Ukraine: report about mass killings of the Maidan protesters revealed

Protesters in Maidan, 18-20 February 2014
(Image: AFP)

The heads of the security forces and police and the members of the special investigative teams have recently revealed their report regarding the mass killings of Ukrainian Maidan protesters happened on 18-20 February 2014, when the Euromaidan protests turned terribly violent, as the protesters attempted to march to the governmental district of Kyiv and were killed en masses by the security forces. More than hundred Ukrainian protesters were killed during those days and hundreds were wounded.

Special investigative team was formed and appointed by Ukrainian transitional government and Oleksandr Turchinov, the head of Ukrainian Parliament. The investigation results were really controversial, and the report of the heads of the security forces and the investigative team was recently revealed.

Ukraine signed economic part of Association Agreement with European Union

Ukrainian and EU flags
(Image: Press TV)

On Friday, 27 June, Ukraine has signed economic part of its Association Agreement with the countries-members of European Union, what became a historical step in relationships between Ukraine and EU. After Ukrainian former President Victor Yanukovich failed to sign an Agreement, Ukraine raised for the massive protests, known as Euromaidan, what led later to the massive anti-government protest against the current political system and Yanukovich and has overthrown Yanukovich, who fled to Russia.

Thus, after the first, political part of an Association Agreement was signed by Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on 21 March 2014, 6 months since the beginning of the protests in Ukraine, Ukrainian newly elected President Petro Poroshenko has accomplished what was started and signed an economic part of an Agreement amid the tense and deteriorating situation in Eastern Ukraine, as Russia continues to destabilize situation in Ukraine.

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. 

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko: Ukraine and Russia to start talks over the situation in Eastern Ukraine

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Ukrainian President Petro
Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin in France
(Image: Mashable)

Amid the tensions in Eastern Ukraine and ongoing anti-terrorist operation, launched by Ukrainian military and security forces against pro-Russian and Russian terrorists and separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, Ukrainian newly elected President Petro Poroshenko had a short meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin in France, during a ceremony of a D-Day in Normandy.

The meeting, arranged by the French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, was short and informal, but it was actually an important step towards the possibility of de-escalation of the situation in Eastern Ukraine and resolving of the deepening crisis in Ukraine and in the relationships between the two neighboring countries, as Russia is backing the terrorists in Donetsk and Luhansk region.

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. 

Sixteen Ukrainian servicemen killed in a deadliest attack since the beginning of an anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukraine

Ukrainian military checkpoint attacked by separatists
(Image: Censor Net)

Ukrainian Armed and Security forces have had one of the most terrible losses since the beginning of a massive anti-terrorist operation launched in Eastern Ukrainian Donetsk and Luhansk regions on 13 April and aimed to eliminate pro-Russian separatist and terrorist activities in the regions, to restore security and safety and to ensure holding of the presidential elections, planned for 25 May.

Ukrainian military checkpoint, consisted of the soldiers and fighters of National Guard, was attacked in early hours of Thursday, 22 May, several kilometers from the city of Volnovakha, in Western part of Donetsk region. A column of Ukrainian servicemen and military technique was moving in the direction of the city and stopped for the night on the outskirts of it, where it was reportedly attacked by the pro-Russian separatists and terrorists.

Ukrainian crisis: anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukraine is ongoing as Putin makes an unexpected statement

Ukrainian security and Armed Forces launch an anti-terrorist
operation in Eastern Ukraine
(Image: Euromaidan Press)

Situation in Eastern Ukrainian regions remains tense, as Ukrainian SBU, Armed Forces, National Guard and security forces continue massive anti-terrorist operation in order to eliminate separatist and terrorist activities of pro-Russian and Russian militants and to restore security in the region on the eve of the early presidential elections. Ukrainian security forces are controlling currently several Eastern Ukrainian cities, where separatists and terrorists have left the administrative buildings. Thus, as a result of an anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol the block posts of separatists have been taken by Ukrainian forces, the building of a city council was retaken, and nearly 16 separatists arrested. As for another volatile city, Slovyansk, the operation is ongoing there, as Ukrainian forces take the separatists positions and surround the city in a circle, blocking the terrorists inside, but the pro-Russian forces continue to control some positions there. Thus, despite the successes of Ukrainian military operations separatists are still presented in the region, and Ukrainian Intelligence continue to intercept the talks between Russian high officials and local separatists leaders, what proves Russia’s direct involvement in destabilizing of the situation in Ukraine.

