I am interceding to Ukraine to let Donetsk and Luhansk to be independent. Let them self rule for these people of Eastern Ukraine. They want historical justice, and although the referendums may be illegal. These people needs to be part of Russia for now, in order to avoid more bloodshed, and stop the civil war.
I do believe the results of the referendums must be implemented, and must cater to the "will of the people and how they want things to happen". I agree with Vladimir Putin.
I do believe the results of the referendums must be implemented, and must cater to the "will of the people and how they want things to happen". I agree with Vladimir Putin.
We must avoid a full scale civil war.
Russia may step in to protect Russian people at all costs if Eastern Ukraine are not left alone, and we do not want that to happen.
Russia may step in to protect Russian people at all costs if Eastern Ukraine are not left alone, and we do not want that to happen.
Ukraine, please leave them alone until you can organise a proper referendum. In order to do so, we need to know God's will about a matter of urgency whether you should unite or not.
Ukraine's economy is not good, and there are other matters that needs to be resolved regarding governance, and it's capability to run the country.
Updated 15th May 2014
This is where I come in as Mediator and Peacemaker as both sides are refusing to co-operate.
I am asking Ukraine, please withdraw all Ukrainian troops immediately. The Russian people do not want their presence at all. They do not want military intervention from Russia, and would accept Peacekeepers.
You have provoked the Russians, and caused division and disorder. Damage has been done. That is because they do not want Ukraine to be part of the European Union, and do not want any involvement with the European Union.
Ukraine has the most highest population of Russians than Ukrainians and other ethnic minorities.
Ukraine became independent after the breakup of the Soviet Union so therefore the Russian language should always have been the first language, and Ukrainian the second language.
Russians need democracy, and do not want Ukrainians to govern over them.
There will be peace if you leave them alone to self rule and the Ukrainian government will have no responsibility for looking after the Eastern Ukraine.
Eastern Ukraine has a right to a share of IMF and must be given it.
Any Russians elected in the local elections can, and will contribute to help run the Eastern Ukraine.
Failure to do what is needed to keep the peace will have repercussions and consequences.
Economy is failing - 26th August 2014
Ukraine's economy is not good, and there are other matters that needs to be resolved regarding governance, and it's capability to run the country.
Updated 15th May 2014
This is where I come in as Mediator and Peacemaker as both sides are refusing to co-operate.
I am asking Ukraine, please withdraw all Ukrainian troops immediately. The Russian people do not want their presence at all. They do not want military intervention from Russia, and would accept Peacekeepers.
You have provoked the Russians, and caused division and disorder. Damage has been done. That is because they do not want Ukraine to be part of the European Union, and do not want any involvement with the European Union.
Ukraine has the most highest population of Russians than Ukrainians and other ethnic minorities.
Ukraine became independent after the breakup of the Soviet Union so therefore the Russian language should always have been the first language, and Ukrainian the second language.
Russians need democracy, and do not want Ukrainians to govern over them.
There will be peace if you leave them alone to self rule and the Ukrainian government will have no responsibility for looking after the Eastern Ukraine.
Eastern Ukraine has a right to a share of IMF and must be given it.
Any Russians elected in the local elections can, and will contribute to help run the Eastern Ukraine.
Failure to do what is needed to keep the peace will have repercussions and consequences.
Economy is failing - 26th August 2014
Russian President Vladimir Putin said today, "The crisis in Ukraine could not be solved by a further military escalation or without dialogue with representatives of the country's Russian-speaking eastern regions. We are convinced that today, (the Ukraine crisis) cannot be solved by further escalation of the military scenario, without taking into account vital interests of the south-eastern regions of the country and without a peaceful dialogue with its representatives.
The Russian economy could suffer a loss of some 100 billion roubles ($2.77 billion) if European Union goods reach Russia via Ukraine, bypassing the tariffs Russia levies on EU goods".
The Russian economy could suffer a loss of some 100 billion roubles ($2.77 billion) if European Union goods reach Russia via Ukraine, bypassing the tariffs Russia levies on EU goods".
The Russia and the EU's economy is hurting, and not doing any good.
Two thousand lives have been lost in the Russian/Ukraine war and it is about time that the two leaders are now having talks to resolve the crisis. It is so sad that it has come to this, before realising that the war cannot solve anything without talks.
Putting the record straight
They called for a ceasefire linked to the proper management of borders, the importance of ensuring that humanitarian support reached people in the proper manner in full line with international law, and of course the political process.
The EU, along with the US, has imposed sanctions on Russia for failing to rein in the separatists.
EU and US should never have imposed sanctions on Russia in the first place, because the rebels and separatists obtained arms from UK. Russia had not played a part in supplying arms.
It is a lie and a very serious accusation against Russia by EU and US, and should not have been punished by imposing sanctions.
Ukraine made it a lot worse by getting involved with fighting the rebels and separatists which lead to so many civilian deaths.
I remember the time myself, and a lot of people were voicing objections to Ukraine fighting the rebels and separatists on "Daily Politics Show Facebook".
Russia would not go to war with anyone, and is not even a threat to any country at all as claimed by US.
You only have to ask the rebels and the separatists where they got the arms from. I take it back if it has been confirmed that the arms did come from Russia. I do not believe Russia would give weapons to them. It is not like Russia at all.
It shows that EU has got a severe lack of judgement and common sense.
Russia did the right thing annexing Crimea as the people did not want to be part of Ukraine following the corruption scandal and very poor economy. All the MPs of Crimea wanted to move to Russia to make sure they get paid, and the people be safe, and be looked after.
Russia is buying weapons from UK to help Syria defend itself.
Outrageously, the UK’s still selling weapons to both Russia and Israel -- but now’s our best chance of stopping it. Right now, David Cameron’s under intense pressure from his own MPs to suspend all arms licenses to both the Russian and Israeli governments - a senior Tory minister just quit over the government’s “morally indefensible” Gaza policy, the deputy PM’s publicly backed an Israeli arms embargo, and a parliamentary committee’s forced a review of the UK’s £132m worth of Russian arms licences.
This is our moment to stop UK firms profiting from terror and chaos - but the Ministry of Defence is notoriously protective of Britain's £35bn arms industry, so we need a huge wave of public pressure to supercharge the calls on the PM. Let’s leave David Cameron no choice but to stop the sale of weapons that murder innocent families. UK is profiting from murder.
http://news.sky.com/story/1305860/govt-accused-of-russian-arms-double-standards
28th August 2014
News are saying Russian forces have invaded south of Eastern Ukraine showing support for it against Putin's wishes. There are now fears that Russians will extend to all over Ukraine in no time at all. It would have been better to annex Eastern Ukraine to stop the war escalating and avoid any more bloodshed.
Russians are determined to have an EU free state and make Eastern Ukraine belong to Russia whatever the cost in the fight for freedom against the ailing Ukrainian government.
EU and US have underestimated Russian civilians.
29th August 2014
It seems there were false reports about the Russian troops being in Eastern Ukraine. Even the satellite image of tanks by NATO moving does not prove it is the Russian tanks, and I have seen no evidence on seeing the Russian troops fighting on ground. They do not wish to fight against their fellow Russians anyway. Some of the Ukrainian troops tried to defect to Russia for not wanting to fight against their fellow country men, and was so tired of fighting against them.
I have only seen evidence that Ukrainian troops have been infighting with the rebels and separatists. Some were captured, and they offered to withdraw if released on the request of President Putin.
Ukrainian troops must leave the Eastern Ukraine to leave the rebels and separatists alone to allow the infighting to be more controlled. We cannot have the Ukrainian troops making their war so difficult and unmanageable. It is up to the Ukrainian government to withdraw their own troops and begin talks.
It is wrong of the Ukrainian government to refuse aid on humanitarian grounds to feed the people of Eastern Ukraine because of borders dispute which is really trivial.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-08-29/russias-putin-calls-for-release-of-ukrainian-pows
Anders Fogh Rasmussen said "This is a blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Rasmussen said. "It defies all diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution."
He should be sacked for telling lies about Russia and not providing adequate proof. Where is the proof?
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140829/putin-says-ukraine-must-enter-substantial-talks-rebels
The link says Putin is saying Ukraine must enter substantial talks with rebels.
http://barentsobserver.com/en/arctic/2014/08/putin-russia-must-strengthen-position-arctic-29-08
Russia wants to strengthen position in the arctic to defend itself, and would comply with International Law to do so and submitting a report/article to the UN.
30th August 2014
The Americans embarked on a covert military policy in Afghanistan. The CIA funnelled arms to mujahadeen fighters based in Pakistan – including brigades financed by the young Saudi businessman Osama bin Laden – who harried the Soviet forces. The Americans are freely giving arms to the Free Syrian Army, and now the UN Peacekeeping forces are in trouble with the Free Syrian Army held in Golan Heights.
The Americans are already arming the Ukrainian government. Putin has got no intention to destabilise Ukraine.
Putin is trying to defuse the situation of the war in Ukraine. He strongly denied any accusations that he has been arming and deploying troops etc.
What one does not realise is that, no one bothers to check markings on tanks except for one press who confirms there are no markings. No one bothers to collect evidence that there are deployment of Russian troops, and that would be very difficult as we never know the location. No one bothers to check facts that Russia supply arms as the weapons seized from the Ukrainian troops may well have been recycled. No one bothers to check what weaponry the rebels are using.
UK Government sources said they believed the separatists now had an array of heavy weaponry supplied by President Vladimir Putin, including 100 battle tanks, 100 artillery pieces, anti-tank weapons and missile launchers.
Well then, can someone please check the facts before someone is accusing Russia of any wrongdoing?
In any other conflict whether it be in the Middle East, Africa or anywhere else, the West steadily comes against actions that cause damage to civilians and demands to stop them. But it pursues an opposite policy in violation of the norms of international humanitarian law in south-eastern Ukraine.
Russia will consistently do its best to create conditions for resolving the crisis in negotiations through strengthening confidence-building measures between the conflicting parties and taking concrete measures to deescalate the situation and assist civilians.
Moscow also urged the Ukrainian authorities to stop exterminating their own people", the Foreign Ministry said.
South-eastern regions of Ukraine have been gripped by violence and continuing fighting between militias and government troops for several months, with thousands of people fleeing their homes to other regions and neighboring Russia, and hundreds killed and injured.
The Foreign Ministry welcomed the fact that human rights observers “have urged Kiev to stop the fighting and violence in the east of the country immediately”.
“Unfortunately, this happened after thousands of civilians were killed… but we hope that the Ukrainian authorities will follow this recommendation, and will stop systematically exterminating their own people,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.
Moscow blames Kiev and countries behind it for putting interests above humanity.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/30/russia-ukraine-war-kiev-conflict
The reality is that, after two decades of eastward NATO expansion, this crisis was triggered by the west's attempt to pull Ukraine decisively into its orbit and defence structure, via an explicitly anti-Moscow EU association agreement. Its rejection led to the Maidan protests and the installation of an anti-Russian administration – rejected by half the country – that went on to sign the EU and International Monetary Fund agreements regardless.
http://news.sky.com/story/1305860/govt-accused-of-russian-arms-double-standards
28th August 2014
News are saying Russian forces have invaded south of Eastern Ukraine showing support for it against Putin's wishes. There are now fears that Russians will extend to all over Ukraine in no time at all. It would have been better to annex Eastern Ukraine to stop the war escalating and avoid any more bloodshed.
Russians are determined to have an EU free state and make Eastern Ukraine belong to Russia whatever the cost in the fight for freedom against the ailing Ukrainian government.
EU and US have underestimated Russian civilians.
29th August 2014
It seems there were false reports about the Russian troops being in Eastern Ukraine. Even the satellite image of tanks by NATO moving does not prove it is the Russian tanks, and I have seen no evidence on seeing the Russian troops fighting on ground. They do not wish to fight against their fellow Russians anyway. Some of the Ukrainian troops tried to defect to Russia for not wanting to fight against their fellow country men, and was so tired of fighting against them.
I have only seen evidence that Ukrainian troops have been infighting with the rebels and separatists. Some were captured, and they offered to withdraw if released on the request of President Putin.
Ukrainian troops must leave the Eastern Ukraine to leave the rebels and separatists alone to allow the infighting to be more controlled. We cannot have the Ukrainian troops making their war so difficult and unmanageable. It is up to the Ukrainian government to withdraw their own troops and begin talks.
It is wrong of the Ukrainian government to refuse aid on humanitarian grounds to feed the people of Eastern Ukraine because of borders dispute which is really trivial.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-08-29/russias-putin-calls-for-release-of-ukrainian-pows
Anders Fogh Rasmussen said "This is a blatant violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Rasmussen said. "It defies all diplomatic efforts for a peaceful solution."
It is all very well saying that Anders Rasmussen. EU violated the Russian and Ukrainian rights to make Ukraine part of the European Union without consulting them and without a referendum.
Because of that violation the Russian and Ukrainian had no choice but to high jack Eastern Ukraine violating Ukraine's sovereignty and and territorial integrity.
People must come first before a country in trouble, and remember Anders Rasmussen we have human rights, and it is a crime against humanity what Ukraine has done.
Anders Rasmussen, in case of exceptional circumstances when citizens are denied the right to be consulted and have a referendum, should be included in the Geneva Convention.
As far as I am concerned it is a violation of International Law not to put people first, before country regarding consultation and referendum.
https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine-abroad/rasmussen-russia-in-blatant-violation-of-ukraines-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity-362587.html
Because of that violation the Russian and Ukrainian had no choice but to high jack Eastern Ukraine violating Ukraine's sovereignty and and territorial integrity.
People must come first before a country in trouble, and remember Anders Rasmussen we have human rights, and it is a crime against humanity what Ukraine has done.
Anders Rasmussen, in case of exceptional circumstances when citizens are denied the right to be consulted and have a referendum, should be included in the Geneva Convention.
As far as I am concerned it is a violation of International Law not to put people first, before country regarding consultation and referendum.
https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine-abroad/rasmussen-russia-in-blatant-violation-of-ukraines-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity-362587.html
He should be sacked for telling lies about Russia and not providing adequate proof. Where is the proof?
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140829/putin-says-ukraine-must-enter-substantial-talks-rebels
The link says Putin is saying Ukraine must enter substantial talks with rebels.
http://barentsobserver.com/en/arctic/2014/08/putin-russia-must-strengthen-position-arctic-29-08
Russia wants to strengthen position in the arctic to defend itself, and would comply with International Law to do so and submitting a report/article to the UN.
30th August 2014
The Americans embarked on a covert military policy in Afghanistan. The CIA funnelled arms to mujahadeen fighters based in Pakistan – including brigades financed by the young Saudi businessman Osama bin Laden – who harried the Soviet forces. The Americans are freely giving arms to the Free Syrian Army, and now the UN Peacekeeping forces are in trouble with the Free Syrian Army held in Golan Heights.
The Americans are already arming the Ukrainian government. Putin has got no intention to destabilise Ukraine.
Putin is trying to defuse the situation of the war in Ukraine. He strongly denied any accusations that he has been arming and deploying troops etc.
What one does not realise is that, no one bothers to check markings on tanks except for one press who confirms there are no markings. No one bothers to collect evidence that there are deployment of Russian troops, and that would be very difficult as we never know the location. No one bothers to check facts that Russia supply arms as the weapons seized from the Ukrainian troops may well have been recycled. No one bothers to check what weaponry the rebels are using.
UK Government sources said they believed the separatists now had an array of heavy weaponry supplied by President Vladimir Putin, including 100 battle tanks, 100 artillery pieces, anti-tank weapons and missile launchers.
Well then, can someone please check the facts before someone is accusing Russia of any wrongdoing?
It is so very unacceptable for EU and the West to try and put pressure on Russia with all the empty rhetoric. EU members are at a meeting in Brussels to try and impose additional EU sanctions that would aim at inflicting more economic pain in hopes of changing what is viewed as Russian meddling in Ukraine. This is outrageous, imposing sanctions does not prevent any war..
I do not see anyone will want to impose sanctions on Europe, it is a ridiculous move and so very unfair and unjust that Europe will escape to have any sanctions now and in the future.
I do not see anyone will want to impose sanctions on Europe, it is a ridiculous move and so very unfair and unjust that Europe will escape to have any sanctions now and in the future.
Russia urges the Ukrainian parties and Western partners to show goodwill towards solving problems exclusively by peaceful means, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
“This is the only way whether the West really advocates the interests of obedient Ukrainian politicians, the Ukrainian multinational people and the Ukrainian state, the future of which can and should be ensured by searching for nationwide accord. When we hear fabrications about
Russia’s aggression and incursions by troops and armored vehicles are put forward in discussions on the Ukrainian crisis, several serious questions inevitably arise. Why those who insist on immediately convening a session of the UN Security Council consistently blocked our proposals to discuss the origin of the Ukrainian tragedy and work out a joint decision to meet the interests of the Ukrainian people and not to implement any unilateral geopolitical plans?
Why our partners in the UN Security Council, the OSCE and other international forums consistently refuse to condemn air and artillery strikes on cities and settlements that destroy residential areas, schools, kindergartens, Orthodox churches and kill civilians?
Russia’s aggression and incursions by troops and armored vehicles are put forward in discussions on the Ukrainian crisis, several serious questions inevitably arise. Why those who insist on immediately convening a session of the UN Security Council consistently blocked our proposals to discuss the origin of the Ukrainian tragedy and work out a joint decision to meet the interests of the Ukrainian people and not to implement any unilateral geopolitical plans?
Why our partners in the UN Security Council, the OSCE and other international forums consistently refuse to condemn air and artillery strikes on cities and settlements that destroy residential areas, schools, kindergartens, Orthodox churches and kill civilians?
In any other conflict whether it be in the Middle East, Africa or anywhere else, the West steadily comes against actions that cause damage to civilians and demands to stop them. But it pursues an opposite policy in violation of the norms of international humanitarian law in south-eastern Ukraine.
Russia will consistently do its best to create conditions for resolving the crisis in negotiations through strengthening confidence-building measures between the conflicting parties and taking concrete measures to deescalate the situation and assist civilians.
Moscow also urged the Ukrainian authorities to stop exterminating their own people", the Foreign Ministry said.
South-eastern regions of Ukraine have been gripped by violence and continuing fighting between militias and government troops for several months, with thousands of people fleeing their homes to other regions and neighboring Russia, and hundreds killed and injured.
The Foreign Ministry welcomed the fact that human rights observers “have urged Kiev to stop the fighting and violence in the east of the country immediately”.
“Unfortunately, this happened after thousands of civilians were killed… but we hope that the Ukrainian authorities will follow this recommendation, and will stop systematically exterminating their own people,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.
Moscow blames Kiev and countries behind it for putting interests above humanity.
I say it is imperative that the rebels and separatists have talks with Ukraine. We cannot tolerate Ukraine poisoning the minds of the West. Talks must take place between these parties.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/30/russia-ukraine-war-kiev-conflict
The reality is that, after two decades of eastward NATO expansion, this crisis was triggered by the west's attempt to pull Ukraine decisively into its orbit and defence structure, via an explicitly anti-Moscow EU association agreement. Its rejection led to the Maidan protests and the installation of an anti-Russian administration – rejected by half the country – that went on to sign the EU and International Monetary Fund agreements regardless.
Countries are now thinking of offering their services to bolster Ukraine, and increase defence. Most of the people all over with world is viewing NATO with horror, as it will only make the Ukraine war worse. Most people would like to see NATO abolished. It does not make sense to have NATO or Ukraine involved as it is a civil war.
http://www.globalresearch.ca/ukraine-claims-thousands-of-russian-troops-invaded-offers-no-evidence/5398463
Global research link proves that Ukraine can offer no evidence, and explains fully why Ukraine and other countries cannot offer evidence.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-29/eu-to-mull-russia-sanctions-as-ukraine-s-army-pushed-back.html
This link explains EU thinking about Russia sanctions and UK wants SWIFT banking stopped. EU cannot contemplate imposing any more sanctions, and taking measures to SWIFT banking.
EU is already violating the International Law committing crime against humanity in Russia depriving them of a lot of things by the present sanctions against Russia. These sanctions must be lifted without delay as Russia cannot survive properly with imposed sanctions placed on them. Russia has done nothing wrong.
