draft About 21,000 Recruits in Spring - Defense Ministry Sputnik 31 Mar 2015 -- More than 12,000 recruits will join the Ukraine security forces, over 7,000 will join the National Guard, and 1,000 recruits will join the Special Transportation Service, the statement said, adding that new draftees would not serve in conflict zone in eastern Ukraine.
Poland to Train Ukrainian Military Instructors Under NATO Program Sputnik 31 Mar 2015 -- The training will be held under the NATO Defenсe Education Enhancement Program (DEEP), a Ukraine program organized with several member-states of the bloc, Poland's defense ministry's spokesman said.
Poroshenko Signs Law to Let Foreign Military Take Part in Ukrainian Drills Sputnik 30 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a bill allowing foreign military to take part in exercises this year, the country's parliament said on its website Monday.
Russia Deploys 96 Military Units in Crimea - Defense Minister Sputnik 30 Mar 2015 -- The Russian military has deployed a self-sufficient contingent on the Crimean Peninsula, consisting of 96 units, and plans to boost its combat capability there, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.
Almost 100 military units and organizations created in Crimea - defense minister TASS 30 Mar 2015 -- The force grouping in Crimea has been set up not only to defend Russia's interests on the peninsula and in the Black Sea, it is also capable of performing tasks in the off-shore maritime zone, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Monday.
Ukraine 'Lost Without Trace' Five Indian Warplanes During Planned Upgrade Sputnik 30 Mar 2015 -- Five of India's 40 AN-32 military transport aircrafts being upgraded in Ukraine have gone missing 'without a trace'; Ukrainian diplomat says the government is unable to help.
Ukrainian Military Violated Ceasefire 27 Times in One Day - Donetsk Militia Sputnik 28 Mar 2015 -- Militia command staff from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic have reported over two dozen violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian army in one day.
Biggest Threat to Poroshenko His Inner Circle: Kolomoiskyi on His Dismissal Sputnik 28 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine's infamous bearded Jewish billionaire explains why he is no longer governor of one of the country's key regions, and issues a stern warning to its president.
US, Ukrainian Inspectors to Fly Over Russia Under Open Skies Treaty Sputnik 30 Mar 2015 -- American and Ukrainian specialists will fly over the territory of Russia and Belarus under the Treaty on Open Skies on March 30 - April 4, Sergei Ryzhkov, head of Russia's National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center has announced.
In Dnipropetrovsk, Kolomoyskiy's Departure Leaves No One Indifferent RFE/RL 27 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainians have had plenty of practice watching politicians come and go. Most abrupt exits prompt little more than a shrug of the shoulders. But this week's departure of billionaire Ihor Kolomoyskiy, the governor of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, has stirred strong emotions on his home turf.
US hands over 10 armored Humvees to Ukraine Press TV 25 Mar 2015 -- The United States has handed over the first batch of its heavily armored vehicles to Ukraine, two days after lawmakers passed a resolution urging the White House to provide Kiev with lethal arms.
Poroshenko Signs Law Increasing Armed Forces Up to 250,000 Sputnik 25 Mar 2015 -- President Petro Poroshenko has signed a law aimed at increasing the size of Ukraine's military forces up to 250 thousand people.
News Analysis: Ukraine Risks 'Feudalization' As Conflict With Oligarchs Boils Over RFE/RL 25 Mar 2015 -- The unfolding conflict between Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskiy is a symptomatic and dangerous moment in Ukraine's post-Soviet history. And the danger has not passed simply because Kolomoyskiy stepped down as governor of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Powerful Ukrainian Governor Kolomoyskiy Resigns RFE/RL 25 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree dismissing powerful tycoon Ihor Kolomoyskiy as governor of Dnipropetrovsk, a region near separatist-held territory in the southeast.
10 US Military Humvees Arrive in Ukraine Sputnik 25 Mar 2015 -- A US Air Force plane with 10 US military Humvees on board landed in Ukraine, with President Petro Poroshenko personally supervising the delivery of the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles.
US Policy on Ukraine Unchanged After House Resolution on Lethal Aid - Psaki Sputnik 24 Mar 2015 -- According to US Department of State spokesperson Jen Psaki, the US policy on the Ukrainian crisis has not changed after the US House has passed resolution on lethal aid provision to the country.
Russian Parliamentarians Warns U.S. Not To Arm Ukraine RFE/RL 24 Mar 2015 -- Pro-Kremlin lawmakers say the Russian parliament should reinstate President Vladimir Putin's formal authority to send troops into Ukraine if the United States provides Kyiv with lethal weapons.
US House Passes Resolution to Send Lethal Aid to Ukraine Sputnik 24 Mar 2015 -- The final results released on Monday night showed that 348 lawmakers supported the Resolution to provide Ukraine with military assistance, 48 voted against and 36 abstained.
Ukraine Accuses Separatists of Violating Cease-fire VOA 23 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine again accused pro-Russian separatists Monday of violating the cease-fire agreement the two sides signed in Minsk, Belarus last month, saying the rebels had fired rockets and artillery at Ukrainian military positions in eastern Ukraine.