Ukraine: anti-terrorist operation resumed after Easter truce amid Russian continuous aggression and threats of military invasion

Ukrainian acting President Oleksandr Turchinov
(Image: Kyiv Post)

After two days of truce on the Orthodox Easter Ukrainian acting President Oleksandr Turchinov ordered the massive anti-terrorist operation launched in eastern Ukraine to resume. Ukrainian Armed Forces, police and security forces, forces of SBU (Intelligence Service) and recently formed National Guard have continued their anti-terrorist operation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions aimed to eliminate terrorist activity on the region and prevent its spread in the country and to restore stability and security in the restive region.

Despite the recent talks held between Ukraine, US, EU and Russia in Geneva and finished with signing of the joint Geneva Declaration calling for all the sides to show restrain and to take all the measures in order to de-escalate the deepening crisis, the aggression and separatist activity backed by Russia and supported and coordinated by Russian Security Forces and military continues in Eastern Ukrainian cities, as many administrative buildings in Donetsk region are still being seized by separatists and pro-Russian forces. The city of Slovyansk, located in Donetsk region, is still under almost total control of the separatists and terrorists.

Russian invasion in Ukraine is increasingly likely amid the continuous separatist and pro-Russian rallies in Eastern Ukraine

Russian military in Ukraine
(Image: Foreign Policy)

Crisis in Eastern Ukraine is deepening with several separatist and terrorist pro-Russian groups seizing the administrative buildings and regional offices in Luhansk, Donetsk and Kharkiv. Tense and worrying events started in these regions since this weekend, as several hundred pro-Russian activists and Russian citizens as well have gathered in the central squares of the aforementioned cities, occupied the regional offices, declared their own “independent” republics (Donetsk People’s Republic, Kharkiv People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic respectively) and declared their willingness to join Russia in a status of federal objects.

Ukraine: Crimean crisis continues as Russia refuses to de-escalate the situation

Ukrainian military in Crimea
(Image: CBC)

After Russian backed illegitimate and unrecognized by the international community referendum in Crimea and Putin’s decree about Crimea’s annexation to Russian Federation situation on the Peninsula remains tense, as Russian troops remain in Crimea and continue their attacks and provocations against Ukrainian soldiers, and additional troops and technique is being deployed along the border with Ukraine.

Crimean pro-Russian puppet government refuses to recognize authority of Kyiv prepares for the joining of Russia on all the levels and refuses to hold any talks with Ukrainian government. Ukrainian vice Prime Minister Mr. Yarema and Minister of Defense Mr. Tenyukh have arrived today in Crimea for the talks and resolving the crisis, but Crimean authorities backed by Russian military and pro-Russian local militia didn’t allow them to enter Crimea, claiming they are in the black lists of Crimea.

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.

Crimean crisis: tensions escalate on the eve of the referendum, amid official decision about dismissal of Crimean Parliament and international pressure

Massive rallies in Kyiv Maidan (Independence Square)
(Image: National Post)

Situation in Ukrainian Crimea, occupied by Russian military troops and controlled by the self-proclaimed pro-Russian puppet Parliament and government, remains tense, as Russia refuses to de-escalate situation, and Crimean authorities insist on holding illegitimate “referendum” about potential joining Russia.

Despite the continuous demands of Ukrainian government to immediately withdraw the troops and military technique from Ukrainian territory and growing international pressure, Russia continues to increase its military presence in Crimea and also along the Ukrainian-Russian borders, deploying new troops and military technique on the eve of the Crimean “referendum”, scheduled for Sunday, 16 March. Ukrainian military bases and soldiers remain under Russian siege, as there were no commands fro Ukrainian Armed Forces to respond with force. In addition to that Russian troops are moving towards mainland Ukraine, as a group of Russian paratroopers has landed in Kherson region, but was prevented by Ukrainian soldiers.

