Ukraine: Constitutional Commission holds its first session

Volodymyr Groisman, Petro Poroshenko and Arseniy Yatsenyuk
during the first session of the Constitutional Commission
(Image: The Guardian)

Ukrainian Constitutional Commission aimed to amend Ukrainian Constitution in the framework of the Constitutional reform, announced earlier, has held its first session on Monday, 6 April. The newly formed Constitutional Commission consists of law experts, politicians, civil activists and representatives of civil society in order to make the process of amendment of Constitution open, according to the official statements.

Amendment of Ukrainian Constitution is being made also in accordance with the terms of Minsk Agreement of 2014, as Ukraine works on granting more rights and powers to the regions and to impose decentralization of government.

Newly elected Ukrainian Parliament sworn in and opened its session

Ukrainian new Parliament during the ceremony of taking an oath
(Image: Ukrinform)

After early parliamentary elections held at the end of October in Ukraine, newly elected Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) has officially sworn in and opened its new parliamentary session. The ceremony was held on Thursday, 27 November, and opened by Oleksandr Turchinov, former Speaker of Parliament. The first session of Verkhovna Rada was attended by all the newly elected MPs, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, three former Presidents of Ukraine Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Victor Yushchenko, representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, civil activists and journalists as well. The ceremony of taking an oath was opened according to the tradition by Yukhim Zvyagilskiy, who is the eldest MP in the new Parliament.

Ukrainian parliamentary elections: six parties enter new Parliament

Ukrainian Parliament building
(Image: Wikimapia)

Ukrainians have recently voted for the new Parliament during the early parliamentary elections held on Sunday, 26 October, amid the tense situation in the country, as the war in Eastern Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions is ongoing.

The process of counting the votes came to its end, and Ukrainian High Electoral Commission has finally counted all 100% of the votes and announced the official results of these parliamentary elections. According to the High Electoral Commission announcement six political parties have reached 5% necessary to enter Ukrainian Parliament according to the law.

Ukraine: clashes erupted in front of the Parliament building during the Rada historical session

Clashes in front of the Parliament building
(Image: The Daily Mail)

Ukrainian Parliament, Verkhovna Rada, has gathered on Tuesday, 14 October, for its last session before the upcoming early parliamentary elections to be held on 26 October. This session was considered being a historical one as Ukrainian MPs were expected to vote for seven important draft laws and initiatives aimed at reforming Ukrainian political and economic system. The Rada session was attended by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who represented also several draft laws and initiatives as well.

Ukrainian Armed Forces took the offensive in Eastern Ukraine amid an increasing terrorist activity and tragic loss of Ukrainian forces in Luhansk

Ukrainian airplane with soldiers shot down by the
Russian terrorists
(Image: US News)

Ukrainian military and security forces continue an active phase of the ongoing anti-terrorist operation launched in Eastern Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where the Russian and Russian backed terrorists continue to destabilize the situation.

After successes of Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard on Friday, 13 June, when the city of Mariupol was released from the terrorists and the control over the city was restored, Ukrainian military faced terrible losses on Saturday, 14 June. Russian terrorists have shot down Ukrainian aircraft transporting soldiers and ammunition to the zone of the anti-terrorist operation. There were three Ukrainian aircrafts sent to the ATO zone and planning to land in Luhansk, as one of them was shot down during the landing. 49 people including 30 soldiers from all over Ukraine and 9 members of the airplane’s crew were killed as a result of this strike.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko: Ukraine should sign Association Agreement with EU in the nearest future

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko
(Image: Wikipedia, Michał Józefaciuk)

Ukrainian newly elected President Petro Poroshenko has stated recently that Ukraine is actually ready to sign the second, economical part of an Association Agreement with EU about creation of the free trade zone. Ukraine is waiting for a reply of EU officials.

Petro Poroshenko declared about readiness of Ukraine to sign this Agreement on 7 May, during his official meeting with the EU representatives, politicians and diplomats. In addition to that, Mr. Poroshenko stated that this document should be signed as soon as possible and mentioned the date of 27 June 2014. Ukrainian side is expecting currently a decision of Brussels, reports press-service of Petro Poroshenko.

At the same day Ukrainian new President assured President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite during his meeting with her that he is ready to sign this historical document since the first hours of his presidency. He also admitted that Ukraine needs to implement several important reforms and measures necessary for its further development in the frameworks of the terms of an Association Agreement. 

Ukraine elects its fifth President in the first round, as anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukraine intensifies

Petro Poroshenko, newly elected President of Ukraine
(Image: ABC News)

Ukrainians cast their ballots in their historical and extremely important presidential elections, held on 25 May 2014 amid the tense and dangerous situation in Eastern Ukraine, as the pro-Russiand and Russian terrorists and separatists continue to destabilize situation in the region threatening security and unity of the country.

But despite the hard situation and extremely tense situation in Eastern Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions, millions of Ukrainians came on Sunday to the polling stations in Ukraine and all over the world to choose their fifth President. The voters’ turnout was more than 60%, according to the estimations of Ukrainian High Electoral Committee and numerous foreign observers, arrived to monitor Ukrainian early presidential elections. Many compare these elections with 1991 referendum for Ukrainian independence when people came en masse to the polling stations to choose the future of the country as of an independent and free state. 

Ukrainian authorities in cooperation with US and EU start the series of national roundtables and talks amid the tense situation in Eastern Ukraine

Ukrainian Armed Forces launching an anti-terrorist operation
in Eastern Ukraine
(Image: AFP)

Amid the growing tensions in the volatile Eastern Ukrainian regions, where the separatists’ illegal referenda were recently being held, Ukrainian transitional government in cooperation with the Western partners continue the attempts to resolve the deepening crisis peacefully. Though the anti-terrorist operation is still ongoing in Donetsk and Luhansk regions and this campaign, launched by Ukrainian Armed Forces and Security Forces, had significant successes, but there were several losses as well, and local police and local authorities still remain loyal to the pro-Russian separatist groups, controlling some of the Eastern Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine signs political part of Association Agreement with EU amid ongoing tensions in Crimea and Western pressure on Russia

Ukraine and EU sign Association Agreement
(Image: Arseniy Yatsenyuk Facebook Page)

Tensions in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian forces and actually annexed by Russia after the illegal “referendum” and Putin’s presidential decree regarding Crimean status as a subject of Russian Federation, remains tense, with no attempts to de-escalate situation from the Russian side and unwillingness to hold negotiations with Ukrainian authorities.

Though, despite the tensions and complicated situation, Ukraine has made an important step towards European integration. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatesenyuk has signed in Brussels on Friday, 21 March, political part of Association Agreement between the countries of EU and Ukraine. The document was signed by Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Head of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, President of European Council Herman Van Rompuy and heads of 28 countries-members of EU and high officials of EU. Economic part of the Agreement is expected to be signed in the nearest future, once as Ukraine and EU will finish cooperation and consultations regarding reforming Ukrainian industry and market, stated Herman Van Rompuy. Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development and Trade Pavlo Sheremeta has stated that economic part of the Association Agreement could be signed within the coming 6 months.

Crimean conflict turned into military stage as Russia annexed Crimea and killed first Ukrainian soldiers

Ukraine, Crimean Peninsula
(Image: Map of Ukraine)

Situation in Ukrainian Crimea continues to escalate despite the demand of Ukrainian government to withdraw Russian troops and increasing Western pressure and total refusal of the world to recognize the results of the illegitimate referendum held on Sunday in Crimea.

Russia continues to increase its military presence deploying new troops and heavy military technique to Crimea and along the borders with Ukraine, as Ukrainian military deployed its forces to protect the borders and territories of Ukraine and stop Russian military aggression.