NATO General: West Should Consider Arming Ukraine VOA 23 Mar 2015 -- NATO's military commander is again calling on the West to consider sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, to help it offset Russia's continued support for the pro-Russian rebellion in Ukraine's east.
NATO Responding to Russia's Actions Against Ukraine AFPS 23 Mar 2015 -- NATO is responding to Russia's illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory with the largest reinforcement of collective defense since the end of the Cold War, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said over the weekend in Brussels.
NATO urges West to use 'all tools' to back Kiev Press TV 23 Mar 2015 -- ?A top military commander with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has urged the West to employ all means – including sending arms -- to help the Ukrainian government, in response to what he alleged was Moscow's arming of pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine.
No Ukrainian Governor Will Be Allowed to Have 'Pocket' Army - Poroshenko Sputnik 23 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Poroshenko said that no governor in the country would be allowed to have own army.
Poroshenko Sends Two Army Battalions to Dnepropetrovsk Sputnik 23 Mar 2015 -- Troops were sent to Dnepropetrovsk to 'maintain public security,' according to army's official Twitter page.
UK Has No Moral Right to Demand Crimea Return to Ukraine – Russian Embassy Sputnik 23 Mar 2015 -- The UK should share its part of responsibility for the power grab in Kiev last February; moreover, London has participated in illegal military operations in Libya and Iraq, the Russian Embassy to the United Kingdom replied to Philip Hammond's demands.
Top British Diplomat: 'Russia Must Return Crimea To Ukraine' RFE/RL 22 Mar 2015 -- Britain's top diplomat says Russia 'must return Crimea to Ukraine,' calling the Kremlin's forcible annexation of the Black Sea peninsula last year 'completely unacceptable.'
Arms Supplies to Ukraine Off NATO's Agenda - Czech Defense Minister Sputnik 22 Mar 2015 -- The issue of arms supplies to Ukraine was never seriously considered at the meetings of NATO defense ministers, Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnicky said Sunday.
Donetsk Pledges Adherence to Minsk Despite Continued Shelling by Kiev Sputnik 22 Mar 2015 -- Self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) says that it does not plan to return its heavy weapons to the frontline.
NATO General: West Should Consider Arming Ukraine VOA 22 Mar 2015 -- NATO's military commander is again calling on the West to consider sending defensive weapons to Ukraine, to help it offset Russia's continued support for the pro-Russian rebellion in Ukraine's east.
US Training of Ukrainian Forces in April to Focus on Territorial Defense Sputnik 21 Mar 2015 -- The United States will begin training Ukraine's military forces in April and the training will concentrate on improving Kiev's defense capabilities, according to a US Department of Defense press release.
Fighting Rages Outside Mariupol Despite Cease-Fire VOA 21 Mar 2015 -- The cease-fire in eastern Ukraine has been in place just over a month, but on the front line outside Mariupol, between the Russian border and Crimea, the fighting has never stopped.
US Paratroopers to Start Training Ukrainian National Guard in April Sputnik 20 Mar 2015 -- which was announced last August – had been due to start in mid-March; it was delayed after leaders from Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany emerged from peace talks last month in Minsk with a second cease-fire agreement.
DoD Moves Forward on Ukraine National Guard Training AFPS 20 Mar 2015 -- The Defense Department is moving forward with plans to train members of the Ukraine National Guard beginning in late April, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said yesterday.
Kyrgyz Mercenary Details Alleged Russian Military Role In Ukraine RFE/RL 20 Mar 2015 -- In August 2014, Manas Mambetov, a senior lieutenant in the Kyrgyz Army reserves, arrived in eastern Ukraine on a moral quest to fight 'fascists.' A week ago, he returned home, accompanying the sealed coffins of two fellow Kyrgyz soldiers and disillusioned by his experience.
EU Links Russian Sanctions To Minsk Agreement RFE/RL 20 Mar 2015 -- The European Union has decided to link its economic sanctions on Russia to the implementation of the Minsk agreement, a deal reached last month on a cease-fire and political settlement of the conflict between government forces and Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine crisis taking heaviest toll on women, children and elderly – UN officials UN News 19 Mar 2015 -- Women, children and the elderly are disproportionately bearing the devastating impact of the protracted conflict in Ukraine, which has left five million people in need of humanitarian assistance, senior United Nations officials said today, as they stressed the "grave and urgent need" to scale up international relief efforts.
EU: Russian Sanctions Stay Until Ukraine Truce Fully in Place VOA 19 Mar 2015 -- European Union leaders meeting in Brussels said Thursday that they would not lift economic sanctions against Russia until a cease-fire Moscow endorsed last month for war-torn eastern Ukraine was fully implemented.
UK sends military trainers to Ukraine to help in fight against militias Press TV 19 Mar 2015 -- Britain has sent military personnel to Ukraine to help its army fight against pro-Russian militias in the country's volatile east.
Biden, Poroshenko Agree On Russia Sanction Action RFE/RL 19 Mar 2015 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have agreed that the future of sanctions against Russia must be linked to the full implementation of a peace agreement reached last month in Minsk.