EU and US are anti-Russia because they both want Ukraine to stay in the EU, and they both know they have a lot to lose if Ukraine is not part of EU. In the Bloomberg news, it is not clear what foreign troops are doing in Ukraine now and whether they are from EU.
31st August 2014
Brussels. Slovakia said it might veto new EU sanctions against Russia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after the EU summit on Sunday.
“I believe that the sanctions will become senseless and counter-productive. Slovakia may use its right of veto,” Fico said, explaining Slovakia would use its right of veto if it decided that the new anti-Russian sanctions would undermine its economic growth.
The Slovak prime minister said there was no point in imposing new sanctions until the EU knew the results of the previously adopted penalties.
Robert Fico has got the good sense to think about its right to veto, and hope the other countries will follow suit. Iran recently had sanctions imposed on by US because of nuclear which is ridiculous. A lot of countries have got nuclear and Iran is entititled to it. Shows US is Iranianphobia as well as Russianphobia.
http://rt.com/news/182812-russian-soldiers-detained-border/
Videos and explaination why 12 Russian soldiers got lost and crossed the border by mistake.
It also happens with Ukrainian soldiers getting lost sometimes.
http://rt.com/news/183308-russian-volunteers-ukraine-fighting/
This link by RT confirms only Russian volunteers are fighting to save their blood brothers, prevent infrastructure being damaged, to prevent loss of utilities etc.
http://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2014/08/31/putin-to-ukraine-begin-immediate-talks-on-east
President Putin is asking today for talks about statehood. He did say previously that he is not interested in breaking up Ukraine, and have anything to do with it except, give support to people to have what they decide to do. If the people of Ukraine wants statehood in New Russia and they want independence, it has Putin's blessing. If the people wants statehood in Ukraine and want independence, Putin will give blessing. It is up to the people of Ukraine what they want to do with their country like voting for being in EU, or vote to be in Ukraine.
1st September 2014
Imposing sanctions are complicating the crisis. Australia has followed suit in imposing sanctions against Russia.
The new Australian sanctions will ban arms exports to Russia, prohibit Russian state-owned banks further access to the Australian capital market and ban oil and gas exports to Russia, Australia’s prime minister announced today.
The sanctions are a response to Russia “deliberately and now openly violating Ukrainian sovereignty.
”Australia will not invest in the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula and will further target financial sanctions and travel bans against specific individuals,” Abbott said.
Australia’s sanctions will affect 63 Russian and Ukrainian individuals as well as 21 organizations and businesses.
Ukrainian and Russian officials are due to hold talks with separatist rebels and international monitors in Minsk.
The talks in the Belarusian capital will bring together representatives of Russia, Ukraine, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) security forum and separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Russia should not be alone to be in talks without the presence of the negotiators, and cannot stop the fighting. It is up to the rebels and separatists as well as Ukrainian troops to withdraw, not to commit crime against humanity.
2nd September 2014
"Russia is to alter its military doctrine as a result of the Ukraine crisis and Nato's presence in eastern Europe", a top Russian official says.
Mr Popov, deputy secretary of Russia's National Security Council, told Russia's RIA news agency that "the military infrastructure of Nato member states" was "getting closer to [Russian] borders, including via enlargement".
Nato's actions were one of the key "external threats" to Russia, he said.
"Nato's planned action is evidence of the desire of US and Nato leaders to continue their policy of aggravating tensions with Russia", Mr Popov said.
Nato announced its plans on Monday for a rapid response force of several thousand troops to protect eastern European members against possible Russian aggression.
The force, to be made up of troops provided by member states on a rotating basis, would be able to be deployed within 48 hours, Nato secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
Military equipment and supplies would be pre-positioned in member states in the east so the force could "travel light, but strike hard if needed", he added.
Mr Rasmussen said that the plans would not breach the 1997 Nato-Russia Founding Act, which forbids the presence of permanent bases in eastern and central Europe.
The new measures are set to be approved at a Nato summit in Wales this week.
The Nato security alliance covers 28 member states, including eastern European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. It does not include Ukraine.
Crisis talks between Ukraine officials, rebels and Russian envoys ended without agreement on Monday. It was a suprise really, as there were options of voting for independence, being part of Ukraine or part of Russia.
Ukraine's army has been forced to retreat amid a series of gains by pro-Russian rebels in both the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and further south around the port of Mariupol.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has accused Russia of "direct, overt aggression against Ukraine". Poroshenko has been repeatedly saying that, so he can poison countries's minds against Russia. He is trying not to take the blame for letting Ukrainian troops fight and take part in the civil war.
Russia has repeatedly denied Ukrainian and Western accusations that it is providing troops and equipment to the rebels.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had commented: "If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks". He means that if Russia wants to be at war with Ukraine, he would have done it differently, and would not have a long war.
US is likened to Nazi SS, and have been causing conflicts around the world.
As Nato prepares to upgrade its combat readiness in eastern Europe, Ban said he was greatly concerned at developments in Ukraine and wanted to avoid further deterioration to "a very chaotic and dangerous situation".
"I know the European Union, the Americans and most of the western countries are discussing very seriously among themselves how to handle this matter," he told reporters on Tuesday during a visit to New Zealand.
"What is important at this time is that they should know there is no military solution in this. There should be a political dialogue for a political solution, that is the more sustainable way," Ban said.
His comments came after European-mediated talks on the fast-escalating crisis opened on Monday behind closed doors in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, attended by Ukraine government, separatist and Russian envoys.
The rebels have launched a major counter-offensive in recent days that the Ukrainian government and its western allies claim is backed by Russian forces – a charge Moscow denies.
Peace Plan rejected
"In order to halt bloodletting, and stabilize the situation in south eastern Ukraine" Putin called on both Kiev and pro-Russian separatists to quickly agree to implement his roadmap.
The roadmap also calls for a withdrawal by Ukrainian forces to positions from which they cannot shell cities, and a halt to airstrikes by Kiev's military.
The blueprint also calls for deploying international observers to monitor a ceasefire, the unconditional release of all prisoners, the establishment of corridors for refugees and humanitarian aid, and the dispatch of aid to rebuild infrastructure in Donetsk and Lugansk, which have been the brunt of intense fighting.
"I believe that a final agreement between the authorities of Kiev and southeastern Ukraine can be reached and cemented during a meeting of the Contact Group on September 5," said Putin.
The Ukraine Contact Group, which includes representatives of Kiev, the separatist rebels, Moscow and the OSCE is scheduled to meet on Friday.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Wednesday rejected a ceasefire plan, proposed by Putin as an attempt to deceive the West about Moscow's real intentions. "This latest plan is another attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the international community ahead of the NATO summit and an attempt to avert the EU's inevitable decision to unleash a new wave of sanctions against Russia," he said in a statement.
Peskov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that "the heads of state exchanged opinions about what needs to be done first in order to bring an end to the bloodletting in the southeast of the country as soon as possible."
"The views of the presidents of the two countries about possible ways out of this difficult crisis overlap to a considerable degree," said Peskov.
What the Ukrainian Prime Minister said is that he is complaining there is no clarification of the construction for real border infrastructure. That is something they both have to plan how to improve security on the borders. That could be included in the seven point plan making it an eight point plan. The real intention is to have peace.
Putin is saying in a seven point plan to the dispatch of aid to rebuild infrastructure in Donetsk and Lugansk, which have been the brunt of intense fighting. He meant airport, and whatever has been destroyed to be rebuilt
Ukraine cannot just blast their way to victory by firing guns, and being in a conflict. One has got to have permanent ceasefire, and the first step is for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the civil war. Being in a war is not a military solution and will go nowhere.
I am asking Ukraine to see common sense and be sensible, and not feel any animosity towards Russia. The world knows you are trying to pit NATO and EU against Russia. We are not fools, It is you that are trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. Please be reasonable to stop being hateful, and avoid bloodletting. The UN has already accuses you of war crimes against humanity and abuses. You are abusing the world by anti-russian sayings.
If you do not want to work with President Putin to achieve peace, then listen to me when I said there is nothing wrong with the seven point peace plan, and agree to it for the sake of the world. The war is affecting all of us. I do sincerely hope you will reach an agreement by Friday.
According to the Russian minister it was not coincidental that calls for Ukraine’s non-ally NATO status were voiced after the Russian and Ukrainian presidents held talks on the possible ways to resolve the conflict and after a session of the Contact Group was held in the Belarusian capital of Minsk.
“This is an obvious attempt to derail all efforts to initiate a dialogue aimed at providing national security,” Lavrov said during his meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn.
“I am positive that until we refuse attempts to eternalize separating lines in Europe, until we seriously start dealing in practice with the principle of security inseparability in its all dimensions, in other words until we systematically resolve problems of the all-European nature, we will keep encountering from time to time situations similar to the crisis in Ukraine,” the top Russian diplomat added.
This link gives information that Ukraine wants to build a wall which could take six months. We have no problem with that. Rebels and Separatists needs to be briefed in a meeting about this to make sure there are no misunderstandings.
5th September 2014
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said representatives of Kiev and pro-Russian rebels agreed to declare a ceasefire on Friday.
Representatives of the warring parties have signed a protocol declaring ceasefire at 1500 GMT on Friday, Heidi Tagliavini, an OSCE representative at talks in Minsk told reporters.
They said the deal was due to come into force at 4pm UK time.
"Human life is the highest value and we must do everything possible, and impossible to end the bloodshed and the suffering," said the Ukrainian President.
He also said one of the terms of the ceasefire is the release of Ukrainian hostages in the next 24 hours
Separately, Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said in a televised cabinet meeting in Kiev that the peace plan must include three key elements - a ceasefire, the withdrawal of "Russian forces and Russian bandits and terrorists" and the restoration of Ukraine's state border with Russia.
This is much better, and shows Ukrainian Prime Minister is working, and planning the peace process by including the three key elements to Putin's six point plan except there are no Russian forces. That was a very good progress to peace.
However, Ukrainian President is really hypocritical when he said "human life is the highest value and we must do everything possible, and impossible to end the bloodshed and the suffering".
If he really thought that, why did he not stop the war immediately? Why did he not stop all this bloodshed? It is a bit too rich coming from the Ukrainian President who started the war and then want peace. Sounds like he saw common sense.
President Petro Poroshenko said the ceasefire was based on a 12-point peace plan that included the release of "hostages", which he said would probably happen on Saturday.
"It is very important that this ceasefire lasts long, and during this ceasefire we continue the political dialogue to bring peace and stability," he said.
It is the start of a constructive political process, and it is a breakthrough that all sides are co-operating to get the truce we all need.
http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/42861-140907-explosions-heard-on-outskirts-of-ukraine-s-mariupol
This is such a very big blow and a very big disappointment. What really happened was that rockets were fired, and we are not sure where they came from.
There have been conflicting accounts in newspaper reports. The way I see it is that, Ukraine was making an attempt to take over areas to get it back.
And that the rebels and separatists are defending themselves, and trying to protect infrastructure including one of the airports.
The rebels and separatists were probably trying to overtake Mariupol, and intending to have a long term ceasefire after that.
It has led to forgetting the ceasefire. I cannot say both sides are to blame.
In one of the newspaper reports, residents of Mariupol would like peace, and some say they would like to have Mariupol annexed.
The first step is to try, and let the residents have their wishes to avoid a war that could drag on for a long time.
http://rt.com/news/185700-lugansk-donetsk-special-status/
Full details in the OSCE report about the 12 point plan, decentralisation, special status and early elections.
This agreement points to Ukraine in trying to break the agreement, and breaking the ceasefire. Ukraine does not seem to want to abide by the agreement.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/nato-countries-are-delivering-arms-to-ukraine-defense-minister-says/507031.html
16th September 2014
Ukraine's parliament has passed two bills on granting greater autonomy to the rebellious regions in the east as well as amnesty for most of those involved in the fighting that gripped the region since April.
DONETSK, Ukraine — Ukraine's parliament has passed two bills on granting greater autonomy to the rebellious regions in the east as well as amnesty for most of those involved in the fighting that gripped the region since April.
The Tuesday vote in a closed session comes on the same day that parliament planned to ratify a trade deal with the European Union. That deal is the issue that sparked Ukraine's crisis last year when demonstrations broke out to protest then-President Viktor Yanukovych's shelving of the deal.
Legislation on more autonomy for the east is part of a shaky peace process. A cease-fire was called on Sept. 5, but violations have been frequent.
17th September 2014
http://www.globalresearch.ca/ukraine-claims-thousands-of-russian-troops-invaded-offers-no-evidence/5398463
Global research link proves that Ukraine can offer no evidence, and explains fully why Ukraine and other countries cannot offer evidence.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-29/eu-to-mull-russia-sanctions-as-ukraine-s-army-pushed-back.html
This link explains EU thinking about Russia sanctions and UK wants SWIFT banking stopped. EU cannot contemplate imposing any more sanctions, and taking measures to SWIFT banking.
EU is already violating the International Law committing crime against humanity in Russia depriving them of a lot of things by the present sanctions against Russia. These sanctions must be lifted without delay as Russia cannot survive properly with imposed sanctions placed on them. Russia has done nothing wrong.
EU and US are anti-Russia because they both want Ukraine to stay in the EU, and they both know they have a lot to lose if Ukraine is not part of EU. In the Bloomberg news, it is not clear what foreign troops are doing in Ukraine now and whether they are from EU.
31st August 2014
Brussels. Slovakia said it might veto new EU sanctions against Russia, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said after the EU summit on Sunday.
“I believe that the sanctions will become senseless and counter-productive. Slovakia may use its right of veto,” Fico said, explaining Slovakia would use its right of veto if it decided that the new anti-Russian sanctions would undermine its economic growth.
The Slovak prime minister said there was no point in imposing new sanctions until the EU knew the results of the previously adopted penalties.
Robert Fico has got the good sense to think about its right to veto, and hope the other countries will follow suit. Iran recently had sanctions imposed on by US because of nuclear which is ridiculous. A lot of countries have got nuclear and Iran is entititled to it. Shows US is Iranianphobia as well as Russianphobia.
http://rt.com/news/182812-russian-soldiers-detained-border/
Videos and explaination why 12 Russian soldiers got lost and crossed the border by mistake.
It also happens with Ukrainian soldiers getting lost sometimes.
http://rt.com/news/183308-russian-volunteers-ukraine-fighting/
This link by RT confirms only Russian volunteers are fighting to save their blood brothers, prevent infrastructure being damaged, to prevent loss of utilities etc.
Paul Craig Roberts, former Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury, has criticized the European Union's newly proposed sanctions on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, calling the 28 member-state bloc a US “puppet.”
“It’s really up to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin what happens. It’s not up to the EU. The EU is a puppet state of the United States. They’re being hurt by the sanctions that Washington has forced Europeans to impose on Russia,” he said in an interview with Press TV.
“The main hurt is only Europeans, not Russians.
“The whole question is whether the people in Washington [are] trying to control Russia or going to lose their European Empire. That’s the question before the world, will Europe sacrifice itself in order to serve American pressure against Russia, Craig Roberts explained. “I doubt it. I don’t think that’s possible. The government, the leaders might, but not the people.”
“The German people, I don’t think will stand for this when they see all the hurt coming to Germany because the idiot in Washington is trying to hurt Russia. It’s not going to happen, so what we are about to witness in my view is a collapse of American power,” he continued.
On Sunday, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said the bloc's heads of state tasked their executive body to urgently" prepare tougher economic sanctions that could be adopted within a week. EU "stands ready to take further significant steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. Everybody is fully aware that we have to act quickly."
The United States and the European Union have already imposed asset freezes and travel bans on senior Russian officials.
It is very true that the main hurt is the Europeans, and the European Union will eventually collapse due to unpopularity as well as bad regulations and reforms. The United Nations will eventually have to stand up to them, and say that the European Union is wrong on some counts, and should think of the people, and not commit crimes against humanity for the whole world.
We really must think about having a referendum as soon as possible to let the Russian and Ukrainian people have their rights whether they want to be part of European Union or not. It should help to stop the war.
I predict that if the war is going to go on, it will be a small matter of time before people have had a enough and vote to be part of Russia without the referendum.
President Putin is asking today for talks about statehood. He did say previously that he is not interested in breaking up Ukraine, and have anything to do with it except, give support to people to have what they decide to do. If the people of Ukraine wants statehood in New Russia and they want independence, it has Putin's blessing. If the people wants statehood in Ukraine and want independence, Putin will give blessing. It is up to the people of Ukraine what they want to do with their country like voting for being in EU, or vote to be in Ukraine.
1st September 2014
Imposing sanctions are complicating the crisis. Australia has followed suit in imposing sanctions against Russia.
The new Australian sanctions will ban arms exports to Russia, prohibit Russian state-owned banks further access to the Australian capital market and ban oil and gas exports to Russia, Australia’s prime minister announced today.
The sanctions are a response to Russia “deliberately and now openly violating Ukrainian sovereignty.
”Australia will not invest in the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula and will further target financial sanctions and travel bans against specific individuals,” Abbott said.
Australia’s sanctions will affect 63 Russian and Ukrainian individuals as well as 21 organizations and businesses.
Monday’s sanctions are a response to the European Union’s warning on further sanctions against Russia over Ukraine. Abbott confirmed that Australia’s sanctions were coordinated with the United States, Canada and Europe.
In July the European Union and the United States imposed economic sanctions, targeting Russia’s defence, energy and banking sectors. In August, Russia responded by introducing a one-year ban on food imports from the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia and Norway.
Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has insisted there will be no Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine, and said peace talks must focus on an immediate ceasefire.Ukrainian and Russian officials are due to hold talks with separatist rebels and international monitors in Minsk.
The talks in the Belarusian capital will bring together representatives of Russia, Ukraine, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) security forum and separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Russia should not be alone to be in talks without the presence of the negotiators, and cannot stop the fighting. It is up to the rebels and separatists as well as Ukrainian troops to withdraw, not to commit crime against humanity.
All these sanctions imposed by countries counting in Australia, United States, and Europe is a threat to the world, and is threatening Russia. The scales of economy have tipped, stalled or going too slowly.
We all can do without arms and the world would love it, if all countries did impose sanction to ban arms to each other all over the world. It would mean "arms free". Wish that would happen but not likely.
Imposing sanctions poses a very great threat and causes great concern. If you try and deprive of one country of imports and exports, the result is quite disastrous like the Russians for example. It does not only affect the Russians alone, and they probably do not care.
The other countries should care because a lot of foreign investment is in utilities, industries, businesses, companies and organisations etc. They rely on each other in one country. Foreign Investments are in each every country. Without these foreign investments, one may as well be self sufficient, and is not going to let the economy grow.
For example if Australia is not going to let Russia have gas and oil which Russia probably can live without. But it is affecting the gas and oil companies as well as Australia. Selling to Russia brings the Australians profits. Australia cannot make any money without selling.
So if there is no gas or oil to sell, the companies, industries, businesses and organisations suffer all around the world. One company would say we have no gas so we cannot work, and one part of the economy start stalling. If you have no paper, one part of the economy start stalling. There is then, no growth driver. There is no hub and no wheel to turn. And less money in the banks for the banks as well as less money for the people.
The present state of the economy is going to be precarious to say the least. The world's economic situation will eventually collapse. Those who suffer the most are the countries who imposed sanctions in the first place not Russia.
It is not fair to blame all the foreign companies, industries, businesses and organisations around the world for a war that has nothing to do with them. They make a living and sell goods to people, for people who need them .
Imposing sanctions does not stop the war and is killing off the world's economy.
Imposing sanctions is a crime against humanity.
Imposing sanctions is a crime against humanity.
Democracy will not tolerate such threats of imposing sanctions, and is a useless tool to try and punish. It is a wrong move, and is a primitive thing to do. It is senseless, insensitive, and counter- productive.
2nd September 2014
"Russia is to alter its military doctrine as a result of the Ukraine crisis and Nato's presence in eastern Europe", a top Russian official says.
There were no details on how the doctrine might change.
Mikhail Popov, a Kremlin adviser, said that deteriorating relations with the US and Nato would be reflected in the updated military strategy..
Mr Popov, deputy secretary of Russia's National Security Council, told Russia's RIA news agency that "the military infrastructure of Nato member states" was "getting closer to [Russian] borders, including via enlargement".
Nato's actions were one of the key "external threats" to Russia, he said.
"Nato's planned action is evidence of the desire of US and Nato leaders to continue their policy of aggravating tensions with Russia", Mr Popov said.
Nato announced its plans on Monday for a rapid response force of several thousand troops to protect eastern European members against possible Russian aggression.
The force, to be made up of troops provided by member states on a rotating basis, would be able to be deployed within 48 hours, Nato secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
Military equipment and supplies would be pre-positioned in member states in the east so the force could "travel light, but strike hard if needed", he added.
Mr Rasmussen said that the plans would not breach the 1997 Nato-Russia Founding Act, which forbids the presence of permanent bases in eastern and central Europe.
The new measures are set to be approved at a Nato summit in Wales this week.
The Nato security alliance covers 28 member states, including eastern European countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. It does not include Ukraine.
Crisis talks between Ukraine officials, rebels and Russian envoys ended without agreement on Monday. It was a suprise really, as there were options of voting for independence, being part of Ukraine or part of Russia.
Ukraine's army has been forced to retreat amid a series of gains by pro-Russian rebels in both the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, and further south around the port of Mariupol.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has accused Russia of "direct, overt aggression against Ukraine". Poroshenko has been repeatedly saying that, so he can poison countries's minds against Russia. He is trying not to take the blame for letting Ukrainian troops fight and take part in the civil war.
Russia has repeatedly denied Ukrainian and Western accusations that it is providing troops and equipment to the rebels.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had commented: "If I want to, I can take Kiev in two weeks". He means that if Russia wants to be at war with Ukraine, he would have done it differently, and would not have a long war.
US is likened to Nazi SS, and have been causing conflicts around the world.
No Military solution
The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has warned western powers "there is no military solution" to the Ukraine crisis, after the government in Kiev accused Russia of launching a "great war".
As Nato prepares to upgrade its combat readiness in eastern Europe, Ban said he was greatly concerned at developments in Ukraine and wanted to avoid further deterioration to "a very chaotic and dangerous situation".
"I know the European Union, the Americans and most of the western countries are discussing very seriously among themselves how to handle this matter," he told reporters on Tuesday during a visit to New Zealand.
"What is important at this time is that they should know there is no military solution in this. There should be a political dialogue for a political solution, that is the more sustainable way," Ban said.
His comments came after European-mediated talks on the fast-escalating crisis opened on Monday behind closed doors in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, attended by Ukraine government, separatist and Russian envoys.
The “war party” in Kiev needs to be brought to reason, and the United States is the only one able to do so, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
“Right now the main goal is the necessity to bring the ‘war party’ in Kiev to reason and only one who can actually do this is the US. Washington has a huge influence on Ukraine’s military authorities, and there are lots of facts [to back this up],” Lavrov said during a live televised joint press conference with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi.
Lavrov said that it is necessary “to use the influence and as a whole the abilities of the US to send the necessary signals to change from attempts to solve the situation by using military means to a political process.”
Since mid-April, the Ukrainian government has been conducting a military operation in eastern Ukraine, attempting to suppress independence supporters who refused to acknowledge the newly instated authorities following a February 22 coup.
Thousands of civilians have suffered as a result of the ongoing conflict, with more than 2,500 people killed and over 6,000 injured.
Heavy clashes and shelling by the Ukrainian Army have led to a humanitarian crisis in the area, with water, food and power shortages.
The United States has backed the actions of the new Ukrainian government, and accused Russia in escalating the situation in the country’s southeast.
Moscow has repeatedly said that it is not involved in Ukraine’s internal conflict, calling for an immediate stop to the bloodshed, and has stressed that the crisis can only be resolved through peaceful dialogue.
I agree with Ban Ki Moon saying that there is no military solution, that there should be a political dialogue for a political solution. I agree with Lavrov when he said that US is the only influence not to use military means but to a political process.
3rd September 2014
A pro-Russia rebel leader in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine said on Wednesday the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from "our territory" was the main condition for peace in the separatist-held area.
Vladimir Antyufeyev, deputy prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, told Reuters by telephone that talk of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was a "provocation" because Russia was not a party to the conflict.
"A ceasefire is always good but our main condition still stands - to withdraw Ukrainian troops from our territory. That's the only reasonable way," he said.
Pull back of the Ukrainian troops is the key to peace.
Russia and Ukraine spoke to each other to talk about permanent ceasefire. Russia says that they like to see it, and witness on paper the confirmation of a permanent ceasefire between rebels, separatists and the Ukrainian government.
Commenting on the phone call with the Ukrainian president earlier on Wednesday, Putin stressed that their “views on ways to resolve the conflict are aligned. Kiev must withdraw troops from southeastern regions of Ukraine and rebels must stop offensive to stop bloodshed", Russia’s President Vladimir Putin says.
He and Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko discussed "a ceasefire regime."
President Putin has outlined a seven-point plan to stabilize the situation in the crisis-torn east of Ukraine.
“On my way here from [the city of] Blagoveschensk to Ulan-Bator [Mongolia], I outlined some ideas and plan of actions. It’s here, but in handwriting,” Putin told reporters.
1. Militias should cease military advances in the Donetsk and Lugansk Regions.
2. Pro-Kiev armed forces should withdraw to a distance that excludes the possibility of shelling settlements.
3. Implement full and objective international control over ceasefire observation and monitoring.
4. Exclude the use of combat aircraft against civilians and villages.
5. Prisoner/captive-exchange via an ‘all-in-all’ formula, without preconditions.
6. Humanitarian corridors for refugees movement and delivery of humanitarian aid across Donetsk and Lugansk Regions.
7. Direct repair-crew access to destroyed social and transit infrastructure with supportive aid.
Putin expressed hope that final agreements between Kiev and militia in south eastern Ukraine could be reached and secured at the coming meeting of the so-called contact group on September 5.
“I hope the leaders of Ukraine will support the anticipated progress in bilateral relations,” Russia’s president said.
He called on Ukraine to take an active part in the work of the contact group “for a final and comprehensive settlement of the situation in the southeastern Ukraine, of course, with full and unconditional assurance of the legitimate rights of the people who live there.”
Peace Plan rejected
President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday unveiled a seven-point plan for peace in Ukraine which he said could be approved by rival sides in the conflict during talks scheduled for Friday.
"In order to halt bloodletting, and stabilize the situation in south eastern Ukraine" Putin called on both Kiev and pro-Russian separatists to quickly agree to implement his roadmap.
The roadmap also calls for a withdrawal by Ukrainian forces to positions from which they cannot shell cities, and a halt to airstrikes by Kiev's military.
The blueprint also calls for deploying international observers to monitor a ceasefire, the unconditional release of all prisoners, the establishment of corridors for refugees and humanitarian aid, and the dispatch of aid to rebuild infrastructure in Donetsk and Lugansk, which have been the brunt of intense fighting.
"I believe that a final agreement between the authorities of Kiev and southeastern Ukraine can be reached and cemented during a meeting of the Contact Group on September 5," said Putin.
The Ukraine Contact Group, which includes representatives of Kiev, the separatist rebels, Moscow and the OSCE is scheduled to meet on Friday.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Wednesday rejected a ceasefire plan, proposed by Putin as an attempt to deceive the West about Moscow's real intentions. "This latest plan is another attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the international community ahead of the NATO summit and an attempt to avert the EU's inevitable decision to unleash a new wave of sanctions against Russia," he said in a statement.
Peskov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that "the heads of state exchanged opinions about what needs to be done first in order to bring an end to the bloodletting in the southeast of the country as soon as possible."
"The views of the presidents of the two countries about possible ways out of this difficult crisis overlap to a considerable degree," said Peskov.
Russia and Ukraine have made progress voicing their grievances, but they must work together and plan together.
What the Ukrainian Prime Minister said is that he is complaining there is no clarification of the construction for real border infrastructure. That is something they both have to plan how to improve security on the borders. That could be included in the seven point plan making it an eight point plan. The real intention is to have peace.
Putin is saying in a seven point plan to the dispatch of aid to rebuild infrastructure in Donetsk and Lugansk, which have been the brunt of intense fighting. He meant airport, and whatever has been destroyed to be rebuilt
Ukraine cannot just blast their way to victory by firing guns, and being in a conflict. One has got to have permanent ceasefire, and the first step is for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the civil war. Being in a war is not a military solution and will go nowhere.
I am asking Ukraine to see common sense and be sensible, and not feel any animosity towards Russia. The world knows you are trying to pit NATO and EU against Russia. We are not fools, It is you that are trying to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. Please be reasonable to stop being hateful, and avoid bloodletting. The UN has already accuses you of war crimes against humanity and abuses. You are abusing the world by anti-russian sayings.
If you do not want to work with President Putin to achieve peace, then listen to me when I said there is nothing wrong with the seven point peace plan, and agree to it for the sake of the world. The war is affecting all of us. I do sincerely hope you will reach an agreement by Friday.
Initiatives of some political forces in Kiev concerning Ukraine’s drive to join NATO seems as attempts to ‘derail’ the peace process in Russia’s embattled neighboring Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.
According to the Russian minister it was not coincidental that calls for Ukraine’s non-ally NATO status were voiced after the Russian and Ukrainian presidents held talks on the possible ways to resolve the conflict and after a session of the Contact Group was held in the Belarusian capital of Minsk.
“This is an obvious attempt to derail all efforts to initiate a dialogue aimed at providing national security,” Lavrov said during his meeting with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn.
“I am positive that until we refuse attempts to eternalize separating lines in Europe, until we seriously start dealing in practice with the principle of security inseparability in its all dimensions, in other words until we systematically resolve problems of the all-European nature, we will keep encountering from time to time situations similar to the crisis in Ukraine,” the top Russian diplomat added.
http://vestnikkavkaza.net/news/politics/59612.html
This link gives information that Ukraine wants to build a wall which could take six months. We have no problem with that. Rebels and Separatists needs to be briefed in a meeting about this to make sure there are no misunderstandings.
5th September 2014
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) said representatives of Kiev and pro-Russian rebels agreed to declare a ceasefire on Friday.
Representatives of the warring parties have signed a protocol declaring ceasefire at 1500 GMT on Friday, Heidi Tagliavini, an OSCE representative at talks in Minsk told reporters.
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko confirmed on his Twitter account that a peace plan had been signed, while pro-Russian rebels also announced the news on the social media site.
The two sides, meeting in Belarusian capital Minsk, agreed to stop firing at 15:00 GMT.
However, the rebels said the truce had not changed their policy of advocating separation from Ukraine.
The two sides, meeting in Belarusian capital Minsk, agreed to stop firing at 15:00 GMT.
However, the rebels said the truce had not changed their policy of advocating separation from Ukraine.
They said the deal was due to come into force at 4pm UK time.
"Human life is the highest value and we must do everything possible, and impossible to end the bloodshed and the suffering," said the Ukrainian President.
He also said one of the terms of the ceasefire is the release of Ukrainian hostages in the next 24 hours
Separately, Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said in a televised cabinet meeting in Kiev that the peace plan must include three key elements - a ceasefire, the withdrawal of "Russian forces and Russian bandits and terrorists" and the restoration of Ukraine's state border with Russia.
This is much better, and shows Ukrainian Prime Minister is working, and planning the peace process by including the three key elements to Putin's six point plan except there are no Russian forces. That was a very good progress to peace.
However, Ukrainian President is really hypocritical when he said "human life is the highest value and we must do everything possible, and impossible to end the bloodshed and the suffering".
If he really thought that, why did he not stop the war immediately? Why did he not stop all this bloodshed? It is a bit too rich coming from the Ukrainian President who started the war and then want peace. Sounds like he saw common sense.
Both sides agreed to stop fighting, and the OSCE said it would monitor the ceasefire.
President Petro Poroshenko said the ceasefire was based on a 12-point peace plan that included the release of "hostages", which he said would probably happen on Saturday.
"It is very important that this ceasefire lasts long, and during this ceasefire we continue the political dialogue to bring peace and stability," he said.
It is the start of a constructive political process, and it is a breakthrough that all sides are co-operating to get the truce we all need.
From Hungary
Speaker László Kövér on Wednesday described the conflict in Ukraine as a manipulated process, in which Ukrainians have the smallest role.
The aim of this “circus” is to separate Russia from Europe, he said in answer to questions from participants in the international Freedom Express, which visited Parliament.
While it is important that Hungary has joined NATO – as that protects Hungary against Russian imperial aspirations – and while he understands the fears of Poland and the Baltic States, Russia also has legitimate security needs, Kövér remarked.
“Who is the American or European politician who asked Ukrainians what they want?” he asked rhetorically, adding that Putin held a referendum when Russia occupied Crimea.
7th September 2014
This is such a very big blow and a very big disappointment. What really happened was that rockets were fired, and we are not sure where they came from.
There have been conflicting accounts in newspaper reports. The way I see it is that, Ukraine was making an attempt to take over areas to get it back.
And that the rebels and separatists are defending themselves, and trying to protect infrastructure including one of the airports.
The rebels and separatists were probably trying to overtake Mariupol, and intending to have a long term ceasefire after that.
It has led to forgetting the ceasefire. I cannot say both sides are to blame.
In one of the newspaper reports, residents of Mariupol would like peace, and some say they would like to have Mariupol annexed.
The first step is to try, and let the residents have their wishes to avoid a war that could drag on for a long time.
http://rt.com/news/185700-lugansk-donetsk-special-status/
Full details in the OSCE report about the 12 point plan, decentralisation, special status and early elections.
This agreement points to Ukraine in trying to break the agreement, and breaking the ceasefire. Ukraine does not seem to want to abide by the agreement.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/nato-countries-are-delivering-arms-to-ukraine-defense-minister-says/507031.html
16th September 2014
Ukraine's parliament has passed two bills on granting greater autonomy to the rebellious regions in the east as well as amnesty for most of those involved in the fighting that gripped the region since April.
DONETSK, Ukraine — Ukraine's parliament has passed two bills on granting greater autonomy to the rebellious regions in the east as well as amnesty for most of those involved in the fighting that gripped the region since April.
The Tuesday vote in a closed session comes on the same day that parliament planned to ratify a trade deal with the European Union. That deal is the issue that sparked Ukraine's crisis last year when demonstrations broke out to protest then-President Viktor Yanukovych's shelving of the deal.
Legislation on more autonomy for the east is part of a shaky peace process. A cease-fire was called on Sept. 5, but violations have been frequent.
17th September 2014
Top rebel leader Andrei Purgin said that the separatist leadership was not willing to allow Donetsk and Luhansk to remain part of Ukraine. Pro-Russian rebels rejected Ukrainian legislation meant to end the unrest by granting self-rule to large swathes of the east.
Since a ceasefire imposed on September 5, the fighting in Donetsk has been primarily limited to the north of the city, where many residential neighbourhoods have been caught in the crossfire of battles centred on the government-controlled airport.
The ceasefire has been much violated from the start and civilian casualties have continued to rise, adding to the estimated 3,000 people killed since fighting started in April.
On Tuesday, the Ukrainian parliament took a step to resolve the crisis by passing laws that would grant greater autonomy to rebel-held parts of the east, as well as amnesty for many of the separatists, a major concession to both Moscow and the rebels.
"We perceive this as a document in which we can find certain points to start a dialogue," Purgin said. "But there is a red line we cannot cross: we do not accept any political unions ... with Ukraine. No federative, no unitary structure."
The laws passed by the Ukrainian parliament call for three years of self-rule in parts of eastern Ukraine and for local elections in December. They grant concessions that were not previously offered by the Ukrainian side, such as local oversight of court, and prosecutor appointments, and local control of police.
But Purgin insisted that the rebel leadership would settle only on full independence from Ukraine.
"We are unable to join the Russian Federation directly, so we will build our own country," he said.
Purgin's comments, echoed by other leaders on Wednesday, could undermine peace talks that are under way in the Belarusian capital of Minsk between Ukraine, Russia and the Russia-backed rebels.
The comments are also in striking contrast to the Russian foreign ministry's positive reaction to the legislation, which it called a "step in the right direction".
The legislation "creates the foundation for launching a substantive constitutional process in Ukraine, including the start of a dialogue intended to help national reconciliation and accord in the country", the ministry said in a statement.
Rebels have always wanted to have independence of Eastern Ukraine, and are determined to have it.
Ukrainian government is prolonging the war by not making Eastern Ukraine independent that the rebels asked for from the very beginning.
Ukraine has committed a very grave war crime by not letting Eastern Ukraine have a referendum to have it made independent in the first place.
A lot of bloodshed would have been avoided.
If a referendum resulted in a no independent state, then Ukraine would grant a greater autonomy, not the other way round.
It is the will of the people who decide, not the government.
Anyone would expect war to happen, if there are no elections or referendum as it is not a democratic process. It is not a substantive constitutional process.
21st September 2014
As part of a compromise to end the hostilities, the Ukrainian parliament this week passed a law giving a broad autonomy to the areas controlled by the rebels, including the power to hold local elections and form their own police force.
Alexander Zakharchenko, the leader of rebels in Donetsk, said after the talks that Ukraine and the rebels have conflicting interpretations of the law, and the talks should continue.
The memorandum signed after hours of talks that dragged late into last night says that the conflicting parties should stay strictly where they were yesterday, and make no attempts to advance.
As part of a compromise to end the hostilities, the Ukrainian parliament this week passed a law giving a broad autonomy to the areas controlled by the rebels, including the power to hold local elections and form their own police force.
Negotiators in Ukrainian peace talks agreed to create a buffer zone to separate government troops and pro-Russian militants.
Leonid Kuchma, a former Ukrainian president who represented the Kiev government in the talks, spoke about buffer zone.
Under the terms of the deal, reached in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, each party must pull its artillery at least nine miles back, setting up a buffer zone that would be 19 miles)wide.
The longer-range artillery systems are to be pulled even farther back to make sure the parties cannot reach one another.
The deal also specifically bans flights by combat aircraft over the area of conflict and setting up new minefields.
"It should offer the population a chance to feel secure," said Igor Plotnitskyi, the leader of rebels in the Luhansk region.
The rebels are located near the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine and also halfway to the city of Mariupol south of there on the coast, but their positions outside of these cities are not clear.
Ukrainian government forces are at the airport in Donetsk but the location of their lines outside of that city is also unclear.
The memorandum also envisages the withdrawal of "all foreign armed units and weapons, as well as militants and mercenaries" - a diplomatic reference to Russians fighting alongside the rebels.
The deal also included withdrawing heavy weapons and foreign fighters in order to ensure a stable truce in eastern Ukraine, and was reached by representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the Moscow-backed rebels and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
It marks an effort to add substance to a ceasefire agreement that was signed on September 5 but has been frequently broken by clashes.
The deal is a historic moment towards the path of peace, and talks are still ongoing to resolve more problems that could arise, or have arisen during the peace talks.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29473617
9th October 2014
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2785261/Welcome-Donetsk-Shocking-pictures-Ukrainian-airport-lying-tatters-UN-says-331-killed-month-s-ceasefire-agreed.html
Shocking pictures of Donetsk airport lying in tatters. UN has called to respect residents rights for normalcy. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein released a statement today saying that the security crisis needed to be tackled so residents of east Ukraine could reclaim their rights.
The organisation estimates that some five million people are being deprived of education, adequate health care, housing and employment in the area.
Mr Zeid said: 'While the cease-fire is a very welcome step toward ending the fighting in eastern Ukraine, I call on all parties to genuinely respect and uphold it, and to halt the attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.'
I do understand why the rebels wanted to destroy the airport, as they wanted the Ukrainian troops out of their territory which rebels have always called home. The rebels have always wanted to protect their assets and properties from the Ukrainian government when it became corrupt and bust.
If Ukrainian troops have left the Donetsk airport soon after the ceasefire agreed, the untold damage and disruption to lives would never have happened on that scale.
There can never be a real proper ceasefire until the Ukrainian troops are ejected from Eastern Ukraine. They should have left a long time ago.
12th October 2014
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered thousands of troops stationed near the Ukrainian border to return to their bases, according to Russian media report.
Mr Putin's spokesman said about 17,600 soldiers on training exercises in the Rostov region would be pulled back.
Russia has previously announced troop withdrawals that Nato and the US say were not actually carried out.
There were changes in circumstances as Ukrainian troops were still firing from the airport in Donetsk which seems to have stopped since the ceasefire.
Russia was preparing for soldiers by giving them training in case the Ukranian conflict spilled over the Russian borders.
It was important for Russian soldiers to complete their training, and understand the borders better.
17th October 2014
Ukraine's parliament speaker Oleksandr Turchynov has inked a law on special status of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and sent it to President Petro Poroshenko for signing.
The parliament approved the law introducing self-administration in parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions on September 16.
The law stipulates that local elections are to take place in these regions on December 7 and also guarantees the right to use Russian or any other language in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier said Moscow views the special status legislation as a step in the right direction and in line with the agreements outlined in the Geneva joint statement by Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the EU on April 17, as well as in the Berlin declaration of July 2.
On September 5, the trilateral Contact Group consisting of representatives from Russia, Ukraine, the DPR and the LPR and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) met in Minsk to discuss the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
The meeting resulted in ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian government and independence supporters. In addition, Ukraine agreed to adopt a law on granting special status to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and ensuring early elections of the heads of the self-proclaimed republics.
The leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR, LPR) have laid claim to the whole territory within the borders of the respective administrative entities in Ukraine, and want full independence.
Both self-proclaimed republics have set elections of regional leaders and legislative bodies for November 2.
2nd November 2014
http://rt.com/news/201583-donetsk-lugansk-election-ukraine/
Elections are taking place today. See link for news.
13th November 2014
A ceasefire agreed by the pro-Russian rebels and government forces more than two months ago seem dead, and Western fears of a return to all-out conflict are growing
Ukraine said on Wednesday it was redeploying troops in the east because of fears that separatists will launch a new military offensive, despite Russia's denials it has sent troops to reinforce the rebels.
Ukraine would say anything to go against the rebels's wishes to stay in Eastern Ukraine under another rule.
US General Philip Breedlove, Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the alliance had seen Russian troops and tanks entering Ukraine in the past few days, confirming reports by international observers.
“There is no question any more about Russia's direct military involvement in Ukraine,” Breedlove said in Bulgaria. Breedlove would say that but cannot prove Russia is involved unless there is proof there is real infighting outside Eastern Ukraine.
A Russian Defence Ministry official, General-Major Igor Konashenkov, said in Moscow that “there were and are no facts” behind such statements and Russia had given up paying attention to such accusations by Nato.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak left no doubt that Kiev was also no longer paying attention to Moscow's denials of providing the rebels with direct military support in the worst diplomatic standoff with the West since the Cold War.
“We are repositioning our armed forces to respond to the actions of the (rebel) fighters,” Poltorak told a government meeting in Kiev. “My main task is to prepare for military action.”
He gave no details of the troop movements.
The ceasefire was agreed in the Belarussian capital of Minsk on September 5 after weeks of fierce fighting between government forces and separatists who rebelled in mainly Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine against the rule of Kiev's Western-looking government eight months ago.
The truce has been violated daily, and increasingly but only inside Eastern Ukraine which Ukrainian troops should have left a long time ago.
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern about what he called a “significant military build-up”.
“This is a severe threat to the ceasefire. “I call on Russia to pull back its forces and equipment from Ukraine, and to fully respect the Minsk agreements.” he said.
I agree with Nato Secretary General. Everyone would be concerned about a significant military build up, but I am not that concerned as Eastern Ukraine is just stocking up to meet their requirements against any eventuality from Ukraine. It is not quite the severe threat to the ceasefire yet as one would anticipate.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State John Kerry by phone that the ceasefire deal must be upheld, rejecting accusations that Moscow is to blame for its collapse.
A Reuters reporter, however, saw unidentified military trucks in the centre of Donetsk on Wednesday, with soldiers in green uniform without insignia standing nearby. Russian soldiers spotted by local residents have often worn no insignia.
Kiev has nothing to fear, as Putin does not want to expand the territory controlled by the separatists and made that very clear.
Moscow denied sending in troops and armour in August, but said some Russians may have been there as volunteers during their holidays. Which is true and if there are Russian soldiers in Eastern Ukraine, they are volunteers, returning home from Russia or have made a new home in Eastern Ukraine from Russia.
Bear in mind that there is a very high population of Russians living in Ukraine as well as Eastern Ukraine.
The only thing that separates Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine is the Ukraine's economy which is almost non existent.
The prospect of all-out war returning to eastern Ukraine has piled pressure on the country's struggling economy, sending the hryvnia currency plummeting. The cost of insuring exposure to Ukraine's debt hit five-year highs on Wednesday, while its dollar bonds were sold off heavily.
Russia is also suffering an economic downturn aggravated by Western economic sanctions over the conflict, with the rouble falling nearly 30 percent against the dollar this year.
EU has signalled it will not ease sanctions on Russia when it meets to discuss them next week.
It is still so very wrong of EU to impose sanctions on Russia when Putin is not even involved.
Time will tell who is really the offender of war. The finger still points to Ukraine.
Message for Nato Secretary General - Putin has expanded his fleet of bombers to keep an eye on certain areas to making sure Nato is not going to do anything, and seeing that everything is as it is. Bombers are on patrol missions only. Putin like to keep his eye on Nato.
14th November 2014
http://rt.com/news/204959-russia-ukraine-military-un/
Ukraine has got front line troops along Eastern Ukraine according to news by RT. Here is the full story plus another one to click on inside the article.
15th November 2014
http://www.dw.de/kyiv-orders-pullout-of-state-services-from-eastern-ukraine/a-18067266
This is good news about Ukraine pulling out state services from Eastern Ukraine, and hope that the rebels will give permission to let Ukraine do so.
17th November 2014
President Vladimir Putin said in a German television interview last Sunday that he is convinced it should be possible to find a way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, but added he was concerned about the threat of ethnic cleansing.
"Can one find a way out of this situation? Yes, I'm convinced there is a way," Putin said after criticising the Ukraine government for using force, rather than dialogue, against its adversaries in the east to trigger the crisis. "I'll say this bluntly: we're very concerned that the desire could arise to use ethnic cleansing. We're afraid about a drift towards neo-Nazism. There are people with swastikas on their sleeves running around and armed forces with SS symbols on the helmets... That's why we fear there's a drift in that direction. It would be a disaster for the people in Ukraine."
Putin, who spoke almost entirely in Russian, and said he had made mistakes, believes Ukraine has a bright future, although it needs a framework so that all its minorities feel at home.
"It's a great nation with great people," he said. "But, you know, there's just one thing missing: an understanding that to be successful, stable and grow, everyone needs to have a feeling that this is their home no matter what language they speak - whether it's Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian or Polish."
Putin said the annexation of Crimea was legitimate under international law and democratic because both the regional parliament and the people voted for it in a referendum. He said Russian troops were deployed to prevent bloodshed, and added he was surprised by the reaction in the West.
"We consider the reaction to be completely inappropriate to what happened. I'm firmly convinced Russia did not violate international law in any way. It's in our interests ... and we'll look for a common solution and a common political framework," he said. "We're ready for that but it will only work jointly."
He was asked if he had made any mistakes.
"Listen, mistakes are always made - in business and private life," he said. "Everyone makes mistakes. But what's important is to react in a timely way, analyse and understand it was a mistake and then change the behaviour - and not get stuck on a dead-end street but work towards finding a solution."
Putin was full of praise for German-Russian relations. Industry leaders in Germany have been the strongest opponents of the European Union's economic sanctions against Russia
"If you look at the atmosphere between Russia and Germany over the last 10 or 15 years, I don't know if there's ever been such a good period before. I don't think so. I think it's a very good foundation for developing not only bilateral relations but between Russia and the European Union and beyond that for global relationships. It'd be a shame to lose all that."
20th November 2014
A U.S. official suggested on Wednesday that Washington should consider providing weapons to Ukraine.
Russia said on Thursday the United States would violate international agreements, and destabilise the situation if it supplies weapons to Ukrainian forces fighting separatists in the country's east
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said that sent a "very serious signal".
Lukashevich was addressing reporters before a visit to Ukraine by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, who was due to arrive in Kiev on Thursday evening.
"If there is a change of policy (of providing only non-lethal assistance to Ukraine), then we can speak of a serious destabilizing factor that can seriously impact the balance of forces in this region,"
He cautioned against "a major change in policy of the (U.S.) administration in regard to the conflict" in Ukraine. "That (would be) a direct violation of agreements reached, including (agreements reached) with the participation of the United States," he said.
Washington backs Kiev in its struggle against the pro-Russian separatists in two eastern regions of Ukraine, and has imposed sanctions on Russia over its policies in the crisis.
Moscow supports the separatists, but denies it is part of the armed conflict which the United Nations says has killed more than 4,300 people since mid-April.
Separatists must not be left undefended and is entitled to have help defending themselves every time Ukrainian soldiers attack them. The separatists would be wiped out if undefended.
They say they got the arms and equipment from volunteers who are blood brothers raised money on behalf of separatists.
Separatists got their own homes, and it is unthinkable that any troops would just fire at any homes and demolish them. And any lands owned by landowners be destroyed purposely by Ukrainian soldiers.
The separatists simply do not want to be ruled by Ukraine.
What has Ukraine been trying to protect? It is a government no one wants to touch.
America would be fuelling the war by supplying arms to Ukraine instead of a political solution.
The war will not stop unless Ukrainian soldiers withdraw, and lay down arms.
The rebels cannot lay down arms if they have to protect their territory, but they will not shoot if not attacked.
The fighting in eastern Ukraine has killed nearly 300 people in the last month despite a ceasefire and has violated people's rights so much it could amount to war crimes, UN rights investigators said.
466, 830 people are displaced since the war began.
The report also cited allegations of serious human rights abuses by armed groups including torture, detention, executions, forced labour and sexual violence that "are of a systematic nature and may amount to crimes against humanity".
The report said the stand-off between Kiev's government troops and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine "is becoming increasingly entrenched, with the total breakdown of law and order and the emergence of parallel governance systems" in Donetsk, the largest city under separatist control, and in rebel-controlled areas in the neighbouring Luhansk region.
"All parties need to make a far more wholehearted effort to resolve this protracted crisis peacefully," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein said in a statement.
There will always be a total breakdown of law and order during any war unfortunately. Donetsk and Luhanask could have had local elections in May, but was prevented to do so until the beginning of November. They are now restoring law and order with new local governments. And peace is unlikely until Eastern Ukraine will become independent. The rebels and separatists are not going to give in to Ukrainian government. It is up to Ukrainian soldiers to give up now and keep the peace. There is nothing left for them to fight for. They cannot use violence to bully or force anyone anymore.
Proposed Model
I have a proposed model that might be acceptable to all parties.
Ideas could arise from the one proposed model from all parties.
Recommendations
It may sound like a competition.
If the rebels and the separatists think they can govern better than the Ukrainian government. They have to prove they can do so ranging from the economy to other issues relating to structuring institutions including Justice.
We will then see if who is better to govern whether it is Ukraine or Eastern Ukraine. If Ukraine is found to be more capable of governing than Eastern Ukraine. Eastern Ukraine will have to give up the right to permanent governance and vice versa.
If all parties agree to do that, they have to put the thought of independence on hold.
If Eastern Ukraine is found to be more capable, this government will have to take on the Ukrainian government and rule from there.
Or Ukraine is found to be more capable, then Ukraine takes over Eastern Ukraine.
All parties must abide by the rules that they must start from scratch, and must restructure institutions and rebalance the economy etc.
To agree there will be monitoring present to keep an eye on both Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine.
All parties have nothing to lose as all parties can each have a place in the Ukrainian government in the event Eastern Ukraine failed.
21st November 21014
957 people have been killed amid continuing violations on both sides in the eight weeks since the truce came into force. UN confirmed these figures, and highlights credible allegations of abuses by government forces.
Vladimir Putin said "threat to everyone, the global order and global peace".
It has been almost a full scale war and I condemn all countries for taking sides with Ukraine and condemn EU for imposing sanctions on Russia. These actions are so very shameful.
No one should take sides and must not take sides. Any encouragement will only fuel the war.
No countries except Russia has really bothered to find a political solution, which a real solution has not been found. Russia did its best to ease tensions and disputes.
And it did not help having a former President of Ukraine meddling in such matters.
The rebels and separatists are more intelligent than the Ukrainian government and the government should respect their human rights and freedom to live in democracy.
Therefore, all parties must consider my proposed model to peace detailed above.
We must restore Law and Order by not fighting anymore.
What US Vice President Joe Biden said:
The United States remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine as it works to establish security, restore economic stability, strengthen the rule of law, advance the fight against corruption, and carry out democratic and constitutional reforms. The White House would commit $20 million to support comprehensive reform in the Ukrainian law enforcement and justice sectors, including proscecutorial and anti-corruption reforms. US will be directing an additional $3 million to the UN World Food Program emergency operation in Ukraine for food rations and assistance to people displaced by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and other vulnerable populations.
The United States will continue to work with the Congress to identify additional opportunities for US assistance to Ukraine. For example, the Administration has requested from the Congress an additional $45 million as part of the President's European reassurance initiative that would help build Ukraine's capacity to provide for its own defence and increase interoperability with US and Western forces.
What Alan, an Ossetian fighter said:
"There was never a ceasefire. Ukraine broke the truce by not being serious about prisoner exchanges. They sent us back crooks and drunks who were never separatist fighters. I am a volunteer and was not sent to Eastern Ukraine by the Kremlin. I sport an automatic weapon that was never in use by the Ukrainian military. Most arms used by separatist fighters were looted from Ukrainian weapons stores".
Disputes persist on violations of the Minsk deal.
Ukrainian Security Service officials dismiss the claim that they did not observe the Minsk agreement provision governing prisoner swaps. An official, Vasyl Vovk said exchanges did take place, but there are still 333 Ukrainian servicemen, 41 members of volunteer battalions and two journalists being held by the separatists. He acknowledged about 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been freed by the rebels.
Separatists will not stop with Donetsk and Luhansk. Once they have secured them, they will push further and grab all eight provinces of South East Ukraine, including Mariupol, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia. They said port city of Odessa should be part of "New Russia".
There is evidence that people in Mariupol or Odessa want to leave Ukraine which throws doubts about whether the elections were rigged.
Ukraine officials said the rebels are impossible to negotiate with, and Prime Minister Yatseniuk rejected a call to negotiate directly with the separatists. The Prime Minister said that direct negotiations would legitimise the insurgents. Separatists and Rebels are not insurgents.
Alan said he will never observe the Minsk agreement and neither will his fighters. "This is Russian land, Russia's ancestral home and NATO and the American will not push us out".
US and Europe are siding with Ukraine and throwing money at Ukraine for their selfish means as to protect trade, save trade, to keep Ukraine in Europe for their own means etc. They do not care about a population of Russians who have lived in Ukraine all their lives, and have ancestors from Russia who lived in Ukraine which used to be part of Russia . US and Europe do not care if Ukraine destroy Russians's homes and their livelihoods. US and Europe should not be supporting Ukraine at all, and it shows Ukraine incapable of governing on its own without the intervention of US and Europe. Ukraine have signed a deal for all parties to have a Coalition government today.
There is new corruption taken place with the elections having been rigged, and not respecting the human rights of Russians and freedom to live in democracy.
The separatists and rebels will always be defiant to the end, and will never give up. If Ukraine succeed to wipe all of them, there will be more volunteers from Russia to take their place and it will go on and on. Vladimir Putin can do nothing, and cannot stop the Russians from his own country to fight in Ukraine. The war could last for years if volunteers (high population of Russians against Ukrainians) keep fighting against Ukraine unless there is a drastic political solution to end it all. It will be a hopeless situation, something that US and EU will not have predicted.
22nd November 2014
US have sent anti-mortar radar systems to aid the fight against rebels. It was confirmed in the Bloomberg report today. The rebels suffered heavy losses during a failed assault at Donetsk Airport. Ukraine continue to ignore the principles of humanitarian law and international conventions by gunning and shelling, and not evacuating Donetsk to leave the rebels alone to rebuild their lives. Ukraine have also used drones to spy on Donetsk Airport as well as other areas. It is believed that US provided the drones as well.
I would not be suprised if US is behind the elections rigging. I call on UN to arrange another general election and local elections, and have them monitored by UN. We need confirmation that it is fair and just.
The war is not going to end unless we deal with the war first, before there be reforms and a new parliament.
I believe that US is so paranoid thinking there will be another cold war, that Stalinism will return etc. That is not going to happen in the 21st century or the next century.
Major foreign policy addresses
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/11/21/derek-fraser-what-vladimir-putin-wants-from-the-west/
This article must reach the West. Putin speaks at a Security Council meeting in the Kremlin, Moscow two days ago. He was delivering major foreign policy addresses for equal and indivisible security for the West. It is a very important article to read which is full of common sense. It is part of framework to peace.
United States Senate speeches
http://groundreport.com/hundreds-of-ukrainian-soldiers-have-died-in-battle-against-these-same-separatist-forces-says-senator-portman/
This link proves speeches took place in the United States Senate. That Senator Cardin did monitor the election. That there was a call to support Ukraine and provide radar systems etc. That they are against Russia. United States have abused their position by taking sides, and providing help to Ukraine.
Leader of the Rebels gives a true story.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-s-igor-strelkov-claims-responsibility-for-unleashing-war-in-ukraine/511584.html
Here is the true story from Igor Strelkov. It explains how the war started, what the aims were, what they were trying to achieve. He has now stepped down and is living in Moscow.
Joe Biden's motive to get rid of Eastern Ukraine
Hunter Biden's father Joe Biden travelled to Kiev on April 22, 2014, and urged the Ukraine government to reduce its dependence on Russia for supplies of natural gas. And he discussed how the United States could help provide technical expertise for expanding domestic production of natural gas.
Some accuse the United States of manipulating the Ukraine situation so that Western oil companies have unfettered access to shale gas (from "fracking") and to drill all across the Ukraine.
With the revelations that Hunter Biden serves on the board of the Ukrainian company Burisma, many raised concerns about Hunter Biden's interests conflicting with offical US government positions.
The White House has dismissed nepotism charges against Biden's son. But the director of the US-Ukraine Business Council Morgan Williams pointed to an "American tradition that frowns on close family members of government working for organisations with business links to active politics".
Williams stated Biden appears to have violated this unwritten principle: when you're trying to keep the political sector separate from the business sector, and reduce corruption, then it's not just about holding down corruption, it's also the appearance.
This is the reason why Joe Biden wanted to give so much money to Ukraine on behalf of US to help Ukraine establish a new parliament and to have new reforms etc. Eastern Ukraine has been targeted for fracking and wants use all the land. Which is why there is an intense war going on, and the refusal of Ukrainian troops not leaving Eastern Ukraine alone.
I suspected there was a lot of manipulation going on by US, and the reason for rigged elections etc. Shows there is more corruption.
The war must end first and all the elections including general election must be held legally and monitored very closely. And making sure everyone votes fair, square and just before there will be a new parliament and make reforms.
A lot of people have been displaced, moved abroad and moved to Russia which could be more than one million of the Ukrainian population still accounted for who have not been able to vote.
A lot of people would be happier including myself we were to see the last of President Poroshenko and his Prime Minister. They are in our eyes guilty of war crimes.
23rd November 2014
DPR is going to lay territorial claims over the entire territory of Ukraine's Donetsk region should talks with Kiev occur. Prime Minister Denis Pushilin said today. Donetsk have declared their independence for the Republic of Donetsk.
"We will insist on a full territorial integrity of the republic. It is within the borders of the former Donetsk Region," Pushilin told reporters, pointing out that the issue should be addressed at the negotiating table, without any weapons in hands.
Some people do not believe now that we will bring the whole territory of the region under control. But many people also did not believe that the republic would appear, that we would hold the referendum and elections, that we would withstand the onslaught of the [Ukrainian] army, answering the question whether Kiev would agree to hand over the whole territory of Donbas to the self-proclaimed republic.
DPR head Alexander Zakharchenko has repeatedly stated that the whole territory of the "former Donetsk Region" should become part of the Donetsk People's Republic.
If that happens Donetsk People's Republic may sign an agreement for strategic co-operation and integration meaning that an agreement is envisaging close co-operation in foreign policy, security, defence and economy with Russia. It would be a strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Donetsk People's Republic.
Abkhazia is going to sign an agreement tomorrow. Abkhazia broke away from Georgia some time ago and is now independent.
29th November 2014
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/29/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKCN0JD0E320141129
The President of European Commission and Angela Merkel have done the wrong way again. The say they do not want to go to war against Russia and imposed sanctions instead. This time against separatists. This is not going to work and will not make a difference, and it is not up to the separatists to resolve the conflict, and not up to Russia either.
These meaningless sanctions are spiralling, and is affecting those who imposed sanctions in the first place. The European Union are abusing their positions imposing sanctions and is sending a domino effect to other countries affecting their economies.
The separatists are not violating territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
They are human beings asking for democracy, and they are not foreigners. They are Russians defending their homes, and their homeland whether they are in Ukraine or not. It is their sovereign country. EU should not treat separatists like aliens.
Separatists sought independence because of the incompetency of the Ukrainian Government making it a lawless, corrupt and bankrupt country.
EU must stop blaming the separatists and rebels, and start asking the Ukrainian Government to withdraw their own troops without delay.
Then we can have peace and start talking.
We do condemn the European Union imposing sanctions at all, which are against human rights. It is also against human rights not to let separatists and rebels have democracy.
It is so unfair that these civilians should be treated that way, and the EU supporting the Free Syria Army.
30th November 2014
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said last Friday. "The sanctions against Russia undermine stability of global economy, and have no relation to the task of resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
Specific facts have been stated that signal that the unilateral sanctions introduced against us are illegitimate and undermine stability of global economy, and have nothing in common with the goal of de-escalating the Ukrainian crisis.”
Lavrov told a meeting of Russia’s Council of Heads of Subjects (CHS). "It is evident that restrictive measures are of a double-edged character. The anti-sanctions voices have become louder in Europe amid “negative impact of restrictions on national economies and interests of business circles who have ties with Russia’s market. We hope common sense will prevail".
Earlier this month, Russian presidential advisor Sergey Glazyev said the European Union member states could lose up to 1 trillion euros ($1.2 trillion) if Brussels continues pursuing the sanctions policy against Russia.
Lavrov said that Italy loses from Russia-EU sanctions at a cost of over 20 billion euros.
Donetsk, Luhansk and the Kiev authorities start restoring ties as soon as possible. Leaders of Eastern regions who were elected called for re-establishing a joint economic, cultural, and political space. The ongoing war can be resolved by political means through launching an inclusive dialogue with the goal of searching for the ways to reach national unity, he said.
There is a possibility of a united Ukraine if Eastern regions do not have to depend on Russia if each regions run their own economies, and have a proposed model to have their own health service, schools (Japan have donated money for the schools), public services etc.
But Ukraine must co-operate and leave these regions alone. We have to think of the children, and all the refugees who fled to Russia and abroad wants to go back home. There are about a million including displaced.
1st December 2014
I was expecting that to happen. Ukrainian and Russian military officials negotiated a ceasefire in the eastern city of Donetsk. Fighting has been very intense the last three days. Limited truce is signalling progress with meetings in mind probably tomorrow or the next day.
2nd December 2014
http://sputniknews.com/military/20141202/1015378088.html
Luhansk has agreed to a long term ceasefire on December 5th, and withdrawal of weapons on December 6th. More information in Sputnik news article.
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Differences between Churches and Mosques are no longer nearly as critical as the rifts within them as we are living in a post denominational age.
As a result, the most arduous form of ecumenism today often is not between Churches and Mosques, but rather within one’s own house.
Pope Francis delivered a strong message of unity that was ostensibly about the first sort of ecumenism, meaning the press for better relations among Churches and rites.
Diversity, may seem to create disorder, but that is where faith in the Holy Spirit enters the picture. Under his guidance, [differences] constitute an immense richness, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity, which is not the same thing as uniformity.
Pope Francis provided an impressive visual of Unity by pausing in Istanbul's famed blue Mosque alongside the Grand Mufti for a moment of silent prayer. This is hailed as a turning point in Muslim/Christian relations.
Last Saturday, the Pope celebrated a Mass at Istanbul’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which was “inter-ritual” in the sense that it brought together Syrian, Armenian, and Chaldean Catholics, as well as members of the Latin rite that’s most familiar to Catholics in the West. Also on hand were a number of Orthodox dignitaries, including Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
That mix of rites and confessions naturally elicited reflections from the Pontiff on unity and diversity. The message had clear relevance, because relations among the various Catholic rites and Churches in the Middle East are notoriously fractious.
They were also celebrating being together, and reunited since Christianity, Orthodoxy and Islam was created thousand of years ago at the same time.
Pope Francis argued that coping with such divisions takes faith.
“Only the Holy Spirit is able to kindle diversity, multiplicity, and, at the same time, bring about unity". When we try and create unity through our own human designs, we end up with uniformity. Unity can only be achieved through being together understanding and cooperating with each other.
“If we let ourselves be led by the Spirit, richness, variety, and diversity will never create conflict, because the Spirit spurs us to experience variety in the communion of the Church".
“The temptation is always within us to resist the Holy Spirit, because he takes us out of our comfort zone and unsettles us. It is always easier and more comfortable to settle in our sedentary and unchanging ways.
Our defensiveness is evident when we are entrenched within our bad ideas and our own false strengths — in which case we slip into Pelagianism (was an early Christian heresy which held that believers could earn salvation through their own efforts, rather than depending on the grace of God.) or when we are ambitious or vain, These defensive mechanisms prevent us from truly understanding other people, and from opening ourselves to a sincere dialogue with them.”
The Holy Spirit works inside Islam, inside Christianity, inside Orthodoxy and other Faiths. The Holy Spirit is always there. You can feel it, see it, touch it and moved by it.
All we have to do is open our hearts and minds and the Holy Spirit enflames the heart. The Churches and Mosques are moved by the breath of the Holy Spirit which does not transmit a power. But rather an ability to serve in love, a language which everyone is able to understand.
This language means we all have to be on the same level of understanding, cooperating, loving and wanting peace, wanting only the good, and not accepting evil. We are all capable of loving and that is something we all have in common all over the world. We all have a religion and respect that and that is also something we all have in common all over the world as well.
Having read some excerpts from the Q'uran, Christians find that we have something in common in the Q'uran and Islam find they have something in common in the Bible. The Holy Spirit guides us to a better understanding to interpret clearly and transparently what Q'uran and the Bible each means.
There is only one Islam, one Christianity, one Orthodox and so on. If there is evil in Islam, Islam is divided by good and evil. (Evil is twisted ideology and violence). If there is evil in Christianity, Christianity is divided by good and evil and so on.
Pope Francis leading a joint prayer service with Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar, the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and then joining him for an Orthodox liturgy Sunday morning. Bartholomew called the Pontiff’s visit to the headquarters of his church a “historic moment.”
We will pray together for the Unity of our Churches, for divided Christendom, for Mosques and divided Islam, as well as for peace in the Middle East and around the globe. We try to have close collaboration to face together the acute problems of the present world.”
The two leaders are scheduled to sign a joint declaration Sunday morning, which will pledge the Catholic and Orthodox churches to continue the press for closer ties.
We are all free to pray together any time not as a show for unity, but to be in spirit with each other respecting our own religion, and think of each other......., of peace,....... and unity......
6th December 2014
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-ukraine-s-petro-poroshenko-tells-army-not-to-give-up-donetsk-airport-2041536
Petro Poroshenko tells army not to give up Donetsk Airport which is threatening the peace process and will cause more bloodshed. He must go, and his Prime Minister must go too.
Poroshenko says that the enemy will take over the whole Ukraine if the army loses Donetsk Airport. That is not going to happen.
If Poroshenko and his Prime Minister are removed, Russia and Ukraine will be at peace permanently, and be able to rebuild their lives.
If I became President of Ukraine, I would order the Ukrainian troops to stop fighting. Arrest Poroshenko and his Prime Minister, and hand them over to Hague for war crimes. Dissolve Parliament, and set about providing security for lawless Ukraine, open schools and Universities. And set about uniting Ukraine, and asking all the Ukrainians and Russians to come home before we can have elections. Everything would be done swiftly to get normality in Ukraine.
Ukraine could have states like USA but still be one country. That is a possibility.
I am asking UN please do something, take action and not words as soon as possible.
28th December 2014
The exchange began on Friday on a dark and isolated stretch of a road north of the devastated eastern rebel stronghold of Donetsk, and unfolded as negotiators from both sides held video talks on Skype at reviving stalled negotiations.
It was a very joyous time for the prisoners of both sides to be with their families for the New Year.
Smaller such exchanges have been frequent and often involved dozens of men.
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels have completed a swap of hundreds of prisoners that was agreed in Belarusian capital of Minsk days earlier at peace talks that eventually broke down.
Four Ukrainian soldiers were handed over on Saturday by separatists fighting in Luhansk, following up on a mass prisoner exchange that involved 222 pro-Russian fighters and 145 Ukrainian troops a day earlier will be able to meet the New Year with families
Some of the captives expressed surprise and joy at having the chance to go home in time for New Year's Eve - the most cherished of all the holidays celebrated in once-communist eastern Europe.
"They only just told us that this would happen," said a slightly older Ukrainian soldier named Artyom Syurik. "I am looking forward to seeing my parents and wife. They do not know I am coming."
Yet a rebel named Denis Balbukov sounded defiant as he sat in a Kamaz truck waiting to go home to Donetsk. "I will go back to fighting," the 21-year-old said. "It was alright once we were moved to the detention centre, but to begin with, they really tormented and roughed us up." But he too was looking forward to going home, adding: "I want to eat fried potatoes and talk to my relatives."
Smaller such exchanges have been frequent and often involved dozens of men.
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels have completed a swap of hundreds of prisoners that was agreed in Belarusian capital of Minsk days earlier at peace talks that eventually broke down because of personal problems.
However, one of the 146 Ukrainian prisoners originally brought by the rebels refused to rejoin his old military unit, and was eventually taken back to Donetsk. "All of my relatives are in Russia," the ethnically-Russian Alexei Samsonov . "I consider what the Ukrainian army is doing not to be right."
The next step to peace have been achieved, and there will be more peace talks in the New Year to try, and take the next step further.
31st December 2014
President Putin has given a New Year message to Crimea. Many people have always viewed Crimea as part of their homeland, because of centuries of shared history, and the region's mainly ethnic Russian population.
He said "Love for one's motherland is one of the most powerful and uplifting feelings. It manifested itself in full in the brotherly support to the people of Crimea and Sevastopol, when they resolutely decided to return home. This event will remain a very important epoch in domestic history forever."
19th January 2015
Vladimir Putin sent a written message to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, where he offered both parties to the conflict a concrete plan of heavy artillery pullout. The Ukrainian president received the message on Friday morning.
"Regrettably, the Ukrainian side has turned down the plan and has proposed nothing instead. More to it, it has resumed combat operations. In the recent days, Russia has been taking effort as a mediator in the settlement of the conflict. Thus, overnight from Thursday to Friday. As a result, we are witnessing ongoing shelling of Donetsk, and an absolute degradation of the situation in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is extremely worried over the development of the situation. They are again shelling residential quarters in Donetsk, people are dying again.” Peskov said.
There have been conflicting reports about who is in control of the Donetsk airport, and whether there are supposed to be lines. Lines are arguably disputed in the Minsk agreement.
Heavy artillery pullout is a very good proposal by Russia. Ukraine is mad to turn down the plan and shows that Ukrainians do not want to end the war which is prolonging the conflict. As always Ukraine is blocking the peace process vital to save hundreds of lives.
When is the West and Europe ever going to realise that Russia should not be blamed for not keeping the peace? It was totally wrong to impose sanctions on Russia in the first place.
http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/ukraine-offers-ceasefire-1.1806557#.VL03mtKsWSo
http://www.rferl.org/content/donetsk-fighting-poroshenko-airport-pledge/26800304.html
President Poroshenko told a peace rally, the Unity March, in central Kyiv on January 18th that Ukraine would not "give up an inch" of its land to the separatists. That Kyiv will reassert control over the country's eastern region, where fighting has intensified in recent days between government troops and pro-Russian separatist rebels.
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman claimed that Poroshenko rejected a "concrete" peace plan proposed by Putin.
Dmitry Peskov said on January 18 that Putin had sent a letter to Poroshenko late on January 15th proposing a cease-fire by both government forces and separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, as well as the withdrawal of heavy artillery by both sides. He claimed Poroshenko had rejected the plan and did not make a counter-offer.
A copy of the letter was published by the Russian television channel NTV. In it, Putin proposed "urgent measures for the cessation of mutual shelling, and also the rapid withdrawal by the sides in the conflict of means of destruction with a caliber higher than 100 mm."
Peskov also said the Kremlin was concerned over "the escalation of hostilities."
Ukraine today offered an immediate ceasefire to Russia, after Moscow claimed that Kiev rejected a fresh peace initiative by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We are ready to work with Russia to ensure ceasefire and implementation of the provisions of Minsk agreements in their entirety,” Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin wrote on Twitter.
Klimkin's Ministry said in a statement that Ukraine wants Moscow to commit itself to implementing the peace accords signed in the capital of Belarus in September.
The Russian Foreign Ministry retorted that Kiev should first withdraw heavy weapons from the front line, as stipulated in the accords.
“Only this approach will lower the risk of a fresh armed confrontation,” the ministry said.
The Kremlin said over the weekend that Ukraine had rejected a proposal by President Vladimir Putin to immediately withdraw heavy weapons.
Russia and Ukraine cannot have an immediate ceasefire unless Kiev first withdraw heavy weapons from the front line. Ukrainians needs to show they are serious about making improvements on the ground. This approach will lower the risk of a fresh armed confrontation and can easily lead to immediate ceasefire.
Ukraine is blocking the peace process, and have created an obstacle saying that Ukraine will not give up one inch of its land to the separatists. That Kyiv will reassert control over Eastern Ukraine.
22nd January 2015
The US ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power and John Kerry accused Russia of escalating the violence.
She said a new peace proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin was a little more than an attempt at military occupation.
"The plan would seek to legitimise territorial gains made by separatists in September as well as Russian personnel and equipment on the territory of Ukraine. Let us pull the veil away from Putin's peace plan and call it for what it is - a Russian occupation plan". She told to a special meeting of the UN Security Council.
Mr John Kerry said "This is a blatant land grab and is in direct contravention to the Minsk ceasefire agreements which they signed up to. US was particularly concerned "by rebel moves to attempt to gain control of a significant rail juncture in Eastern Ukraine".
I am so livid about what Samantha Power and John Kerry has said. They should get the facts right before they accuse Russia of anything. It is a bit rich accusing Russia of annexing Crimea when their history shows US have annexed Texas from Mexico. The world knows how greedy the Americans are having all that oil that belongs to Mexico. US should give Texas back. US have changed Mexico's history, and may not have been in a mess today.
Samantha Power should resign from the UN Security Council as she is so demented mouthing off with not a shred of evidence presented to the UN Security Council.
John Kerry should choose his words carefully as he does not know what land grab is. It is Ukraine's fault for starting the war, and creating a political vacuum by going bust and having a corrupt government. The ethnic Russians only wanted to protect their homes and their lands. It is their homeland. They do not want to be part of Ukraine anymore.
John Kerry does not have a care in the world while the European Union is holding countries hostages being domineering and manipulative imposing European Laws and Policies which are very unwelcome. I call that land grabs without guns. That is how we hate EU.
German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier said it was not a breakthrough "but I think we saw tangible progress".
He also said they had agreed on a procedure for pulling back heavy weapons 15km (nine miles) from a decmarcation line defined in last year's Minsk agreement.
His Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said, quoted by the Russian Interfax new agency, that if heavy weapons were withdrawn "we'll be able to speak of a substantial de-escalation of the current conflict". This is welcome news and look forward to hearing more about the talks on de-escalation of the current conflict.
23rd January 2015
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, and Pavlo Klimkin, his Ukrainian counterpart, agreed last Wednesday night that both sides should return to a cease-fire line agreed at the Minsk peace agreement, which was signed by Ukrainian, Russian, and separatist representatives.
Yesterday Ukrainian troops evacuated the Donetsk airport which was in the residential area of Donetsk. Much to the relief of every one, and hope there will be no more fighting. Ukraine will be asking for trouble if its troops resumed fighting and cause more bloodshed.
Alexander Zakharchenko, the head of the self proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said last Thursday that he would push the front line so far to the west of Donetsk that Ukrainian shells would no longer be able to fall on the city.
“We will push back the front until no shells can fall on Donetsk,” said Mr Zakharchenko, speaking shortly after a mortar attack in central Donetsk killed at least 13 civilians.
His comments appear to torpedo diplomatic efforts to resuscitate a ceasefire agreement signed in September.
It seems that Minsk agreement may have to be redrawn to take into account that Eastern Ukraine needs protection from Ukraine going anywhere near residential areas, and other vulnerable areas. This would be a good reason to have talks. It is a great concern to have any further shelling on the city by Ukrainian troops.
However, the separatists are right to be on the alert, and do patrols in the event of any further attacks. It would be difficult for them to disarm at present. They need complete assurance that Donetsk region will not be attacked, or have some lands taken from them. They do need to have talks to get the complete assurance, and talk about keeping Debaltsev to include it in the plan.
Alexander Zakharchenko has refused to take part in truce talks, and is demanding to speak only to President Poroshenko. Poroshenko has previously refused to have any direct talks with any of the separatists.
President Poroshenko have been play acting asking the West and Europe for help, and getting sympathy when in fact he is guilty of the war crimes by getting his troops sent to the Donetsk region, and not caring about the people who live there.
If Poroshenko still will not have direct talks with the leader of the Donetsk region at all, then we need to deploy troops possibly from China to keep the Ukrainian troops out.
We have to think of alternatives to avoid any more bloodshed.
24th January 2015
30 people have been killed in Mariupol. No one can confirm who killed them, or can confirm whether the Grads rockets have been stolen from the separatists etc.
The separatists have denied any involvement. Interfax news agency quoted the defence ministry of the Donetsk People's Republic as saying "This is blatant misinformation and a lie. Rebel forces did not open any fire in the direction of Mariupol especially not on residential areas"
The killings in Mariupol has got nothing to do with Eastern Ukraine. Separatists would not fire on any residential areas.
It is believed to be a group from the Ukrainian troops in disguise sabotaging seeking revenge, and laying the blame on the separatists of Donetsk taking the airport.
It is believed that the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine played a part in this trying to make out that rebels are terrorists and boast about it. The Prime Minister did say publicly in the newspapers that he wanted to appeal to the UN to make UN believe that any rebels or separatists are terrorists.
Former Russian rebel Strelkov did say that the separatists must not in any way touch Mariupol.
If separatists wanted to take Mariupol, they would ask Mariupol to vote in the elections which is the proper channel.
As I said in my post before, that I believe the general and local elections were rigged by the United States of America to support Ukraine sovereignty. And I do have proof.
If this situation is going to get worse in Mariupol, we need to have another general and local elections to de-escalate.
The dirty tricks of the Ukrainian government must not go further, and must be stopped. I condemn the attacks on Mariupol.
There are ethnic Russians living in Mariupol, so separatists would not kill their blood brothers and sisters. Russians do have an unusually strong bond looking after each other. It is good that Russians have married Ukrainians, and they both can easily live together in communities.
Speaking about the offensive launched on Mariupol, Alexander Zakharchenko said "This will be the best possible monument to all our dead". He was speaking at a memorial ceremony in Donetsk, and also said that separatists planned to encircle Debaltseve, a town north east of Donetsk in the next few days. This was from Interfax news agency.
Newspapers so far, have not said who is claiming responsibility of the Mariupol attacks. And separatists are just planning to encircle not attack Debaltseve. The separatists wants the town to be included as it is part of the Donetsk region so the people are not left out.
25th January 2015
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon condemned deadly rocket attacks in Ukraine's government held port of Mariupol, and denounced provocative statements made by Alexander Zakharchchenko, Leader of the Donetsk People's Republic.
He said rockets appear to have been launched indiscriminately into civilian areas which would constitute a violation of international law. He condemned Friday's unilateral withdrawal from the ceasefire by rebel leadership, and particularly provocative statements about claiming further territory. He also said the withdrawal constituted a violation of commitments under September's Minsk accords, which ordered the removal of heavy weapons, and a truce in a bid to end the nine month conflict that has cost more than 5,000 lives. Ukraine's peace, territorial integrity and stability, intrinsically linked to that of the broader region must be urgently restored.
Reaction
Russia is very upset about what Ban Ki Moon has said which singles out, and pointing the finger at Russia for violating the Minsk agreements while Ukrainian troops crudely violating the Minsk agreements by constantly shelling residential settlements among other things.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking to his US counterpart John Kerry on Sunday, blamed the upsurge in fighting in eastern Ukraine on government forces he said were “constantly” shelling towns.
Lavrov accused the government and President Petro Poroshenko of failing to launch an "all encompassing constitutional process" that would involve all regions and political forces. There have been no progress in investigating numerous crimes committed during the Ukrainian conflict either".
Moscow said that both Lavrov and Kerry spoke in favour of “an immediate cessation of artillery strikes in Donbass,” referring to Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland where pro-Russian separatists launched an uprising in April.
The statement said that Kerry suggested that the format of peace talks be expanded, without giving details. It said that Lavrov responded that Russia would do its best “to spur the sides to a peaceful settlement” but urged Kiev to negotiate directly with the rebels. Speaking in a separate phone call with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Lavrov attributed the spike in violence to Kiev’s unwillingness to hold talks with rebels on implementing the Minsk agreements.
The latest upsurge in violence which claimed 30 lives in the city of Mariupol on Saturday could have been avoided, Lavrov said. “Instead Kiev has set a course for a further militarisation, announced new waves of mobilisation, and ordered to intensify the fighting,” the Russian foreign ministry said. Lavrov called on both Kerry and Mogherini to urge Kiev to halt the hostilities.
Putin did say that it is not helping at all that the West and Europe should keep pointing the finger of blame, and not doing anything about it. He also said that trying to put pressure on Russia is not doing any good, and is making things worse, far worse.
That is because it is effecting the separatists and rebels, and making them more rebellious than ever. Ban Ki Moon's speech was directly aimed at the separatists and rebels. It has made the separatists and rebels more determined than ever to do everything they can to protect all the towns, villages, homes, properties etc against all the criminal orders until they can secure all of the Donetsk and Donbass regions.
Nothing will stop them now. Once they have secured the regions, their priority is to make them safe and well protected from the Ukrainian government. No one will stand in their way now, and if Ukrainian government does try and block, the war will go on for decades. Ukraine government have lost. This is the defiant mood of the separatists and rebels.
The only thing now is ask the separatists and rebels to de-escalate the fighting is that Leader of the Donetsk People's Republic have talks with President Poroshenko directly, and ask him to give all parts of Eastern Ukraine quietly and without a fight. To make Eastern Ukraine independent.
Something that President Poroshenko has refused to do. The heavy artillery equipment on both sides will hopefully never have to be in use again after that. Poroshenko's refusal to give in will cause more bloodshed and casualties.
Russia is not involved with the separatists and rebels. Putin can only try and pacify them, and will continue to do so. He cannot tell them what to do.
I have been very upset listening to all this Anti-Russian Rhetoric, and that the West and Europe continue to keep sniping at Russia to no avail and is going nowhere.
That has got to stop as everyone is fuelling the war, which they are not aware of doing.
There have been lots of evidence in the newspapers exposing groups belonging to the Ukrainians troops like the battalion of a different kind who seem to be holding Mariupol residents hostages in the city. This battalion has foreign fighters. There have been Ukrainian agents working to sabotage anything, and perhaps even assassinate.
http://rt.com/news/226079-ukraine-foreign-military-mariupol/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/24/ukraine-crisis-dozens-die-rebels-shell-mariupol
http://rt.com/news/225955-mariupol-ukraine-shelling-kiev/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30967949
Lavrov recently added by saying "any real results can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Donetsk and Luhansk, which Kiev is avoiding by all means, clearly having set a course for military suppression of south-east Ukraine."
Kiev has been violating the Minsk agreement, and could violate more if there is to be no direct dialogue in the not too distant future.
26th January 2015
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/belarus/by_appnb.html
This link is Appendix B for Moldova and Belarus signed on December 8th 1991.
This Minsk agreement was signed in September 2014.
Protocol
The text of the protocol consists of twelve points:
Ensure an immediate bilateral ceasefire.
Ensure the monitoring and verification by the OSCE of the ceasefire.
A decentralisation of power, including through the adoption of the law of Ukraine "about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts" (law on the special status).
Ensure the permanent monitoring of the Ukrainian-Russian border and verification by the OSCE with the creation of security zones in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
To immediately release all hostages and illegally detained persons.
A law on preventing the prosecution and punishment of persons in connection with the events that have taken place in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
Continue the inclusive national dialogue.
To take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Donbas.
Ensure early local elections in accordance with the law of Ukraine "about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts" (law on the special status).
Withdraw the illegal armed groups, military equipment, as well as fighters and mercenaries from Ukraine.
To adopt the program of economic recovery and reconstruction of Donbas region.
To provide personal security for the participants in the consultations.
Follow-up memorandum
In the two weeks after the Minsk Protocol was signed, there were frequent violations of the ceasefire by both parties to the conflict. Talks continued in Minsk, and a follow-up to the Minsk Protocol was agreed to on 19 September 2014. This memorandum clarified the implementation of the Protocol. Amongst some of the peacemaking measures agreed to were:
To pull heavy weaponry 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) back on each side of the line of contact, creating a 30-kilometre (19 mi) buffer zone
To ban offensive operations
To ban flights by combat aircraft over the security zone
To withdraw all foreign mercenaries from the conflict zone
To set up an OSCE mission to monitor implementation of Minsk Protocol
*New terms and conditions*
To push back the front until no shells can fall on Donetsk and Donbass regions as well as in the Luhansk region.
Any real results can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Donetsk and Luhansk, which Kiev is avoiding by all means, clearly having set a course for military suppression of south-east Ukraine.
To restore law and order in Eastern Ukraine.
To keep an army to restore order, and protect Donetsk, Donbass and Luhansk regions only.
To dispose heavy artillery equipment which is against International Law if used in residential or near residential areas.
To be responsible for any unwanted fighters not affiliated to separatists and obliterate them.
To have more direct talks regarding the future of Eastern Ukraine.
Independence for Eastern Ukraine.
Geopolitical situation have got to change as it is the 21st century. We have got to realise now that due to rising extremism, it no longer applies to countries like Syria and Ukraine etc to maintain their sovereignty, due to the fact they are too big and difficult to control.
Countries like these needs to be carved up into states autonomous or otherwise for tighter security and safety. And to prevent further influx of refugees.
In the case of Syria, Syria is best carved up in the north to let Kurds expand their autonomous state. They can protect Turkey.
Ukraine is best carved up so that European countries are protected by Eastern Ukraine.
New Russia to be a new state and be part of Ukraine.
These are some of the proposals along with Alexander Zakcharenko's wishes etc.
Presently the rebels intend to push their latest advance and have resumed fighting. The rebels aim to establish a stable "frozen conflict" on Ukrainian territory. Their present advance is intended mainly to push government troops further from Donetsk and Luhansk, to make those two strongholds more secure and safe to protect the residents.
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/773490
Russian Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin have accused Kiev of stonewalling the dialogue needed to discuss the parameters of the Constitution of the Minsk Accord. More can be read in the link above of Itar Tass News.
Russia is hopeful of a contact group within the next few days.
I am witness, and this blog and diary is testimony to the Hague if ever Ukraine try to bring proceedings against Russia.
27th January 2015
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Monday announced the introduction of the state of emergency in the regions engulfed by the rebellion, a move he said was intended to improve coordination between various government agencies and help protect the population. That is laughable as it is all rhetoric and empty threats, and increasing the conflict.
US and EU have not said anything or taken action to Ukraine to stop the shelling, and the fighting. Kiev is still not making efforts to have a dialogue with the separatists, and have not made efforts to stop shelling and gunning.
Ukraine politicians are playing politics to boost the Kiev's profile that, they are not the aggresssor, not terrorists, and is telling lies to their own people to cover up the truth and misdeeds by laying all the blame on Russia.
Kiev does not want the civilians to know the full extent of their own economic and social problems. Kiev is so completely incompetent spending millions or billions on defence and army when money could be used elsewhere to look after Ukraine constructively, materially and humanely.
Kiev government does not care about their own people, they care about all the assets in Eastern Ukraine. This is what Kiev is really fighting for, while the ethnic Russians and Ukrainians civilians are protecting their own homes, lands and properties. Civilians have got the right to live peacefully and safely. Kiev cannot ever take these away from them. The separatists are fighting for their rights as well as their own.
Civilians does not deserve to be terrorised by Ukrainian soldiers, and keep them contained in their own cities, towns and villages. They must be free from oppression, fear, depression and violence.
28th January 2015
There was a brief meeting of the two leaders of DPR and LPR who agreed to expand the DPR and LPR delegations to the Contact Group on Ukraine and conduct talks only with an envoy of the Ukrainian president, Alexey Karyakin, speaker of the LPR People’s Council (parliament). "There will be no meetings with any other persons, and Leonid Kuchma is not a presidential envoy, adding that these steps had been taken to make the talks more efficient. The decision to this effect was made at a meeting between the two republics’ leaders". Karyakin said.
29th January 2015
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/774178
Russian ambassador to OSCE is hopeful of reducing tensions thinks peace is managable. See more.
https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=uk&siidp=ec024e6daa237606e0ca55a0fc1753589259&ict=ln
Russian ambassador speaking about further sanctions from EU. It is plain stupid as EU could have waited until March expiry date before they extend new sanctions. EU is just doing more damage to themselves economically. See more.
Igor Plotnitsky LPR leader and Alexander Zakharchenko, the DPR leader) are waiting for an official representative from Kiev. "We are ready to go to Minsk for talks at any moment, as soon as Ukraine’s representative is appointed, Our condition remains unchanged. Kiev should commission an official envoy vested with the authority to make decisions," they said.
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/774200
Human rights groups accused Ukraine army of using indiscriminate weapons in south east. I have seen a video of military gunning inside Mariupol which I thought strange. This video could be in my blog somewhere above, if not, it is common knowledge in newspapers. Another article inside the link says Kiev used cluster munitions in attack on airport. See more.
30th January 2015
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/01/29/ukraine-war-east-crimea-occupation
Human Rights World report 2015 are accusing Rebels and Ukrainian Army of using Grad rockets and Cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are banned under 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Yulia Gorbunova, a Europe and Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch said “Civilians in Ukraine have borne the brunt of this conflict, with thousands of casualties and hundreds of thousands displaced in a matter of months. All sides of the conflict should be doing their utmost to protect civilians.” Both government and rebel forces have launched unguided Grad rockets against targets in densely populated civilian areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, killing and injuring civilians. Both parties also fired artillery from populated areas without taking feasible precautions to protect civilians and endangering them by inviting return fire.
All sides appeared to have also used cluster munitions, a weapon with indiscriminate, wide-area effects that is banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. All sides should stop using weapons such as Grad rockets in populated areas, as they have indiscriminate impact, and altogether stop using cluster munitions. Both Ukraine and Russia should join the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Human Rights Watch said. All sides of the conflict have committed grave violations of human rights. Russia should use its influence with the rebels to put an end to blatant abuses and press for those responsible to be brought to justice, and Ukraine’s international partners should urge the government to investigate abuses and ensure accountability.”
In the 656-page world report, its 25th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries. In his introductory essay, Executive Director Kenneth Roth urges governments to recognize that human rights offer an effective moral guide in turbulent times, and that violating rights can spark or aggravate serious security challenges. The short-term gains of undermining core values of freedom and non-discrimination are rarely worth the long-term price.
500,000 people have been internally displaced as the result of the ongoing hostilities, with some rights groups’ estimates being twice as high. Ukrainian authorities have struggled to provide adequate help and assistance to internally displaced people, including urgent housing and social assistance. Legislation adopted in November 2014 provided access to temporary accommodation for displaced people and simplified registration requirements, allowing easier access to employment and social benefits, including pensions. But rights groups have criticized the law for lack of clear implementation mechanisms.
While rebels and Ukraine are accused of violating human rights, it is unfair to say that the rebels are backed by Russia. Ukraine army have been backed by some countries supplying arms and weapons.
It is also unfair to say that the rebels did all the violating of human rights as there were freedom fighters and other groups that rebels were fighting against.
It was very unfair to have had a former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to be in the contact group in the first place. He runs or owns Kiev newspaper, and probably took advantage of issuing articles about the conflict in Ukraine.
The report on Crimea on human rights does not seem accurate to me, and seem misleading. Yulia Gorbunova is only a researcher so we cannot rely on everything she says.
See more in full in the link above.
Human Rights Watch have not clarified on how the conflict in Ukraine started, although newspapers have verified that. I have got a link above somewhere that gives a full account of the Maidan.
I would say that whoever started it, is to take the full blame, and that the other side was defending themselves having to use the same weapons to compete.
It is against International Law to start any conflict, and start violations of human rights. It is the aggressor that should be punished.
It is the responsibility of the Ukraine government to ban protests, and do something about it. The Ukraine government should not have got involved by getting the Ukrainian Army to fight and making things worse.
As a result there was a collapse of law and order, leading to abuses of human rights.
6th February 2015
Newspapers are blowing the Ukraine crisis out of proportion with US considering arming Ukraine.
US is trying to put pressure on Russia to say that a cold war is imminent.
The Ukrainian conflict peace settlement initiative, put forward on Thursday by French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel is an attempt to politically sidestep the United States that is more and more inclined to start weapons supplies to Kiev, says an article published on Friday by France’s influential magazine L’Obs.
Hollande and Merkel is attempting to de-escalate the crisis through diplomacy.
The peace proposal of Merkel and Hollande most likely contains the same principal points that were "fixed in the Minsk agreements that were signed in September last year, but never fulfilled
"Armed with such a document, the French and German leaders could then argue that arms supplies are not needed," writes the French weekly.
Ukraine lost its territorial integrity and the Prime Minister and President of Ukraine have lost their own integrity.
Merkel said a few days ago that she has considered not arming Ukraine any further. She played a part in fuelling the Ukraine crisis along with other countries. If any of the countries did not supply arms and weapons, the war would have great less impact, and not so many loss of lives.
All the separatists ever wanted is to have the whole of Eastern Ukraine. Once that is achieved, they will only want to protect it.
Nato have said that they are going to increase their troops to 5,000. No one is going to feel threatened by it. It is just a precaution against extremism.
Merkel is still not saying anything to Ukraine to tell that withdrawal is neccesary, and must take the first step to do so.
If I was Queen of Europe, I would not go gallivanting trying to raise profile, and acting as a diplomat. I would order Ukraine top dogs to withdraw immediately, or there will be warrants for their arrests.
Ukraine must obey the Minsk Accords.
7th February 2015
France and Germany have had a long meeting with Russia in the Kremlin. A draft document will be issued shortly, and America will be consulted.
I have to stress that we have to think of all the people who live, or have lived in Ukraine effected by the war. They are war victims caused by the Ukrainian government playing monopoly with their lives.
When peace finally arrives, the people will have to rebuild their lives. But those who have fled the country to seek refuge in Russia or Europe may never return. They may be terrified of being governed under the same government that caused chaos, bloodshed, destruction and oppression. It is possible for all Ukrainians and Russians to return to their homeland under a new government.
Over a million people are either homeless, fled the country or got killed during the conflict. Ukraine is now divided and split, and it would be unrealistic to think of a united Ukraine.
What America said was so stupid saying that Europe cannot be redrawn. Of course it cannot be, but Ukraine was never in Europe. On the same day Putin signed a document for annexation of Crimea, Merkel was signing a document for Ukraine to get financial help from EU. Ukraine cannot officially be part of Europe for five years or less.
One thing I have to point out is that Europe cannot make ethnic Russians europeans while they have got a strong identity. Europe cannot force Russian civilians living in Ukraine be part of Europe.
Did Europe try and redraw Russia? I leave that for you to think about that one.
If the Ukrainian troops did not fight against the separatists. There would have been earlier talks about the future of a united Ukraine, the fighting would not be anywhere now.
We now got a split Ukraine which will never be mended, and part of it will never be part of Europe.
No country in their right mind would think a military solution is the way out. People have suffered greatly, and lost their lives to such an extent over a stupid chunk of land.
It is paramount to put people first always. It is the duty and responsibility for the Ukraine government to look after its own people.
Ukraine have failed, and it is time we have the Ukraine government be dissolved to create a new government without its present President and Prime Minister.
I am so horrified at all the damage and carnage they have done.
It should be in the peace plan to have the Ukraine parliament be dissolved, and dismantled to make way for a creation of a new government. To ensure that all the people effected by the war is able to return home safely and peacefully. I view the President and Prime Minister with revulsion and disgusting.
51st Munich Security Conference
Lavrov was speaking at the 51st Munich Security Conference, and is adamant that a military solution is not the answer, and would only inflame an already volatile situation. Putin said earlier that Russia would not go to war with anyone in spite of being provoked.
Lavrov said "Russia, Germany and France are ready to become guarantors of the agreements, if that can be achieved between the protagonists in the Ukraine crisis. If the main participants of the Minsk peace process, the Ukrainian authorities and the representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics come to an understanding on every articles of the Minsk agreements, I'm absoloutely sure that Russia will be there to secure the guarantees of these agreements. No matter where, in the OSCE or the UN Security Council, I'm certain that both Germany and France are also ready to provide such guarantees".
He spoke at length, and on numerous occasions about the need for all countries to adhere to the Helsinki Accords, which among other things, champions the self determination of peoples and respect for human rights. He mentioned that European security is based on both the UN Charter and the Helsinki agreement, but has been sabotaged by the US and its allies.
On Crimea who had a right of self determination. While the West has hit out at what it believes to be a Russian 'annexation' of Crimea, the Russian Foreign Minister says that the will of over 90% of the peninsula's population has been ignored, pointing to a referendum in which residents almost unanimously voted to join Russia. He gave the example of Kosovo, which despite not holding a referendum, was allowed to leave Serbia, and create its own state.
The Foreign Minister said "In Crimea what happened with the UN Charter on self determination is that the UN Charter has several principles, and the right of a nation for self determination has a key position."
About the European Union Association Agreement
President Yanukovych was in negotiations with Russia to "find the right model" for co-operation with the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. On 25th February 2013, President of the European Commision Jose Manuel Barroso made it clear that "one country cannot at the same time be a member of a Customs Union and be in a deep common free trade area with the European Union".
Relations between Ukraine and the European Union are currently shaped through the European Neighbourhood Policy, a foreign policy instrument of the EU designed for the countries it borders. The EU is seeking an increasingly close relationship with Ukraine going beyond co-operation, to gradual economic integration and deepening of political co-operation.
The political part of the Association Agreement was signed on 21st March 2014 by the new Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Meanwhile the EU has attempted to stabilise Ukraine by freezing assets of Russians and Ukrainians, and by granting financial help to Ukraine. The economic part of the Ukraine - European Union Association Agreement was signed on the 27th June 2014 by the new President Petro Poroshenko.
Russia did not know anything about the Association Agreement as Putin was signing a document of self determination for Crimea on the same day. Lavrov complained about not knowing this Association Agreement when he mentioned it at the 51st Munich Security Conference today.
8th February 2015
The world has done its best to ignore the existence of the sovereign state of Novorossiya. The media mention Novorossiya applying terms like self declared state, unrecognised state and even a puppet republic to describe the status of the state. Under international law, Novorossiya has the same status as any member of the community nations. It is a sovereign independent nation.
The “gold standard” of statehood is the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States enacted in 1933 The Montevideo Convention requires an aspiring state to have it own territory, population, a functioning government and the ability to enter into relationships with other states.
Novorossiya while not currently in control of all its territory has maintained an undisputed presence in Lugansk and Donetsk backed up by a seasoned army and security forces. There is a sizeable population in Novorossiya despite ethnic cleansing attempts by the Ukraine government. There is a functioning government and diplomatic efforts are ongoing as evidenced by the Minsk process.
In a just and fair world then Novorossiya would be welcomed into the fold of sovereign nations as its newest member. But the world is neither just nor fair and Novorossiya is attacked by enemies in the West and blocked on other fronts by economic sanctions and diplomatic boycotts.
Nonetheless, Novorossiya has friends. The Russian people of course overwhelmingly support this new nation and South Ossetia has welcomed Novorossiya by diplomatically recognizing it. Diplomatic recognition is an important first step towards international legitimacy since South Ossetia itself is recognized by four UN member states – Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nauru.
More recognition for Novorossiya of course would be desirable but is not necessary to establish legitimacy. Somaliland for example which has been sovereign since 1991 and is recognized by no other country yet has maintained its complete independence and conducts business worldwide, issues passports and currency, and defends itself without any disapproval from the major powers. Novorossiya unlike Somaliland is an industrialized nation in Europe and not on the periphery of Africa, its relevance as an independent nation is assured.
But how does this relate to war crimes committed by Kiev’s political elite, Ukrainian armed forces and so called volunteer brigades of fascists? Before the brilliant tactical victory by the Novorossiya self defence forces that broke the blockade of Dontesk and Lugansk in late August 2014, it appeared as if the entire command and political infrastructure of Novorossiya might be in real danger of liquidation, summary arrest or exile if Ukrainian forces and their foreign mercenaries stormed Donetsk and Lugansk.
The very real scenario of another unfair UN sponsored tribunal like the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia) which mainly persecuted Serbs for defending themselves was looming large in the vent Ukraine prevailed.
Nonetheless, a war crimes tribunal is an important weapon against fascism. Fascists thrive in dark places and times and hide their identities behind masks and hoods, the threat of exposure, their identities and deeds scares them greatly.
Novorossiya can act against war criminals and not just symbolically. Section 107 of the Restatement (Second) of Foreign Relations Law of the United States [1965] states that:
“An entity not recognized as a state but meeting the requirements for recognition specified in SS 100 [of controlling a territory and population and engaging in foreign relations], or an entity recognized as a state whose regime is not recognized as its government, has the rights of a state under international law in relation to a non-recognizing state…”
See also Article 74 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties which states that “The severance or absence of diplomatic or consular relations between two or more States does not prevent the conclusion of treaties between those States.” What all this means is that under international law Novorossiya may act avail itself of all the remedies under international law as long as some other states concur.
When the oppressed people of Ukraine finally wake out of their slumber, and throw out the rascals in the Kiev government, and cleanse the country of Nazis and corrupt oligarchs
Novorossiya has demonstrated it can prevail against great odds on the battle field, now let the members of the international community who abhor war crimes use their skills and technology to make the seemingly impossible happen – to bring Kiev’s war criminals to justice.
We can stop this ethnic cleansing of the Russians, corruption, criminalisation and many more. Donetsk and Luhansk will take a very firm strict stance, and punish anyone severely and harshly against the Ukraine government involved in the dark world, as well as any criminals.
Ukraine will have their own problems of dealing with own law and order that the self defence forces can do without. As the problems are too big.
I find the self defence forces taking over the whole of Eastern Ukraine acceptable as long they do not expand their territory further. I agree with President Hollande about the his plan to extend the lines. That has been met with the refusal of President Porochenko.
9th February 2015
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/776245
DPR calls for creating demilitarised zone to stop conflict in Donbass. This is good news of acceptance for part of the Normandy format. See more.
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150209/1017980892.html
President Putin is pleading strongly to Kiev to have direct talks with the self defence forces of DPR and LPR. See more.
I am also asking strongly to Kiev to have direct talks with the self defence forces as well. It is very important that all sides agree, and try and be friends in the hope that they can work together amicably in the future. I agree that nationalism is not going to work when you think of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Either way, no one wants to be enemies for life with tragic consequences. Let us at least shake hands for a start, and not talk for the first meeting, face to face. Then take it slowly step by step to say only possibly one word or two and so on to break the ice.
Mr Putin earlier said Western countries had broken pledges not to expand Nato, and forced countries to choose between them or Russia, leading to the current crisis in Ukraine.
He accused Western states of supporting a "coup d'etat" in Kiev - a reference to the ousting of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych last year. He lost power amid protests over his decision to scrap a deal that would have seen Ukraine establish closer ties with the European Union. Since then, Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula and rebels in the east have sought to establish full control over the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
There is proof of this.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is convinced that in order to settle the crisis in Ukraine, Kiev should urgently stop its military operation in the country’s south-east and work out such a form of constitutional arrangement that would suit all Ukrainians.
"It has emerged in response to the attempts of the USA and its western allies who considered themselves ‘winners’ of the Cold War to impose their will everywhere. Promises of non-expansion of the NATO to the East (given yet to the Soviet authorities) have turned out to be hollow statements.
We have seen how NATO's infrastructure was moving closer and closer towards Russian borders and how Russian interests were being ignored. Moreover, in the framework of the EU Eastern Partnership Program there have been attempts to tear states which had been parts of the former USSR off Russia and to prompt them to make an artificial choice ‘between Russia and Europe.
The Ukrainian crisis has become a high point of these negative trends. We repeatedly warned the USA and its western allies about harmful consequences of their interference in Ukrainian domestic affairs but they did not listen to our opinion.
Last February the USA and a number of EU member states supported the coup d’etat in Kiev.
The ultranationalists who seized the power using military force put the country on the edge of disruption and started the fratricidal war.
Unfortunately, today we can see how the ‘war party’ in Kiev actively supported from the outside continues its attempts to push the Ukrainian people over the edge of a catastrophe. The situation in Donbas has aggravated dramatically. Ukrainian security forces resumed the bombing of Donetsk, Luhansk and other residential areas in the region.
They are building up their military presence there. The ‘new wave’ of mass mobilization has been announced in the country; there are calls for ‘taking revenge after summer ‘military failures’ and for a forceful ‘Ukrainization of Donbas.
Ukraine is militarizing rapidly. We can judge by the statistics: in 2014, the Ukrainian military budget increased by almost 41% This year, according to preliminary data, it will more than triple and reach more than $3 billion — which is about 5% of the country's GDP. And this is happening when its economy supported mostly with international, including Russian, funds is in rather deplorable situation. We certainly feel worried. We hope that common sense will prevail.
Russia strongly calls for a comprehensive and exclusively peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis based on the Minsk agreements which were largely achieved owing to the initiative and efforts of the Russian side.
The most important condition for the stabilization of the situation is immediate cease-fire and ending of a so called ‘anti-terrorist’, but in fact punitive, operation in the south-east of Ukraine. Kiev's attempts to exert economic pressure on Donbas and disrupt its daily life only aggravate the situation.
This is a dead-end track, fraught with a big catastrophe. It is evident that the crisis will continue until the Ukrainians themselves agree with each other. Until the unbridled radicalism and nationalism are finished with, and the society is consolidated around positive values and genuine interests of Ukraine.
To achieve this, Kiev authorities need to listen to their people, find a common language and reach an agreement with all political forces and regions of the country. They need to elaborate such constitutional state system formula that would provide for a safe and comfortable living for all citizens with human rights being fully observed.
In the meantime, it is necessary to do one's utmost to make all the parties to the conflict gather around the negotiating table. In this context, the Russian side stands for forging sustainable and direct contacts between Kiev and Donetsk and Luhansk, for continued work within the Contact Group.
On our part, we intend to actively contribute to that process," the Russian president said in an interview with Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram on the eve of his visit to Cairo.
10th February 2015
The United Nations has called for urgently declaring a ceasefire in the east of Ukraine, which will allow evacuating civilians from the conflict zone and delivering food and medicines there, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said in a report. The assessment of people’s needs and the situation in the disputed areas is required, the report said.
According to the UN, around 5,000 people remain in Ukraine’s Debaltsevo, among them are mostly families with children and elderly people. There is no electricity and water supply in the town, the report said.
The UN has expressed concern with the escalating conflict in the east of Ukraine. According to UN OCHA, at least 263 civilians died in the region from January 31 to February 5. The number of civilian casualties since the beginning of the conflict in April 2014 has now reached 5,500 people, including 59 children. More than 12,900 people have been injured, including 153 children. The UN OCHA stressed that these assessments are "very moderate."
The UN has also expressed concern about mobilization announced by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The report said that this may have a negative effect on the freedom of movement, spur corruption and smuggling.
Russia’s Federal Migration Service (FMS) told TASS that the number of Ukrainian men of conscription age fleeing to Russia has increased by 20,000 in the first week of February. "There are 2.5 million Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Russia now. Around 1.193 million of them are men of conscription age," FMS said
http://tass.ru/en/russia/77656
http://rt.com/news/230891-monti-us-ukraine-tool/
America has got to stop using provocative language about arming Ukraine. America has got to stop being involved in Europe's problems. Europe's problems has got nothing to do with America. Angela Merkel has got to stop giving ultimatums to Putin. No one should talk to any President like that. Ukraine must not be Pro-American.
As a result of America and Europe interfering with Russia interests which they forced Russians to choose between Europe and Russia. And poaching Russians to helping European Union form a bigger union, and attempting to reduce the Eurasian Russian Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite pressure, Moscow will pursue independent foreign policy that meets the interests of the Russian people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability.
Putin stressed that in the current challenging international environment, the effective work of the Russian Foreign Ministry, embassies, consulates and other representation offices is of growing importance.
"It is the guarantee that the Russian Federation, despite any pressure will further continue pursuing an independent foreign policy which meets the vital interests of our people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability", Putin said in his telegram to diplomats.
Putin said Russia has the important tasks now of strengthening the Eurasian Economic Union and developing mulit-faceted co-operation with its partners, including as part of Russia's presidency in the Shanghai Co-operation (SCO) and BRICS.
I ask the United Nations to restore back some former USSR states who were in the Customs Union from the European hands. It is illegal, and EU have been bribing some with a promise of a good life which EU failed to deliver and upsetting the balance of Europe's economy offering new life, benefits and free visas etc. The European Union cannot make Russians, Chinese, Egyptians and many more Europeans. That is what is illegal about it.
Russian Language
I have found out what also upset the Russians, and prompted Russian speaking Crimea. Ukraine government wanted to pass the law making Russian language a second language. This was a ridiculous gesture as there is a higher majority of Russians more than Ukrainians. It is against human rights as Ukrainian language has always been the second language.
We cannot have Ukraine government Ukrainify everything, and makes me wonder if there is a single Russian MP in the government. It would be racist.
President Putin wants territorial integrity but Ukraine will have to co-operate fully, and not cause sectarianism or use violence in any way. Ukraine has got no right to turn on the Russians because of their ethnicity.
12th February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812
http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/12/after-marathon-talks-a-peace-deal-to-end-the-10-month-war-in-eastern-ukraine-but-will-it-take-hold/
http://tass.ru/en/world/777231
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/12/ukraine-ceasefire-aims-pave-way-comprehensive-settlement-crisis
We have a new peace agreement reached in Minsk that calls for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Ukraine. This is first on the agenda for OSCE to supervise the disarming of weapons and weaponry. It is incredulous and irresponsible for countries to fight for Kiev's side and jeopardised the first Minsk agreement which led to the collapse of the peace settlement.
OSCE were shown foreign weapons recovered in Donetsk airport.
There were 200 Balkan mercenaries fighting on Kiev's side. Russian Human Rights Ombudsman blasts Sweden's double standards on mercenaries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister admits there were foreign mercenaries, some of which were Croats and Serbians.
Participation of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine’s internal conflict is unacceptable, and only aggravates the situation, and could be a violation of UN Convention.
These punitive operations of the European Nationals were being made together with unfounded accusations of Russian soldiers presence in Ukrainian territory.
Russia have always denied their involvement, and never had Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.
US and the European Union should not have kept blaming Russia and accusing them. They have put pressure, and accusations time and time again, trying to make Russia confess to the fighting. It was like drawing blood out of a stone.
UN and Russia will want to ask, and remind every one for all European countries to turn particular attention to decisions taken by the Contact Group [on Ukraine] in Minsk today, on February 12, on a package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Particularly on the withdrawal of all foreign armed units, military equipment, and also mercenaries from Ukrainian territory under OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] observation and disarmament of all illegal groups.
Once all this has been done, removing foreign units etc, can peace start properly. This is the first step to the path of peace.
Lessons have to be learnt that protests like the Maidan will never achieve anything which resulted in a new would be state for decentralisaton.
Alexy Meshkov the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said "Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its stance on developments in neighboring Ukraine are completely illegitimate and such measures have never worked against any country,
We have a principled position on sanctions. We have always been quite skeptical about sanctions as such because as far as I can remember sanctions have never worked against any country, even really legitimate sanctions, that is, sanctions approved by the UN Security Council.
As for the sanctions against Russia, they are completely illegitimate. And it is for those who imposed the sanctions to think about how to get rid of them because sanctions are a double-edged weapon,"
The deputy foreign minister cited the example of the exports of machinery to Russia."This is the sector that was hit hard by the sanctions in West European countries, for example, Germany and France. However, simultaneously, US machinery exports to Russia increased by 40% last year, Of course, this is not an economic law, but it really works this way or another when we talk about sanctions. The sanctions are senseless, they are illegitimate, and it is not for us to decide for the EU and the US how they should act with regard to the sanctions."
Russia have found a way to fight against sanctions by helping their businesses, and sanctions are not going to effect the Russian economy. Only US and Europe will suffer as a result.
13th February 2015
http://tass.ru/en/russia/777323
http://tass.ru/en/economy/777401
Russia have said it wants to build better relationships with the European Union and Ukraine. And be in economic, social and political partnerships to have free trade and other issues. The European Union could be helped by Russia to reform the internal issues troubling countries all over Europe.
Russia have got an idea of an Euro-Atlantic Security which is a mere coincidence as I was thinking of the same thing a few days ago. I give my full support to the Euro-Atlantic Security.
See more in the links above.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777418
Ukrainian Foreign Minister denies any constitutional reform - decentralisation liabilities. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777555
Kiev's refusal to amnesty Donbass leaders shows reluctance to implement Minsk deal. See more.
The recent news from Kiev has thrown a spanner in the works, and threatening to derail the Minsk Accords today. Shows that Kiev is very unwilling to have peace, and is being unco-operative.
14th February 2015
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150214/1018267152.html
The draft resolution is presented to the UN for Ukraine reconcilation.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777638
DPR and LPR have initiated several addendums to the Ukraine Constitution.
I am very optimistic that things will happen, but slowly as it takes time to complete the actions of those who have to abide by the Minsk Accords as agreed.
I am very confident that whatever Kiev throws at the self defence forces. Russia will always keep submitting draft resolutions until UN Security Council agree to decentralisation with or without Ukraine's permission.
Ukraine must realise this that it is stuck in a corner, and give in, and further fighting will not get anywhere.
It is now up to Kiev and all independent military groups to start abiding the Minsk Accords, and take the most difficult steps to countering their emotions, and think with their heads.
If UN Security Council gives the go ahead to decentralisation, it will not bode well if Kiev is shown to be incompetent to achieving full strong democracy, and will be a laughing stock. Kiev may lose all of Ukraine to self defence forces if there is to be no co-operation and reconcilation.
Tomorrow is the most difficult step of all, but difficulties will be overcome with the relief of having to have territorial integrity for all.
16th February 2105
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed ceasefire in embattled southeastern Ukraine saying there should be no exceptions to the truce between the conflicting sides, but voiced his concern over reports from local Debaltsevo area.
The Secretary-General welcomes the start of a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine as agreed on 12 February under the package of measures for implementation of the Minsk accords.
The statement cites the UN secretary general as saying that "the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, giving a desperately needed respite to civilians trapped in the area and contributing to a swift and peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, the Secretary-General is seriously concerned over reports of continued instances of hostilities including in Debaltseve and reiterates his call for all parties to abide by the cease-fire without exception.
Numerous Ukrainian troops has been surrounded by militia forces of self-proclaimed southeastern Ukrainian republics while the agreed upon ceasefire entered into force over the weekend.
T
he Secretary General reminds all of the significance of the ceasefire, which forms the basis for the broader implementation of the Minsk accords and to restore peace and stability to Ukraine".
The summit talks of Normandy Four leaders are bringing very little results.
I agree there should be no exceptions between the two warring factors but the Battle of Debaltsevo was unfinished with the kettling of Ukrainian troops. Both sides are stuck. The self defence forces are trying to preserve their lives, and hold them hostages but other Ukrainian soldiers have other ideas and want to fight.
I ask the United Nations to give Eastern Ukraine consideration for humanitarian reasons, and human rights.
This is what the Self Defence Forces are fighting for:
- To keep Russian language as their main language and other minority groups keep their own main language.
- To stop Ukraine suppressing the Russian population.
- To allow the Russian speaking population living, or have lived in Ukraine have somewhere to go due to sectarian violence.
- To allow Russian speaking population escape fascism and any unwanted extremists who are in the Ukrainian Parliament and is using arms. (e.g. Azov Brigade and Right Sector).
- To allow Russian speaking population be free from the European Union, and stay in the Customs Union of Russia.
- To allow Russian speaking population be free from the Ukraine government where there is no economy, law and has corruption.
- To allow Russian speaking population in Mariupol to be free from Azov Brigade living there holding them hostages.
- To stop Ukraine government from squandering billion of pounds on fighting that should never have happened.
- To allow the Russian speaking population start their own economy to ease the humanitarian situation, and take action to alleviate suffering and poverty and preventing more destruction.
- To allow Ukraine focus on their own economy, if Nato, US and regional players are removed as well as their own soldiers.
- To allow displaced people and refugees return to their own homes.
- To allow all children effected by the futile war to restart and receive education.
I urge the United Nations take action by recognising the whole of Eastern Ukraine as an autonomous state without delay. The real ceasefire begins when an announcement of an autonomous state is official. It is imperative to get an autonomous state now. We have already seen some unco-operation from Ukraine in spite of ceasefire largely holding.
I repeat again. We need to consider the humanitarian reasons for doing so, acting for human rights of the Russian speaking population. This is an emergency.
Sent to President Putin, United Nations Geneva, United Nations NY, Nato, BBC World, Ukraine.
17th February 2105
Debaltseve, I blame the refusal of laying down of arms, and withdrawal of weapons on rogue elements by Ukraine. I also blame the Ukrainian Commanders for not giving orders to abide by the Minsk Accords. Newspapers have said that self defence forces have given orders but nothing from the Ukrainian Commanders. Self defence forces did try and create a corridor, and told the Ukrainian soldiers to lay down arms and leave which they refused.
News about OPEC oil prices fluctuating for a long time. It does not make sense what OPEC is doing. If I was OPEC I would be fair and just and tell countries that they must not try and be competitive and raise prices whenever they feel like it. OPEC needs to give a fixed price for oil so that all countries have the same price, and not do any price fixing. That way all countries benefit equally, and get a fair share of income of fixed price from OPEC.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/778160
Moscow condemns Lithuania's provocative actions related to arms supplies to Kiev. See more.
I have seen newspaper articles about Lithuania's willingness to be involved.
Breaking news have emerged that the self defence forces have overtaken most of the town of Debaltseve which is sandwiched between Luhansk and Donetsk. The railway runs from Luhansk to Donetsk which is a vital link for main transport.
Russian draft resolution passed by UN Security Council
The plan, hammered out during 16-hour negotiations on February 12, stipulates the comprehensive ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the frontline, an all-for-all prisoner exchange, and passage for humanitarian aid convoys.
In the medium turn, the Minsk peace plan calls for the withdrawal of any “foreign troops” and“mercenaries” from the conflict zone, general amnesty for the rebels and the OSCE using its drone fleet and monitors on the ground to ensure the implementation of agreements. It also provides for handing back of the border controls of the Ukrainian government, and lifting of the economic blockade that Kiev imposed on the eastern regions.
Eventually, the treaty proposes new elections in eastern Ukraine, and a decentralization that would grant more power to the rebel regions.
18th February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31519000
Ukrainian troops have retreated from Debaltsevo much to the relief of everyone. The agreed resolution from the UN has done the trick. Hope everyone can sleep at night more now, and be able to think of a better future. Here are the full details from the BBC World News.
http://rt.com/news/233071-maidan-sniper-massacre-anniversary/
Maidan massacre one year on, and still no justice for the victims. Full story and exposure by RT News.
February 2015
http://rt.com/news/233439-us-meddling-ukraine-crisis/
http://rt.com/op-edge/228379-obama-power-transition-ukraine/
US role in Ukraine coup hard to overlook. Obama openly admits "brokering power transition in Ukraine". George Soros admitted his involvement. US have largely tried to manipulate the democratic affairs of Ukraine. It was not a fair and just democracy for Ukraine, and we had the wrong politicians of Ukraine government running the show squandering money on the war as well as other things. Ukraine government in fact have overspent, and still do not know how to run the country. Ukraine government have been saying silly things like having peacekeepers in, be member of Nato when in fact it cannot happen and so on.