Ukraine: Crimea declares its independence amid an increasing Russian military presence and Western pressure

Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula

Situation in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian military troops and waiting for the Crimean referendum to be held on 16 March, remains tense and complicated, as Russian troops still seize Ukrainian military bases and units blocking Ukrainian soldiers and making provocations. In addition to that Russian Armed Forces have started unprecedented military training of its paratroopers units close to Ukrainian borders. Ukrainian Armed Forces representatives reported about nearly 220 thousands of Russian troops and military technique deployed along the Russian-Ukrainian border. Ukrainian military is in state of alert, as mobilization was announced, and Maidan self-defense started to form National Guard in case of Russian military aggression in Crimea and other Ukrainian territories.

Western countries are ready for the new sanctions against Russia if situation in Ukraine won’t de-escalate

Russian military in Ukrainian Crimea
(Image: The Guardian)

Despite an increasing pressure of the Western countries and demands of Ukrainian government to withdraw the troops from Crimea, Russia continues to increase its military presence in Ukrainian Crimea, deploying additional troops and continuing seizing of Ukrainian military bases and objects and blocking Ukrainian soldiers, who don’t respond with fire on Russian provocations.

Ukrainian government continues to urge Russian authorities to hold the talks and to immediately withdraw its troops from Ukrainian soil. Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who is expected to meet with US President Barak Obama over Ukrainian crisis on 12 March, has accused Russian leaders of the escalation of Crimean crisis and called on Putin to hold the talks with Ukraine with the participation of the international contact group and mediators and observers. He also stated that Ukrainian government, Parliament and people are able to decide the future of Crimea and to grant it wider autonomy and additional powers and rights in the framework of a national dialogue. But it could be possible only after Russia will withdraw its troops from Crimea and cancel illegitimate referendum, which won’t be recognized by any country. Mr. Yatsenyuk also stated that there are no Crimean authorities, as the recently self-proclaimed leaders are separatists and Moscow puppets.

Ukraine: Crimean crisis continues amid increasing Western pressure and Russian statements about cutting relationships with Ukraine

Russian military occupies Crimea
(Image: Deutsche Welle)

Russian troops remain on the territory of Ukrainian Crimea despite the continuous demands of Ukrainian government and international community to immediately withdraw them and to respect Ukrainian borders, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Provocations and attacks also continue, as Russian soldiers have mined the main gas pipeline in the region and threatened locals with weapons. Russian soldiers are also storming at the moment Ukrainian military base close to the military airport in Belbek. All the strategic object on the Peninsula are being controlled by the Russian troops, as local and Ukrainian media are being cut and replaced by the Russian outlets. There are also many Russian citizens presented in the region now provoking and trying to demonstrate “wide support” of Russia and Russian invasion.

Ukraine: tensions in Crimea increase amid the decision of local Parliament to join Russia and Western reactions

Russian military invasion in Ukraine
(Image: Bloomberg)

Situation in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian troops since 28 February, remains tense, as Russia refuses to de-escalate the situation despite the calls of Ukrainian government and increasing international pressure, accusing Russian administration of brutal violation of Ukrainian and international law.

Russian troops have lifted blockade of Crimean cities ahead of the planned visit of the OSCE mission in Crimea, but after the members of the mission have left the Peninsula, the troops have returned and continued blocking Ukrainian military units, threatening the soldiers, who have an order not to shot, as any wrong move from Ukrainian side could become a reason for Russian full-scale military aggression, as it happened in Georgia in 2008. Thus, the situation remains tense, especially after Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received an information about the preparation of provocations of Russian, made by Russian soldiers dressed in Ukrainian military uniform.

Ukraine: situation in Crimea remains tense amid the growing pressure of international powers on Russia and Russian protests as well

Russian soldiers in Crimea, Ukraine
(Image: Jerusalem Post)

Russian occupation of Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula continues since 28 February 2014, despite the demands of Ukrainian government to withdraw the troops and the calls to start the talks and international reaction on Russian military invasion as well.