RAF flies UK relief supplies into Vanuatu UK MOD 19 Mar 2015 -- A Royal Air Force aircraft carrying shelter and lighting from the UK has landed in Vanuatu in support of the international aid effort to the cyclone-hit Pacific islands.
Putin Addresses Rally Marking 1st Anniversary of Crimea Annexation VOA 18 Mar 2015 -- President Vladimir Putin addressed a rally in Moscow Wednesday to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, saying that any attempt from abroad to make life difficult for his country is a 'futile pursuit.'
Russia Celebrates Crimea Takeover As Criticism Mounts RFE/RL 18 Mar 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Crimea is not just a territory, but the source of Russia's "historical origins" and its "spirituality and statehood."
Amnesty International Slams Annexed Crimea's Pro-Russia Regime RFE/RL 18 Mar 2015 -- Amnesty International says the de facto authorities in Crimea have failed to investigate a series of abductions and torture of their critics since the violence that led to Russia's mostly unrecognized annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine a year ago.
Russia, Rebels Say Kyiv Violates Ukraine Peace Deal RFE/RL 18 Mar 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says that Ukrainian legislation on the status of rebel-held eastern regions is a "glaring violation" of a European-brokered peace deal signed last month in Minsk.
Parliament Speaker Signs List of Donbas Regions to Receive Special Status Sputnik 18 Mar 2015 -- The list of districts and cities within the eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's republics to receive a special status has been confirmed and signed by the country's parliament speaker.
Better Late Than Never: Kiev Withdraws All Heavy Arms in Donbas - Minister Sputnik 18 Mar 2015 -- Kiev has withdrawn all of its heavy artillery from the line of contact in eastern Ukraine in accordance to the Minsk agreements, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said Wednesday.
One Year After Annexation, Remembering The Crimea That Fought Back RFE/RL 17 Mar 2015 -- Crimea was largely quiet during last year's Euromaidan antigovernment protests. But all that changed on February 23, a day after President Viktor Yanukovych's ouster.
Verkhovna Rada Approves Bill to Let Foreign Troops in Ukraine Sputnik 17 Mar 2015 -- The Ukrainian parliament approved on Tuesday a bill allowing foreign troops into the country to participate in a number of joint military exercises with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2015.
Kiev Withdraws Heavy Arms, Ready to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Donbas Sputnik 17 Mar 2015 -- Kiev has withdrawn its heavy artillery from the line of contact in eastern Ukraine and is prepared to deliver humanitarian aid to the region, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Tuesday.
Kremlin: Crimea Will Not Return to Ukraine VOA 17 Mar 2015 -- Russia said on Tuesday it would not hand back Crimea to Ukraine, despite warnings by the United States and European Union that they will not drop sanctions over the Black Sea peninsula's annexation a year ago.
US, Germany Vow New Sanctions if Moscow Fails to Honor Ukraine Cease-Fire VOA 16 Mar 2015 -- The United States and Germany have vowed to continue punishing Russia with economic sanctions for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, and warned of new measures if Moscow fails to fully back a cease-fire it endorsed last month.
EU warned against supplying lethal arms to Ukraine Press TV 16 Mar 2015 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexey Meshkov has warned that supplying lethal weapons by European Union (EU) countries to Ukraine would threaten the security of all of Europe.
Russia Celebrates Crimea Annexation Anniversary RFE/RL 16 Mar 2015 -- Russia has kicked off weeklong celebrations marking the anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea, while the European Union denounces a military buildup and a worsening human rights situation in the Black Sea peninsula.
Ukraine to Consider Bill on Special Status Territories on Tuesday Sputnik 16 Mar 2015 -- The parliament of Ukraine will consider Tuesday a bill to grant special status to regions of eastern Ukraine controlled by self-proclaimed authorities, Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Groysman said Monday.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Demands Putting Troops on Full Combat Alert Sputnik 16 Mar 2015 -- Arseny Yatsenyuk called on the Ukrainian Defense Ministry to put the armed forces on full combat alert, and to equip air-raid shelters.
Ukraine's NATO Membership Not a Priority - Poroshenko Sputnik 16 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine has no immediate plans of joining NATO and will instead focus on implementing much-needed reforms, President Petro Poroshenko said.
Russia Marks First Anniversary of Crimean Referendum Sputnik 16 Mar 2015 -- Crimea refused to recognize the legitimacy of the government in Kiev that overthrew Russia-leaning President Viktor Yanukovych in early 2014, instead voting to cut ties with Ukraine and rejoin Russia in a plebiscite which found that over 96 percent of Crimean voters supported the motion.
Ceasefire in east Ukraine not holding: Poroshenko Press TV 15 Mar 2015 -- The ceasefire deal between government forces and pro-Russia activists is not holding amid fresh clashes in the country's volatile eastern regions, says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Ukraine's Poroshenko submits Donbass special status bill Press TV 15 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has submitted a draft resolution to parliament that would grant special status to outlined parts in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk.
Poroshenko Says Minsk Agreement 'Does Not Work' Sputnik 15 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko views the Minsk agreement, designed to resolve the crisis in the country, as highly fragile.