Ukraine: Crimean crisis becomes tenser amid Russian increasing of military presence and harsh Western reactions

Russian military troops in Ukrainian Crimea
(Image: Telegraph)

Russian military presence has significantly increased during the last night, with several new attacks against Ukrainian military bases and seizure of some administrative buildings, including Simferopol regional military recruitment office. Almost all the strategic objects on the Peninsula are being controlled by Russian military forces, with the local TV channels offices also occupied and coverage cut off.

In addition to that Russia has deployed additional troops and military technique in Crimea and allegedly started its movement towards the mainland Ukraine, according to the reports of Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the eyewitnesses, reported, that Russian soldiers are being assaulting Ukrainian border military bases and destroying the equipment. The field on the border with Khersonska governorate, which is the beginning of the mainland Ukraine, is mined by Russian military. The situation escalates, as the special mission of OSCE was prevented again from entering Crimea.

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 is still tense as international pressure on Russia increases

Russian military troops in Ukrainian Crimea
(Image: Voice of America)

Crisis in Ukrainian Crimea continues, as Russia refuses to withdraw its troops and de-escalate the conflict. Actually, Russian President and high officials continue to deny presence of Russian military in Crimea claiming that this is Crimean self-defense units, while the soldiers themselves say they are Russian military. Ukrainian military bases are still blocked by Russian troops, and soldiers demonstrate self-restraint and patience amid continuous provocations of Russian soldiers and pro-Russian activists in the region.

Situation is also alarming on the borders with Ukraine, amid an increasing military activity of Russia and deployment of additional troops and technique along the border, close to the Eastern and Northern cities of Ukraine, thus, the danger of an attack there is still high, stated Andriy Parubiy, head of National Security and Defense Council.

Ukraine: Crimean crisis, Western reactions and press conference of Vladimir Putin

Russian military troops in Ukrainian Crimea
(Image: Bloomberg)

Despite an increasing international pressure and calls of Western countries to withdraw Russian troops from Crimea immediately, Russian military remains in Crimea and the numbers of the troops are reportedly increasing on the borders with Ukraine, close to Lugansk, Donetsk, Kharkiv and Chernigiv regions. Several provocations of Russian soldiers occurred again during the night, but Ukrainian soldiers stand and refuse to give up arms and are ready to protect Ukraine till the end, if there will be an assault. Till now Ukrainian soldiers are demonstrating an incredible patience and self-restraint despite the provocations and assaults, and this position prevents the beginning of the armed conflict in the region, as Russian side waits for the first shot from Ukrainian side to justify its invasion.

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.

Situation in Ukraine escalates amid heavy Russian military presence in Crimea and invasion attempts

Russian military in Crimea, Ukraine
(Image: The Daily Mail)

Situation in Ukraine remains extremely tense, as Russia invaded with its troops on Ukrainian territory in Crimean Peninsula since Thursday, with all the strategic objects of Crimean cities and Ukrainian military blocked by Russian soldiers, the streets patrolled by Russian troops and administrative buildings seized by the so called “unknown armed men”, who are actually Russian soldiers as well.

Crimea was almost totally cut from Ukraine as TV and media stations and offices on the Peninsula were seized by the armed men representing interests of “Russians in Crimea”, and Crimean airports blocked as well. New and new troops continue to arrive in Ukraine. Russian officials have been denying this fact claiming that Russian troops seen in Crimea are those stationed on Ukrainian territory according to the treaty signed between Ukraine and Russia about Russian Black sea fleet. Later though Russian officials claimed that Russian soldiers are holding military trainings, but Ukrainian military didn’t get any information about such trainings and the movements and deployment of Russian troops haven’t been coordinated with Ukrainian side, as it should be according to the treaty. In addition to that recently appointed Prime minister of Crimea also confirmed presence of R

ussian military of the territory of Ukraine and stated that he made a request to Russia to ‘protect people of Crimea from fascist aggression”, accusing current Ukrainian government of being illegitimate and fascist.

Switzerland arrests financial assets and imposes sanctions on Yanukovich and Ukrainian high officials from his circle

Government of Switzerland has officially announced that it imposes sanctions against Ukrainian former President Victor Yanukovich and high officials from his close circle and arrests all the property and financial assets of them found on the territory of Switzerland.

The assets and property must be arrested since 26 February 2014.

The list includes 20 people representing Yanukovich regime: