Protests in Ukraine escalate

[Natalka]

NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen: April 13

While tens of thousands of combat-ready Russian troops stand poised on Ukraine's border, Russia is also waging a propaganda war the like of which we have not seen since the end of the Cold War. Its purpose is to pervert the truth, divert attention from Russia's illegal actions, and subvert the authorities in Ukraine.

Since the crisis began, Russia has occupied Crimea with thousands of troops and staged a rigged referendum That is clearly escalation. NATO has offered to support the Ukrainian government’s defence reforms and boost the transparency and democratic control of the armed forces. That is clearly not escalation.
Russian forces have seized Ukrainian military bases and warships. That is escalation. NATO has sent civilian experts to advise Ukraine on the security of critical infrastructure. That is not escalation.
Russia has moved some 40,000 troops to Ukraine’s border, backed up by tanks, fighters, artillery and attack helicopters: escalation. NATO has launched AWACS radar aircraft flights over Poland and Romania and sent six extra aircraft to the Baltic States to protect Allied airspace: not escalation.


Russia is now isolated in the world, its international credibility in tatters. This is not in Russia’s interest.
Russia faces a choice: to stop blaming others for its own actions, pull back its troops, step back into line with its international obligations and start rebuilding trust.
Otherwise, Russia will only face deeper international isolation. That is in nobody’s interest, and will make our world only more dangerous and unpredictable.
I call on Russia to de-escalate. There are concrete steps to be taken.



http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/...utm_medium=web

[Natalka]

Address of the Acting President of Ukraine, Head of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov to the People of Ukraine April 13

This is not a war between Ukrainians. This is an artificially created confrontation designed to weaken and destroy Ukraine itself. Eventually, however, it will weaken our enemies. Russia today is condemned by the entire civilized world. We have done everything to avoid casualties, but we are prepared to resist all attempts at invasion, destabilization, and armed terrorist attacks.

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has decided to launch a large-scale anti-terrorist operation jointly with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We will not allow Russia to repeat the Crimean scenario in the eastern regions of Ukraine.

Those who have not fired on our security forces and who agree to put down their arms and vacate administrative buildings by Monday morning, will be amnestied. I have signed a decree to give guarantees against the implementation of appropriate punishment for past actions.


We are ready to consider granting significant empowerment to the regions and to implement broad reforms for greater local self-government as well as the renewal of local government.

However, anyone who engages in armed struggle against our country in support of the aggressors will not escape punishment and responsibility.

more here
http://euromaidanpr.com/2014/04/13/p...ine/#more-7023

[Natalka]

MOSCOW (AP) — More than 10,000 people have turned out in Moscow for an anti-Kremlin rally to denounce Russian state television's news coverage, particularly of the crisis in neighboring Ukraine.

In promoting the Kremlin line, state television has portrayed the new pro-Western government in Ukraine as a "fascist junta" under the control of the U.S. government and determined to oppress Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine. The broadcasts have taken on a harsh anti-American tone.

Some of the participants in Sunday's demonstration, called a "March of Truth," carried blue and yellow Ukrainian s. One woman, wearing a traditional Ukrainian wreath of flowers on her head, held up a sign with President Vladimir Putin's picture and the words: "Stop lying."

The U.S. and Ukrainian governments have accused Russia of orchestrating the unrest in eastern Ukraine.

[Natalka]

Horlivka police station

14 April 2014

Pro-Russian activists have attacked another official building in east Ukraine, ignoring a deadline to leave or face eviction by Ukrainian forces.


A crowd stormed a police station in the town of Horlivka, near Donetsk, taking control of the building.
Ukraine's interim president hit out at "aggression" from Russia, but signalled support for a national referendum.


Olexander Turchynov said Kiev was "not against" a vote on the future of the country, a key demand from protesters.
Mr Turchynov also said Ukraine was preparing an "anti-terrorist operation" against gunmen occupying government buildings in Sloviansk and a number of other towns and cities.


Correspondents says people in eastern Ukraine are anxiously waiting to see if Mr Turchynov carries through on his threat to use the army against the pro-Russian groups.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27018199

[Natalka]

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, centre, and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, left, meet with Ukrainian ambassador Vadym Prystaiko in Ottawa Monday regarding the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.

Apr 14, 2014 2:31 PM

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the events that unfolded over the weekend in Ukraine are the work of "Russian provocateurs" orchestrated by the regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pro-Russian gunmen seized or blocked government buildings in at least nine cities in Ukraine over the weekend, demanding more autonomy from the central government and closer ties with Russia.
While Russia denied over the weekend that it is behind the violence, Harper charged Monday that the events are "strictly the work of Russian provocateurs sent by the Putin regime."

Harper said the situation in Ukraine "is getting worse" and that Canada will take further action.

"I know this is a great concern to our NATO allies in the region, but it should be a great concern to all of us," Harper said.

"When a major power acts in a way that is so clearly aggressive, militaristic, and imperialistic, this represents a significant threat to the peace and stability of the world, and it's time we all recognized the depth and the seriousness of that threat."

"You can certainly be sure that Canada will take additional measures. We've already imposed a number of sanctions, and we will clearly be taking further action," Harper said.

"We know how difficult these times are in Ukraine and how grave the threats truly are, but we also know that the resolve and the determination of the Ukrainian people for their freedom and independence has no limits."

Harper had harsh words for the Russian president saying, "We also know from history that anybody who makes it their historical mission to turn the clock back as Mr. Putin has determined to do, that those kinds of missions always fail in the end."