Crimea May Have Faced Armed Conflict With Kiev - Russian Defense Minister Sputnik 15 Mar 2015 -- Crimea could have found itself in a situation that is currently unfolding in southeastern Ukraine, where Kiev forces have been fighting independence supporters for almost a year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a documentary on Crimea's reunification with Russia.
Putin Reveals Details of Russia-Crimea Reunification, Maidan in Documentary Sputnik 15 Mar 2015 -- Andrei Kondrashov's movie, titled 'Crimea. Way Back Home' highlights the much-discussed reunification of the Crimean republic with Russia after 60 years under Ukrainian rule.
Ukraine's President Presses Germany Ahead of Key EU Summit VOA 15 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, seeking Western military aid to end a pro-Russian rebellion in his homeland, has arrived in Germany for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel and key German lawmakers.
Poroshenko, Biden Discuss US Military Aid to Ukraine Sputnik 15 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and US Vice President Joe Biden held a phone conversation late on Saturday to discuss US military aid to war-torn Ukraine, Poroshenko's press service said in a statement.
Poroshenko Submits Bill Demarcating Special Status Zones in East Ukraine Sputnik 15 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has submitted a bill to the parliament that outlines the boundaries of particular districts in the breakaway eastern regions that could be granted 'special status' within Ukraine.
Poroshenko, Biden Call On Separatists to Abide by Pact VOA 14 Mar 2015 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have called for Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine to fully implement Minsk peace agreements.
Lavrov, Fabius Note Progress in Implementation of Minsk Agreements - Moscow Sputnik 14 Mar 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius noted on Saturday progress in the implementation of military aspects of the Minsk agreements on Ukrainian reconciliation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Kiev Yet to Complete Withdrawal of Heavy Weapons From Contact Line Sputnik 14 Mar 2015 -- Kiev has not completed the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the contact line in southeast Ukraine in accordance with the Minsk agreement, head of the breakaway Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) Igor Plotnitsky told reporters Saturday.
IMF Loan Package For Ukraine Promises Pain, Questionable Gain RFE/RL 13 Mar 2015 -- From higher home heating costs to lower pensions, Ukrainians are about to feel the pinch from austerity measures attached to a newly approved International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan package.
Kiev Admits Existence of Contracts on Delivery of Lethal Weapons From EU Sputnik 13 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Friday that Kiev has arms deliveries contracts with several EU countries, including supplies of lethal weaponry.
DPR Head Says Ukrainian Army Mined 90% of Territory Around Contested City Sputnik 13 Mar 2015 -- The head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic says that the Ukrainian army has mined the territory of the recently contested city of Debaltseve more heavily than the German army did in the Second World War.
Kiev Forces Demonstrate 90% Adherence to Minsk Ceasefire Sputnik 13 Mar 2015 -- Head of the self-proclaimed people's republic of Donetsk (DPR) has announced that Kiev troops respect the Minsk ceasefire agreement 90 percent of the time, but some problem zones remain.
Kosmotras Denies Reports of Suspending Russian-Ukrainian Rocket Launches Sputnik 13 Mar 2015 -- International Space Company (ISC) Kosmotras will launch a Russian-Ukrainian Dnepr carrier rocket despite earlier media reports that the company's space contracts may be disrupted amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the company said Friday.
Crimean Port City Sevastopol Ready to Host Mistral Helicopter Carriers Sputnik 13 Mar 2015 -- The Crimean city of Sevastopol is ready to host Mistral helicopter carriers as all works related to shipyard construction are finished, Adm. Igor Kasatonov, the former head of the Black Sea Fleet, said on Friday.
Russian and Very Strong: Crimea's Military a Year Since Reunification Sputnik 13 Mar 2015 -- Less than a year after it unified with Russia, Crimea is home to a full-fledged military grouping and developments continue as the peninsula improves its security.
Germany Again Warns Against Lethal Weaponry for Ukraine VOA 12 Mar 2015 -- Germany's top diplomat has warned against supplying Ukraine with lethal weaponry in its fight against pro-Russian separatists, saying such a move could trigger a 'dangerous, permanent escalation' of the crisis facing Kyiv and Moscow.
Russia again lambasts US for accusations on Ukraine Press TV 12 Mar 2015 -- Russia has slammed the United States for making unfounded claims on Moscow's presence in east Ukraine, another sign of deepening war of words between the two countries over the armed conflict in Ukraine.
A Bipartisan Cause In Washington: Arming Ukraine Against Russia RFE/RL 12 Mar 2015 -- Bipartisan consensus is often elusive in Washington's highly polarized political environment. But consensus appears to be snowballing among Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the U.S. capital on at least one issue: arming Ukraine.
Ukraine Continues to Strengthen Its Army Despite Ceasefire - Poroshenko Sputnik 12 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine continues to build up its military potential while strictly observing the ceasefire regime in the contested south-eastern regions of the country, President Petro Poroshenko said Thursday.
Ukrainian Forces Holding Military Drills Near Line of Contact Sputnik 12 Mar 2015 -- The Defense Ministry of the eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Ukrainian forces have begun military exercises very close to the line of contact.