Crimean cities and Ukrainian military objects remain seized by Russian military troops and paratroopers. Several provocations have been made by Russian military on Saturday night and during Sunday, as Russian soldiers have attacked several Ukrainian military units and bases in Crimea demanding Ukrainian soldiers to give up the weapons and to raise Russian flag instead of Ukrainian. Ukrainian soldiers refuse to do so and declare that they have taken an oath to Ukraine and Ukrainian people and they will stand till the end. Ukrainian central command though didn’t give any direct orders to Crimean soldiers and mariners, the main order remains the same: avoid any confrontations and don’t react on Russian provocations, as Russian side is waiting for the first shot from Ukrainian side, because it will give Russians the reason to use force claiming that situation in Crimea isn’t controlled.

Ukrainian protests continue. Temporarily ceasefire was reached during the talks between Yanukovich and opposition

Maidan (Independence Square) in the morning of Thursday,
after night's attack
(Image: DPA)

Confrontations between Ukrainian protesters and activists of Euromaidan and “Berkut” and security forces are ongoing in Kyiv and in other Ukrainian cities as well, as opposition and Yanukovich have failed to reach an agreement during the Tuesday’s negotiations.

Ministry of Health reported about at least 30 killed people, though the eyewitnesses and doctors working on the ground and in the hospitals claim there are more casualties and thousands of wounded, most of them with the wounds caused by live ammunition and bombs.

Ukrainian protesters prepare for the decisive Tuesday’s Parliamentary session as opposition has met with Angela Merkel

Euromaidan anti-government protests in Kyiv
(Image: Kyiv Post)

Ukrainian activists and protesters are preparing for the Tuesday’s massive march to the building of Parliament, where the decisive session is expected to be held. Oppositional MPs demand voting for the Constitutional reform in order to amend the current national Charter and to return to the 2004 Constitution, limiting powers of President and establishing parliamentary-presidential form of governance instead of the presidential one, what allowed Yanukovich to build a strong vertical of power working for his interests and oppressing freedoms and rights of Ukrainians.

Ukraine: Sunday massive rally in Kyiv, results of Munich Conference and deadlock in parliament

Massive anti-government rallies in Kyiv
(Image: Radio Svoboda)

Situation in Ukraine remains tense, as political crisis is still not resolved and there is no consensus between the government and opposition, and massive protesters continue for more than 70 days despite the frosts and snow.

Sunday, 2 February, has gathered tens of thousands of Ukrainians in Kyiv’s Independence Square and thousands of people all over Ukraine as well, as several regions are still under control of People’s Councils with their regional offices taken by protesters.

Ukrainian Parliament cancelled dictatorial laws. Cabinet of Ministers resigned

MPs of Ukrainian Parliament, commemorating the victims of the
clashes. Beginning of the session
(Image: Radio Svoboda)

After four rounds of negotiations held between Ukrainian oppositional leaders and Yanukovich and amid deepening political crisis in the country and confrontations between the protesters and security forces and seizing of power by the revolutionaries in several regions of Ukraine, Ukrainian Parliament have gathered for the urgent session on Tuesday, 28 January. This parliamentary session was expected to be a decisive one, as parliamentarians had to discuss the current situation in the country in order to find the solution. In addition to that there were fears about voting for imposing state of emergency in Ukraine.

Ukraine: The revolution continues

Lines of barricades and burning tires in Kyiv
(Image: TVI)

Revolution in Ukraine continues, as tens of thousands of protesters remain permanently in Independence Square and Grushevsky Street in Kyiv and Ukrainians all over Ukraine continue to seize the regional offices and governmental buildings forming National Councils and declaring people’s authority in the regions.

In Kyiv protesters have taken Ukrainian House, located on European Square, close to the site of confrontation. There were reports about special security forces (“Berkut”) located in the building and preparing for the dispersal. The clashes lasted several hours, when oppositional leader Vitaly Klichko and some other oppositional politicians arrived in the Ukrainian House and have held negotiations with the Special Forces. As a result of these talks the corridor was formed, and the policemen were able to leave the building. Ukrainian House is under protesters’ control at the moment, as people are cleaning the building.