"But we will do all in our power to make it fail," Harper said.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ukra...tion-1.2609504

[Natalka]

15 April 2014


Ukrainian forces were visible just north of the Donetsk administrative border


The acting President of Ukraine, Olexander Turchynov, has announced the start of an "anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Russian separatists.
The operation began in the "north of Donetsk Region", he told parliament, and was being conducted "stage by stage, in a responsible... manner".
Ukrainian armoured vehicles could be seen massing on Monday as separatist militants braced for an attack.

Mr Turchynov said the aim of the operation in Donetsk was to "protect Ukrainian citizens, to stop the terror, to stop the crime, to stop the attempts to tear our country apart".

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27035196

[Natalka]

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Minister Baird’s upcoming visit to Europe and Eurasia

April 14, 2014
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement announcing that he is dispatching Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird to Europe and Eurasia, from April 22 to 28, 2014. His visit will include stops in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia.


“The recent developments in Ukraine are a great concern to our NATO allies in the region and should be a great concern to all of us. When a major power acts in a way that is so aggressive, militaristic and imperialistic, this represents a significant threat to the peace and stability of the world and it is time we all recognize the depth and the seriousness of that threat.


“Since the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, Canada has stood proudly and firmly beside the Ukrainian people, taking concrete actions to help them along the path toward freedom, democracy and stability.


“These actions have included imposing travel bans and economic sanctions against a number of individuals responsible for threatening Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as providing support to help the country stabilize its economy and promote economic and social development. Canadian representatives, including myself, have also undertaken a number of visits to the country and reiterated our strong support for the new Government of Ukraine.


“Minister Baird will be proceeding next week to visit our allies in Eastern Europe to have high-level consultations on what further steps we can also take. During his upcoming visit to the region – his third since the beginning of the crisis – Minister Baird will meet with key European partners to discuss Canada’s desire for a strong and prosperous Europe as well as a common approach in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

---

The Prime Minister's Office - Communications

[Natalka]

Ukrainian troops storm Kramatorsk airfield, Sloviansk



5:25 p.m. -- Espresso TV's correspondent on the ground at Kramatorsk airfield in Donetsk Oblast reports that the elite Omega unit of the Interior Ministry has taken control of the airfield.
Citing the Defense Ministry, Interfax is reporting that Ukrainian armored personnel carriers stormed the airfield, which lies between the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Ukrainian troops fired on pro-Russian terrorists who had occupied the airfield.

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukra...sk-343563.html

[Natalka]

Tue April 15, 2014

Ukrainian forces now appear to be on the move en masse toward the (Donetsk) region.
A spokesman for Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Evgen Rojenyuk, confirmed that a National Guard battalion made up of 350 troops was sent to the Donetsk region from Kiev on Tuesday morning.


The deployment was also confirmed by the deputy head of Ukraine's Internal Affairs Ministry, Mykola Velychkovych, though he would not confirm the numbers involved, where the battalion was headed, or what orders it would be given. He said the ministry would decide on a plan of action once the troops arrive in eastern Ukraine.


The National Guard troops -- many of them former street protesters who signed up after the interim government took power in February -- have had only a few weeks of training.


A CNN team in eastern Ukraine also encountered a large Ukrainian military column traveling on roads leading from the city of Donetsk toward other towns in the region.
The column included more than 20 armored personnel carriers, along with support vehicles, and a helicopter circled overhead. The troops, who were carrying the Ukrainian , appeared to be headed north and east, although their precise destination was unclear.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/15/world/...sis/?hpt=hp_t2

[Natalka]

Fighter jets, special forces: Photos 'show Russian military buildup' near Ukraine


(CNN) -- NATO has released satellite photos that show the extent of Russia's military mobilization on its border with Ukraine -- including fighter jets, tanks, artillery and thousands of soldiers who are prepared to invade within 12 hours if called upon, say officials.


The photos appear to confirm Western leaders' fears that Russia may be preparing for a ground invasion of eastern Ukraine, despite NATO's call for Russia to withdraw its forces from the border.

details and pics
http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/11/world/...ml?hpt=bosread

[Natalka]

He was 42. Вічная Пам'ять!

[Darth Penguin]

Ukrainian crisis could be start of World War III

It is about brute power. It is about whether Putin’s Russia — a rogue state on Europe’s doorstep — can hold its neighbours to ransom, and whether we have the will to resist him. So far the answer to the first question is yes. And to the second a bleak no.

The Russian leader believes the collapse of the Soviet Union was a ‘geopolitical catastrophe’. He believes Russia was stripped of its empire by the West’s chicanery. And quite simply, he wants it back.

When the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991, the former captive nations of Eastern Europe scrambled into Nato and the protection it offered as fast as they could.

[Natalka]

Great article, Darth.

As soon as the killing started at Maidan, people were speculating this, too.

[Anna Michele]

He was 42. Вічная Пам'ять!

may his soul rest in peace.

Sent from my GT-S7560M using Tapatalk

[Natalka]

April 16, 2014

Rasmussen: NATO will increase its military presence on eastern border


2:52 p.m. -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced on April 16 that NATO will bolster its military presence along its eastern border in response to the destabilization of Russian-backed separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.


Rasmussen said in a statement that NATO would begin strengthening its eastern border immediately with "more planes in the air, more ships in the water, more readiness on the land."


He said that "air policing aircraft will fly more sorties over the Baltic region. Allied ships will deploy to the Baltic Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean and elsewhere, as required. Military staff from Allied nations will deploy to enhance our preparedness, training and exercises. Our defence plans will be reviewed and reinforced."


Further, Rasmussen said that NATO would enhance air patrols along its eastern border in Poland, Romania, and in the Baltic States.


"We will start to implement these measures straight away. More will follow, if needed, in the weeks and months to come. Our decisions today are about defence, deterrence and de-escalation. They are entirely in line with our international commitments, said Rasmussen."

http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukra...te-343745.html