In E. Ukraine, Civilian Deaths Push Men to Join Rebels VOA 12 Mar 2015 -- After months of fighting in eastern Ukraine, the presence of the Ukrainian military and the shelling of civilian neighborhoods seem to be pushing more men to join the rebellion.
NATO Allies and partners discuss Ukraine crisis NATO 11 Mar 2015 -- Ambassadors of NATO Allies and twenty-two partners met in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council on Wednesday (11 March 2015) for an exchange of views on the current situation in Ukraine. Chaired by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the session was convened at the request of Ukraine.
US Slaps Sanctions on More Ukraine Rebels, Russian Bank VOA 11 Mar 2015 -- The United States has imposed sanctions on another group of individuals and entities in Ukraine and Russia accused of 'undermining Ukraine's sovereignty' and misappropriating Ukrainian state assets.
US to send drones, heavy armored Humvees to Ukraine Press TV 11 Mar 2015 -- The United States is planning to send more military equipment to Ukraine, including drones and heavy armored Humvees, according to American government officials.
NATO urges full OSCE access to east Ukraine Press TV 11 Mar 2015 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has called for the provision of full access to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in order to verify the arms withdrawal process in eastern Ukraine.
News Analysis: The Plot To Seize Crimea RFE/RL 11 Mar 2015 -- In early 2014, the world was caught off guard by one event after another in a crisis that culminated with Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.
NATO Leaders Say Russia 'Still In Ukraine' RFE/RL 11 Mar 2015 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that 'Russia is still in Ukraine' and urged Moscow to withdraw all its forces and to end its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
US Sending Drones and Armored Humvees to Ukraine Sputnik 11 Mar 2015 -- As the United States continues to mull Ukrainian requests for lethal aid, a US official has confirmed that the Pentagon will deliver a large fleet of unarmed drones and Humvees.
Washington Expands Ukraine Sanctions 'Blacklist' Sputnik 11 Mar 2015 -- The US Department of the Treasury said Wednesday it has added 14 individuals and two entities to its list of individual sanction over Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry worried over Russia's suspension of CFE consultations TASS 11 Mar 2015 -- The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is concerned over Russia's decision to suspend participation in meetings of the Joint Consultative Group on the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's speaker Yevgeny Perebeinos told a news briefing on Wednesday.
US Envoy: Eastern Ukraine, Crimea Under 'Reign of Terror' VOA 10 Mar 2015 -- A top U.S. diplomat for Europe says citizens in large parts of war-torn eastern Ukraine and Crimea are living under 'a reign of terror' spawned by a new influx of Russian military hardware.
Nuland blasts Russian 'reign of terror' in eastern Ukraine Press TV 10 Mar 2015 -- The top US diplomat for Europe has accused Russia of unleashing "unspeakable violence and pillage" in eastern Ukraine which she said is living under "a reign of terror."
EU provoking confrontations with Russia: Lavrov Press TV 10 Mar 2015 -- The Russian Foreign Minister has leveled strident criticism at European Council President Donald Tusk and European diplomats for aggravating tensions between Moscow and the 28-member European Union (EU) over Ukraine crisis.
Ukraine says 9 troops injured in clashes in east Press TV 10 Mar 2015 -- Fresh clashes in eastern Ukraine have left nine troops wounded over the past 24 hours, a fresh sign that the fighting in the war-ravaged region has yet to completely die down.
Putin Says Crimeans Were Surveyed Before Annexation Vote RFE/RL 10 Mar 2015 -- President Vladimir Putin says Russia quietly conducted an opinion survey to gauge Crimeans' appetite for annexation shortly before the March 2014 referendum on the issue.
Ukraine Says Rebels Violating Cease-Fire RFE/RL 10 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian officials say Russian-backed separatists have violated a cease-fire by shelling government positions in eastern Ukraine, including attacks near the southeastern port of Mariupol.
US Still Considers Providing Lethal Weapons to Ukraine - Pentagon Sputnik 10 Mar 2015 -- The United States are still considering the option to provide lethal assistance to Ukraine, but there is no time frame of when they may reach a decision, US Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Brian McKeon said on Tuesday.
Nuland Claims 400-500 Russian Soldiers Killed in Eastern Ukraine Sputnik 10 Mar 2015 -- Hundreds of Russian soldiers were killed during the crisis in eastern Ukraine, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland said during a testimony before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.
Ukraine Military Gets Boost With UK Armored Vehicles Delivery Sputnik 10 Mar 2015 -- known as Saxons – came without weapons, which Ukraine plans to add before use by the army.
Poroshenko Requests Parliament to Allow Foreign Troops to Train in Ukraine Sputnik 10 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has requested the country's parliament to consider allowing foreign troops into the country to participate in international military exercises in 2015, the parliament's website announced Tuesday.
Ukraine: UN aid agency concerned by 'dire' conditions facing civilians affected by conflict UN News 10 Mar 2015 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today that it is "extremely concerned" about the worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine, particularly in areas controlled by anti-government forces, with the civilian population in those areas now lacking access to benefits and services previously provided by the central authorities.
Poroshenko Upbeat On Truce RFE/RL 10 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has given a generally upbeat assessment of a three-week-old cease-fire in the east of the country.
Obama, EU Chief Meet in Washington for Talks on Ukraine VOA 09 Mar 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says transatlantic unity is the strongest it's ever been as the West confronts Russian aggression in Ukraine. He made the comments alongside European Union Council President Donald Tusk before heading into talks Monday.
Putin Recounts How He Gave Orders to 'Save' Yanukovych, 'Return' Crimea VOA 09 Mar 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he ordered security officials in February 2014 to make plans to 'save the life' of Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's then-president, and to start planning for Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Putin Says He Decided To Take Crimea Just Hours After Yanukovych's Ouster RFE/RL 09 Mar 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says he told senior security officials of his decision to take Crimea just hours after embattled Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned power.
NATO accuses Russia of militarizing Crimea Press TV 09 Mar 2015 -- A top NATO general has accused Russia of having militarized Crimea, the former Ukrainian peninsula that joined Russia after a referendum last year.
Obama, EU's Tusk To Discuss Ukraine RFE/RL 09 Mar 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is due to hold talks with European Council President Donald Tusk in Washington.
Kiev Refuses to Fully Pull Back Weapons Until Militias Withdrawal Confirmed Sputnik 09 Mar 2015 -- Kiev-led forces will not pull back all of their artillery from the line of contact with independence militias in eastern Ukraine as they do not have confirmation of the withdrawal their weapons, a Kiev military spokesperson said in a briefing Monday.
Shelling of Pervomaisk Mine Proves Kiev Did Not Withdraw Mortars - Luhansk Sputnik 09 Mar 2015 -- The shelling of a mine in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) points to the fact that Kiev-led forces had not pulled back 120-mm mortars from the line of contact, LPR's negotiator Vladislav Deinego said Monday.
Suicide Or Homicide? In Ukraine, Old-Guard Officials Dying Mysteriously RFE/RL 08 Mar 2015 -- This year Ukraine has seen a bizarre string of deaths involving high-ranking officials, including a ex-city mayor, a former railway executive, and the former head of the state body in charge of privatization.
EU Ministers Discuss Ukraine Cease-fire VOA 07 Mar 2015 -- European Union foreign ministers met for a second day in the Latvian capital of Riga on Saturday, devoting most of their time to the crisis in Ukraine.
Weapons pullback completed in E Ukraine: Pro-Russians Press TV 07 Mar 2015 -- Pro-Russia forces say they have completely pulled back their heavy weapons from the frontline of conflict in eastern Ukraine as part of the Minsk ceasefire deal with Kiev.
Situation in Ukraine Improved After New Minsk Agreements - Mogherini Sputnik 07 Mar 2015 -- The situation in eastern Ukraine has improved since an agreement toward the Ukrainian reconciliation was reached in Minsk in February, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Saturday.
Kiev Continues Third Stage of Heavy Arms Withdrawal in East Ukraine Sputnik 07 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian army is continuing the pullout of heavy arms in Donbas, Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Saturday.
Ukraine: 'the road ahead will be difficult' UN political chief tells Security Council in briefing UN News 06 Mar 2015 -- As the Security Council this morning met to hear briefings from top United Nations officials on the political, humanitarian and human rights situations in Ukraine, members heard that the eastern part of the country remains "in limbo."
Remarks at a UN Security Council Debate on Ukraine U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 06 Mar 2015
Response at a UN Security Council Debate on Ukraine U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 06 Mar 2015
Russia concerned with U.S. military deployment in Ukraine People's Daily 06 Mar 2015 -- Russia is concerned with arrival of U.S. military personnel on Ukraine soil, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
Russia to match US lethal aid to Ukraine: Top US diplomat Press TV 06 Mar 2015 -- A top US diplomat has said the United States will supply lethal arms to Ukraine if "aggression" from pro-Russian forces persists, but warned that Moscow would easily match the effort by sending more weapons into the country.
Ukraine Conflict Tops Agenda Of EU Meeting In Riga RFE/RL 06 Mar 2015 -- The conflict in Ukraine is expected to dominate the agenda of an EU foreign ministers meeting in the Latvian capital, Riga.
Kiev Violates Ceasefire Deal, Shells Positions Including Donetsk Airport Sputnik 06 Mar 2015 -- Kiev government forces have violated the ceasefire agreements, including by shelling the airport of Donetsk, a deputy commander of the Donetsk militia, Eduard Basurin, said Friday.
Defence Secretary announces further UK support to Ukrainian Armed Forces UK MOD 06 Mar 2015 -- The Defence Secretary has today confirmed that the UK will provide a new package of non-lethal equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Russian diplomat says US airborne troops being redeployed to Ukraine TASS 05 Mar 2015 -- The planned US-Ukrainian military drills in the western Ukrainian Lviv region threaten Russia's security, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Thursday.
NATO: Many Russian Soldiers Dying in E. Ukraine VOA 05 Mar 2015 -- Russian soldiers are dying in 'large numbers' fighting alongside separatists in eastern Ukraine against government forces, a senior NATO official said Thursday.
Ukrainian MPs vote for bigger army despite truce deal Press TV 05 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian lawmakers have approved a new bill aimed at increasing the number of the army troops fighting with pro-Russia forces in the country's eastern regions despite a truce pact between the two warring sides.
Ukraine's Kuchma Says West Too Soft On Russia Over Debaltseve RFE/RL 05 Mar 2015 -- Former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has criticized the Western response to 'crude violations' of a cease-fire by Russian-backed rebels who ignored the truce deal to seize the strategic town of Debaltseve in a major offensive.
NATO: Russian Troops Dying In 'Large Numbers' In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 05 Mar 2015 -- A senior NATO official says Russian troops are dying in combat in 'large numbers' in eastern Ukraine, where they have been fighting along pro-Russian rebels since last year.
Poroshenko Decrees Donetsk, Luhansk as Military-Civilian Administrations Sputnik 05 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday signed a decree to redefine the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as 'military-civilian administrations,' according to the president's website.
Polish Military to Instruct Ukrainian Troops Under NATO Program Sputnik 05 Mar 2015 -- The Polish military will provide training to Ukrainian troops as part of the NATO program, Polish Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna said Thursday.
US Ships in Black Sea Contradict Washington's Desire for Peace in Ukraine Sputnik 05 Mar 2015 -- The presence of US military vessels in the Black Sea goes against claims by Washington of its commitment to a peaceful resolution for the Ukrainian conflict, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.
Boots on the Ground: US Military Instructors Arrive in Ukraine Sputnik 05 Mar 2015 -- The 300 US Army military personnel deployed to Ukraine to conduct a joint training mission with the Ukrainian army at a peacekeeping center near Lviv from March 5 until October 21 have already arrived, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative Aleksandr Lukashevich announced on Thursday.
Russia Dismisses Reports of Military Concentration on Ukrainian Border Sputnik 05 Mar 2015 -- Russia denies it has a large concentration of troops along the Ukrainian border, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Thursday.
EU to Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions Only After Minsk Accords Fulfilment Sputnik 05 Mar 2015 -- The European Union should only lift its anti-Russia sanctions when the Minsk agreements are fully complied with, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Thursday.
Ukrainian Authorities Struggle to Secure a Divided Mariupol VOA 04 Mar 2015 -- Since last month's cease-fire went into effect, shelling around the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol has decreased, but it is thought pro-Russian separatists remain poised to attack. For the city's authorities, a major challenge is gaining the trust of residents, while at the same time rooting out informants who are passing sensitive information to the rebels.
Russian Activist Vows to Publish Nemtsov's Ukraine Findings VOA 04 Mar 2015 -- Russian opposition activists say they will publish documents gathered by opposition leader Boris Nemtsov before his February 27 murder that purport to show Russia's direct military role in Ukraine.
Kiev Begins Second Stage of Withdrawing Heavy Arms in East Ukraine Sputnik 04 Mar 2015 -- The Ukrainian military has begun its second stage of withdrawing heavy artillery from the frontlines in the country's east, Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Wednesday.
Kiev must modernize army before joining NATO: FM Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2015 -- The Ukrainian foreign minister says Kiev needs to modernize its military and carry out reforms to meet higher standards before it takes steps towards joining NATO.
Kiev says OSCE to monitor ceasefire in east Ukraine Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2015 -- Kiev says the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has agreed to send observers to monitor the truce in Ukraine's eastern areas still witnessing clashes between pro-Russians and government troops.
Ukraine foreign minister says in doubt about Minsk truce Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine says it doubts that the European-brokered truce with pro-Russia forces will hold long, pointing to the lack of trust between Kiev and Moscow.
OSCE confirms pullback of heavy weapons by pro-Russians in Ukraine Iran Press TV 03 Mar 2015 -- Pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine are withdrawing their heavy weapons from the frontline in the area in compliance with a peace deal signed last month, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has confirmed.
Donetsk, Luhansk Agree to Permanent OSCE Monitoring at Ten Hotspots Sputnik 03 Mar 2015 -- The self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk (DPR and LPR) have agreed to a proposal by Kiev to organize permanent OSCE monitoring at ten hotspots along the line of contact, a spokesman for the Kiev negotiator said Tuesday.
Ukrainian President Sets Up Commission to Amend Constitution Sputnik 03 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree to set up a commission to amend the country's constitution, his press service said Tuesday.
Russia, Ukraine Agree on Gas Delivery Deal Through March VOA 02 Mar 2015 -- Russia and Ukraine have agreed on a gas delivery deal through the end of March, despite the conflict over pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Russia's Defense Ministry Removes An-70 From National Armament Program Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- Russia's Ministry of Defense has removed the Antonov An-70 military transport aircraft, jointly developed by Russia and Ukraine, from its national armament program, the Izvestia newspaper said.
Russia Slams Finland for Decision to Supply Laser Rangefinders to Kiev Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- Finland's decision to supply laser rangefinders to Ukraine may be interpreted as direct support of 'party of war', Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Nationalist Aidar Unit Reorganized As Assault Battalion of Ukraine's Army Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine's nationalist Aidar battalion was formally disbanded and reorganized into the 24th Separate Assault Battalion of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
Death toll in eastern Ukraine crosses 6,000, Zeid says, as UN releases new report UNOHCHR 02 Mar 2015 -- The estimated number of people killed in eastern Ukraine since April 2014 has now passed the 6,000* mark, in spite of successive ceasefires, the UN Human Rights Office announced Monday, saying the escalation in fighting in recent weeks, particularly near Donetsk airport and in the Debaltseve area, resulted in hundreds of deaths, both civilian and military, and an untenable situation for those trapped or held hostage in the areas controlled by armed groups.
UN: Deaths Top 6,000 in E. Ukraine Conflict VOA 02 Mar 2015 -- The United Nations says the number of people killed in eastern Ukraine since fighting broke out in April now tops 6,000. A new report by the U.N. Human Rights Office says fighting between Russian-backed rebels and the Ukrainian government and the ensuing death toll continue to escalate in spite of successive cease-fires.
Death Toll in Donbas Has Surpassed 6,000 - UN Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said the conflict in Donbas has claimed more than 6,000 lives, commenting on a recent UN report.
Ukraine death toll hits 6,000 amid ongoing fighting – UN UN News Centre 02 Mar 2015 -- The estimated death toll caused by the continuing fighting in Ukraine has now surpassed the 6,000 mark, the United Nations human rights office confirmed today, amid broader warnings that the country stands on the brink of a "new and very deadly chapter" in its conflict.
Kerry Deplores Rights Situation in E. Ukraine VOA 02 Mar 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is urging the United Nations to investigate abuses in Russia-annexed Crimea, as well as in rebel-held parts of eastern Ukraine, where thousands of people have been killed in nearly a year of violence.
Heavy weapons fully pulled back from Ukraine's Lugansk Iran Press TV 02 Mar 2015 -- Authorities in the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) say they have completed the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the frontline in eastern Ukraine in compliance with the Minsk peace deal.
Kerry Warns Russia's Lavrov On Ukraine Cease-Fire RFE/RL 02 Mar 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Russia will inevitably face further economic sanctions if agreements on a cease-fire deal and steps toward peace in eastern Ukraine are not implemented.
Poroshenko Increases Force Numbers Amid Shaky Truce in Donbas Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko introduced a bill to the Verkhovna Rada to enlarge the maximum size of the national forces.
Without Mariupol Ukraine Will Lose Currency Receipts Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- In case Ukraine loses control over Mariupol, the country will remain without foreign currency receipts, the Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said.
US Plans to Send 300 Military Personnel to Train Ukrainian Soldiers Sputnik 02 Mar 2015 -- The US Army will send some 300 military personnel to Ukraine to conduct a joint training mission with the Ukrainian army at a peacekeeping center near Lviv from March 5 until October 21, according to a logistics contract solicitation posted on the army acquisitions website.
EU Mediates Gas Talks Between Russia, Ukraine VOA 02 Mar 2015 -- Russia and Ukrainian energy ministers got together for key gas talks in Brussels, amid threats by Russia's Gazprom to cut off deliveries to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Volunteers Prepare to Defend Mariupol VOA 01 Mar 2015 -- Despite the ongoing ceasefire in Ukraine, soldiers in the city of Mariupol fear that pro-Russian separatists may be getting ready to attack. The separatists must take or encircle the city if they wish to gain land access to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia early last year. But Ukrainian forces, many of them volunteers, say they are determined to defend it.
Pro-Russians remove heavy weapons from frontline in east Ukraine Iran Press TV 01 Mar 2015 -- Pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine have announced that they have nearly completed the piecemeal pullback of heavy weapons from the frontline in the east of the country in compliance with a peace agreement signed last month.
Tanks Made in Ukraine Cannot Take a Hit Sputnik 01 Mar 2015 -- there is a large number of destroyed tanks with strange, uncharacteristic damages on their hulls, Latvian Vesti.lv reports.
Kiev Regroups Heavy Arms Near Contact Line, Violates Minsk Deal - Donetsk Sputnik 01 Mar 2015 -- Ukraine's government troops are regrouping heavy arms near the line of contact, the deputy commander of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic's (DPR) forces said Sunday.
Poroshenko Signs Law on Regional Policy Based on Decentralization Principle Sputnik 01 Mar 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a law defining the principles of the state regional policy, the president's press service said in a statement Sunday.
Kiev to Complete First Stage of Heavy Weaponry Withdrawal Sunday Sputnik 01 Mar 2015 -- Kiev forces will complete the first stage of their heavy weapons' pullout in east Ukraine's Donbas region on Sunday, Ukrainian military spokesman Anatoliy Stelmakh told RIA Novosti.
E Ukraine's Breakaway Republics Complete Heavy Weaponry Withdrawal Sputnik 01 Mar 2015 -- East Ukraine's self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk (DPR and LPR) completed the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the contact line, the DPR's and LPR's officials said Sunday.
Independence Fighters Fired at Azov Battalion - Ukraine's Interior Ministry Sputnik 01 Mar 2015 -- Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Zorian Shkiryak says independence fighters in the country have opened fire at the positions of Kiev forces, particularly the Azov battalion, although nobody from the Kiev side was injured.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

March 2015 - Ukraine Special Weapons News