Michael Fallon, Defence Minister of UK
Michael Fallon the Defence Minister of UK is getting paranoid about the Baltic States and is scaremongering. There is no real and present danger to Lithunania. Latvia and Estonia. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all three members of Nato. Nato has a right of principle to support and defend its members while promoting peace around the world. Russia cannot attack any of its member states, unless it is attacked first, and will act aggressively depending how aggressive Nato would be. Fallon is making excuses to get Nato forces to stay where they are.
Fallon was saying on the Russian situation, “When you have jets being flown up the English Channel, when you have submarines in the North Sea, it looks to me like it’s warning you”. He was also saying that there have been Russian jets intercepted over inland of Cornwall which was a great concern, and was very worried it would continue.
The Defence Minister must have felt guilty about his anti-russian rhetoric, and not giving support to Russia who played no part in the Ukraine crisis except for peace making missions.
Russian Foreign Minister Lukashevich said that Fallon's words "are beyond diplomatic ethics".
If Russia was worried about the Russian speaking people living in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Russia would seek diplomatic solutions to any problems, and is trying to stabilise Ukraine through no fault of their own. There will be no aggression in the Baltic States. There is no need to worry about Putin, and he has high intellect and ability to stop any conflict coming his way by use of diplomatic efforts.
I am so very concerned to see the news all over the newspapers, and on television which included World News and Channel 4.
It was all blown out of proportion. Russia was on military exercises, and was forced out by Nato taking over some areas that Russia was normally exercising in.
20th February 2015
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150220/1018519229.html
Michael Fallon's comments have been met with derision by academics and military experts in Britain who say his comments show lack of knowledge of Nato's capabilities.
We blamed the desire of Western governments to expand Nato and the European Union for triggering the latest instability. Through expansionism, wanting Nato and the EU to expand that actually began much of this instability.
Nato Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg has confirmed it does not want confrontation with Russia, and Europe have confirmed that is does not want to have war with Russia. Jens Stoltenberg said that while he was Prime Minister of Norway. Norway and Russia had good relations on issues like trade and had a good working relationship. Russia is in the European Council and the European Parliament and would like to be more involved in Europe.
Michael Fallon's comments were totally unacceptable talking about the characterisation of Russia likening it to Islamic State. This is uncalled for. We have to hope that Nato will not have to use any force in the event of infiltration of the Islamic State into Europe from Libya.
Tightening of the borders is the best option in Europe, and Latvia is beginning to do that. It is best that each country be prepared to deal with any violence on their own patch. We must do more to tighten the borders, never mind thinking about the rights of other people. We have to think about the safety and health of each country.
We also have to prepare to deal with "hybrid threats" such as cyber attacks, irregular troops and propaganda.
Dealing with these hybrid threats requires much more investment in cyber, in strategic communications and intelligence because these aren't conventional threats, they are things that are going to involve people who are special forces operatives or intelligence operatives able to detect these things happening very quickly in Europe. Combating these threats are happening beginning with US and UK.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778828
OSCE drones have confirmed a pull out of heavy weaponry near Mariupol.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778914
All Kiev's troops have withdrawn from the pocket of Debaltsev.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778927
Heavy weapons withdrawal map have been signed by LPR and is awaiting signature by DPR which will happen today. They wanted to sign the agreement as soon as Kiev's troops have withdrawn.
21st February 2015
Ukrainian authorities’ pronouncing law enforcement agencies and the then president guilty of Maidan deaths was extrajudicial, Ukraine’s former President Viktor Yanukovich said today.
"It is already a year since the present government came to power, they must find the guilty persons, but they pronounced them at the very start without legitimate criminal investigations and court decisions," he told Rossiya-1 television on Saturday. In my opinion, this is a classical scenario of a color revolution".
Yanukovich said that when he was still in power, law enforcement agencies "practically had all evidence that these murders had not taken place at the locations where dead bodies were placed".
He said provocations and biased media reports contributed to bloodshed that spiraled into a war.
The former leader said he believed the ensuing activity of the new government was aimed seeing "the triumph of Maidan".
He said attempts to impose a certain way of life on Ukraine’s southeast which had not recognized Maidan, abolishment of the law on the status of the Russian language "triggered a defense reaction and people started demanding a reform, self-rule. They were immediately labeled as separatists. When people resisted the sending of radical nationalists to their regions, crowds of armed people, the co-called battalions, headed there.
There is a anti-Maidan and anti-colourful revolution rally taking place in Moscow today on the first anniversary of the Maidan. People says they never forget or forgive.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779053
An exchange of prisoners will be made outside Lugansk, eastern Ukraine, under the 37 for 37 formula, the Donetsk News Agency reports.
"Today we are exchanging officers for our commanders," Ombudswoman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic", Darya Morozova said.
We have had Ukrainian troops mass withdrawal, but some still remain including the Right Sector battalion belonging to Ukraine. We have huge amount decreased ceasefire in lots of areas including Debaltseve.
Work is underway for withdrawal of weapons and weaponry which is being overseen by OSCE probably today but not confirmed. There have been a great amount of progress in trying to implement the Minsk Accords.
The Self Defence forces say that as long as there are no obstacles like being fired on, or Ukrainian troops not co-operating in many ways. They can proceed to do everything quickly within the two weeks since Minsk II was made.
The prisoners of officers and commanders on both sides would explain why they could not give orders to their own troops delaying the implementation of the Minsk Accords II.
The world would like everyone to use Avaaz or Change.org online if they want to voice anything peacefully instead of trying to protest and causing protests. It would be a good idea if Mariupol could do that. I have to single that out as the people are Russian speaking and has got Ukrainian troops there. Mariupol would be able to send petition to the United Nations if it wanted to.
It is more effective than using arms, and only fight with words.
http://rt.com/news/234395-ukrainian-yanukovych-stop-war/
http://rt.com/news/229355-ukraine-eu-washington-russia/
http://rt.com/news/234387-ex-berkut-recall-maidan/
http://rt.com/news/201703-ukraine-mp-bombing-russia/
These are news articles by the former Ukrainian President, the former Ukrainian Prime Minister, the former Berkut, and present Ukrainian MP.
More truth and revelations about the Maidan. The former Berkut witnessed what happened at the Maidan. And the present Ukrainian MP threatening to bomb Russia.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-2962805/Ukraine-rebels-say-cease-fire-violations-persist.html
19.00 pm. Breaking news - First Ukraine war prisoner exchange completed. See more in the Daily Mail.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779080
19.17pm. Breaking news - DPR leader signs plan of withdrawal of heavy weapons from line of contact. As promised from the 20th February when LPR signed their heavy weapon withdrawal map.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779079
19.22 pm. Breaking news - OSCE observers gain access to Debaltsev today. They have not been able to get access due to security issues since the MInsk II Accords.
22nd February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31572259
OSCE mission requests sides in Ukraine conflict to provide data on heavy weapons. Heavy weapons withdrawal starts today and goes on until the 7th March 2015. Gen Lentsov, a Russian member of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-operation (JCCC), said: "We have designated 22 February as "D-Day" as determined by the agreement from all sides. So from tomorrow [Sunday] we will within the period of 14 days observe the agreement on the pullback of heavy weapons."
http://tass.ru/en/world/779084
DPR: battles in Donbass have ended along the whole front line. See more about who remained behind.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779095
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister says US Embassy had Ukraine coup script. See more about what Nikoli Azarov said while he was Prime Minister of Ukraine. He confirmed that President Poroshenko had funded anti-government protests that led to February 2014 coup.
USA is a very bad neighbour, and an anti-social country for the world.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779121
Preparatory works are under way. Tomorrow will be a Russian holiday, and the process of weaponry pullout will really start from February 24.
The ceasefire regime in Donbas officially came into force from 01:00 am Moscow time (00:00 hours Kiev time) on February 15.
Donbas swaps prisoners of war with Kiev.
On February 21, the DPR and LPR exchanged 139 captured Ukrainian troops for 52 self-defense fighters while another Ukrainian serviceman preferred to stay in Donetsk.
The latest swap was held under the "all for all" formula. The Luhansk People’s Republic exchanged 103 Ukrainian servicemen for 16 self-defense fighters.
The DPR intended to swap 37 Ukrainian troops for 36 militias but the exchange was finally held under the formula of "36 for 36" after one Ukrainian servicemen preferred to stay in Donetsk.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777115
LPR and DPR leaders have refused to sign document prepared at Normandy format talks, the so called Minsk II. There was really no MInsk II. See more for confirmation.
Shows that the 16 hour talks between Merkel, Hollande and Porochenko was a waste of time.
Credit is due to the LPR and DPR leaders for sticking and standing up to them, and for making peace happen on their own.
24th February 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/779325
Ukraine forces have begun heavy weaponry withdrawal with the supervision of OSCE only in initial stages. Ukrainian army is not controlling the private battalions fighting on Kiev's side. Ukrainian army cannot confirm they comply with orders. These private battalions including Azov Brigade are more difficult to remove. They have attacked the positions of DPR which led to more infighting since the signing of the roadmap by LPR and DPR a few days ago.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexey Meshkov said "The current security crisis in Europe results from attempts to create unipolar world, and is just formally related to the conflict in Ukraine.
The diplomat said in these conditions establishment of a system of equal security in line with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is becoming one of the organization's priorities. Once the crisis ends, an important task will be to "create a single space from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31610026
UK have announced it is going to train the Ukrainian troops. That is pushing things a bit too far and is pushing for war which is unacceptable. UK have made defence cuts, and should be thinking of defending its own country instead of spending money on another country. A luxury we cannot afford. UK would be mistaken, if Nato will defend instead. It does not seem that UK has sought approval from the UN on this.
25th February 2015
Russia’s permanent representative to the OSCE, Andrey Kelin said, ‘Ukrainian military are keeping silent for the time being, they are not pulling heavy armaments out and are speaking of the need for a pause of some kind. This really causes serious concern on the part of the OSCE. This pause can last indefinitely and the fact won’t help in terms of compliance with the first paragraph of the Minsk accords.
Kiev, however, said that government troops will begin pulling out artillery only when the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine holds for at least 48 hours. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce in the past two weeks.
Donetsk People’s Republic are pulling back heavy weapons along four routes, the Donetsk Defence Ministry’s spokesman, Eduard Basurin, said the Donetsk Republic over the previous 24 hours had pulled back five artillery battalions and one separate artillery battery. He said "The self-propelled howitzers are being pulled back from Kumachevo, Snezhnoye, Shakhtyorsk and Novoazovsk, . The units have vacated positions. The entire pullback process was being carried out under the supervision of the OSCE and the joint control and co-ordination center".
The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics made a decision to go ahead with the pullback in accordance with the schedule that had been originally agreed with the Ukrainian side, Basurin said, adding that all Donetsk militias were strictly observing ceasefire instructions.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today. “We are a bit concerned that while the withdrawal of heavy equipment is currently underway, at least by the independence supporters, the OSCE observers aren’t escorting this process, but they need to monitor and verify the arms withdrawal from the line of contact agreed on in Minsk on February 12,” Lavrov said during a meeting with French Senate leader Gerard Larcher in Moscow.
Lavrov said "The pullout process was to begin no later than on the second day of the ceasefire in the region, that came into force on February 15. “We are immediately calling on both the OSCE chairman-in-office and the organization’s secretary general to immediately send according instructions to the heads of Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine,”
LPR and DPR have signed the road map of withdrawal a few days ago, and the withdrawal officially started today as planned.
On 17th February, the Russian draft UN Resolution was passed to enable the extension of the Minsk agreement to commence, and get co-operation from both sides.
Ban Ki Moon has been speaking of strengthening the SMM (Special Monitoring Mission).
Angela Merkel have said previously that Europe should work with Russia on security, and not against Russia.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779662
Breaking news: Today LPR and DPR have completed withdrawal of 400 units of heavy armaments. See more.
26th February 2015
Mariupol
After the capture of Debaltseve, which sits at both a road and rail junction connecting the capitals of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics, fears have risen that Mariupol, a vital transport and economic hub, could be next to fall.
World leaders have expressed concerns that the self defence forces will be using the second line of defence, that Kiev may be building as part of a campaign to protect Mariupol city should it come under attack.
Kiev tried defend Debaltseve that was not under attack in the first place, and was not supposed to be on Eastern Ukraine land. Kiev was coming between Luhansk and Donetsk.
The self defence forces said that it would be a crime to give up the city of Mariupol meaning, that it has Russian speaking people there, and should not be under attack. In spite of the Azov Brigade training in Mariupol, it should not be there. Azov, which Dyachenko said has more than 1,000 fighters, has played a key role in the defence of the city since the original struggle with self defence forces in May.
The world leaders have got a right to have concerns, and said if the city were to be captured, it would trigger more sanctions. It would put an end to the Minsk plans and is a violation of the new Russian UN Resolution.
Pro-Russia forces denyWe are not mounting an attack on Mariupol and we don’t plan to do so. We are carefully fulfilling the document signed by the head of the republic,” Basurin referring to the Minsk peace deal. “We stopped at the positions we held on 15 February.” Self defence forces have liberated the nearby villages of Pavlopil and Pyshchevyk.
A Ukrainian military spokesman said both villages were in the buffer zone established by the Minsk agreement, and had not been held by Kiev’s forces.
Mariupol has got a population of 460,00 and it is the second largest city in the Donetsk region. This city belongs to the Donetsk region, and should stay part of it. It would make a land corridor to Crimea. Mariupol residents say the local population is evenly split between those who support Kiev, and those who would like to join the breakaway Donetsk people's republic. It is possible to negotiate a land corridor bypassing Mariupol.
Self defence forces have held the coastal town of Novoazovsk, about 20 miles east of Mariupol, and less than 10 from the Russian border, since August.
Whether Mariupol is the city at risk or not, it is not going to be captured by any means except through dialogue to discuss the future of Mariupol, and think about elections. But if the elections are split in half, nothing can be done until all the people decide who to be with. And whether the city is prepared to give up their Russian language to make way for Ukrainian language. The people do have a choice.
It is too early to think about the future of Mariupol, and everyone must get back to normality, and Kiev must concentrate on the country's economy as soon as possible. It is costing Kiev millions of pounds each day while there is a conflict. Money is better spent on the civilians who have not received pensions, benefits etc.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779729
Luhansk Republic says heavy weaponry withdrawal almost over and that OSCE confirms it.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779679
Ceasefire in Ukraine mostly holds says OSCE chairperson. Agreement reached on extending SMM (Special Monitoring Mission) mandate for full 12 months.
http://sputniknews.com/world/20150225/1018728748.html
Former Nato Intel Officer blames US for Ukraine crisis thirty years ago. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779872
DPR have pulled out 90% of heavy weapons from line of contact. See more.
27th February 2015
Igor Plotnitsky, the leader of LPR has promised to hold a referendum on the republic’s future in case political renovations take place in Ukraine. He said yesterday, "If there is a new, overhauled Ukraine, a country that wouldn’t call Russia an aggressor and wouldn’t refer to us as separatists and terrorists, then why not? We’ll hold one more referendum then and people will express their will and will tell us whom they’d like to live together with and how. We never discarded Ukraine as a state because it’s our neighbour. Whether or not we stay inside Ukraine depends primarily on what sort of Ukraine that would be. If this is a Nazi and Banderite Ukraine, then it’s not for us. We’ll never stay within the Ukraine of that sort. All the provisions that were spelt out in the Minsk accords prove that we give Ukraine one more chance to change its political system."
http://tass.ru/en/world/779939
Discontent with Ukraine's government grows amid cominig economic collapse. One parliamentarian said "This government needs to be toppled, there are practically no chances that the voting will be held".
http://tass.ru/en/russia/779954
Washington fails to make up global anti-russian coalition talking about new cold war. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779958
Kiev has to keep non-bloc status to preserve Ukraine's unity - Sergey Lavrov. See More.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780022
Ukraine signs multi-million dollar arms contracts, get lethal weapons - Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780057
Emirates Foreign Ministry refutes Kiev's claims on plans for weaponry exports.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779968
Kiev is ready to redeploy military hardware to contact line any time - Poroshenko. See more.
http://www.unian.info/war/1049597-nsdc-ukraine-already-receives-lethal-weapons-from-some-countries.html
NSDC - Ukraine already receives lethal weapons from some countries. See more.
BBC News thinks it is NATO members who provided lethal weapons, but they deny the allegation. It is against the UN Resolution to provide arms, fuelling the war escalating the conflict, and amounting to more murders. NATO is hugely funded by US, and it is time we abolished NATO to create a new Europe Security Organisation for the whole world.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780081
It has been confirmed that LPR have withdrawn more heavy weaponry, this time from Debaltseve.
Poland and Japan
Ukraine’s conflict should be resolved only by diplomatic means, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said in a joint statement today.
"It is necessary to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and to achieve a peaceful settlement of Ukraine’s crisis by diplomatic negotiations".
Abe and Komorowski stated the importance of global anti-terrorist co-operation against the background of ISIS mounting aggression. To strengthen defence co-operation including regular consultations at the level of defence ministries.
I am so glad that they agree on some things, and it makes a stronger case to have Europe Security Organisation against global anti-terrorism. We need to make counter terrorism measures official in so many ways. We need more co-operation like cyber attacks, monitoring of terrorists etc.
I hope Japan will see common sense and lift sanctions against Russia, as it is affecting the Japan's economy, and have co-operation with Russia. Russia is thinking about counter measures against sanctions, and will use any negativities to their advantage.
1st March 2015
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150301/1018912314.html
East Ukraine's breakaway republics completed heavy weaponry withdrawal today.
5th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/781307
Ukrainian Armed forces are prepared to withdraw the Uragan muliple rocket launchers from March 6th.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780719
Kiev has vowed to complete heavy weaponry withdrawal from the disengagement line in Donbass by March 7th.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/781331
Ukraine unilaterally installs 235 boundary pillars on border with Russia. History of the Treaty on the State Border.
US
US hoped to cause mass protests in Russia and have exerted pressure on Russia to sow discord withing the two former Soviet republics. US has been trying to weaken economically by imposing more sanctions. Sanctions are only causing discomfort Russia, but is affecting other countries economically. And trying to tear Ukraine from Russia. US is now talking about redeployment of airborne troops and arming Ukraine. At the moment, it is all empty rhetoric and threats. Even Nato have moved closer to the borders than ever before. This is puzzling as Kiev, DPR and LPR are withdrawing heavy weaponry or some have withdrawn.
It is up to the United Nations to wield power and tell US and EU to stop meddling in Ukraine's affairs. It is up to the United Nations to decide if the former President Yanukovich to come back and take over the near zero economy etc. Ukraine is still spending millions of pounds each day, and only on defence alone and not thinking about the people. Enough is enough, we all want the war to stop, and Nato to withdraw from the borders.
6th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/781488
Ukrainian army completes withdrawal of Grad mulitple launch systems, Speaker Andriy Lysenko said. OSCE recorded the equipment pullout. There are still other heavy weaponry to withdraw.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781601
OSCE confirms shelling of missions observers at Donetsk airport from Ukrainian side.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781585
UK provides Ukraine with non-lethal equipment worth $1.3 million.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781581
Russian and German foreign ministers urge to extend OSCE observer mission in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/781599
Russia may back Donbass independence if other other options are left says parliamentarian.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781617
DPR calls on Kiev to fulfill its liabilities under Minsk agreements.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781665
DPR prepares suggestions Kiev may use to implement agreements on POW exchange.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31779869
Self defence forces completely pull out heavy weapons from front line.
8th March 2105
http://tass.ru/en/world/781686
Ukraine Defence Ministry - Donbass militia free 5 Ukrainian military.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781698
Ukrainian military complete fourth stage of heavy weapons withdrawal.
9th March 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that he ordered the annexation of Crimea hours after the ouster of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, and a week before the regional authorities of the peninsula rebelled against the government in Kiev calling for an independence referendum,
Putin will disclose the details of Crimea's annexation and the special operation to take out the former Ukrainian president from his hometown of Donetsk, where he took refuge upon fleeing Kiev in the early hours of February 22. This will be done at a later date via documentary.
"Heavy machine guns were installed there to act without further parley. We got ready to pick him up directly from Donetsk: by land, by sea and by air. It was the night of (February) 22 to (February) 23, we finished at about seven o'clock in the morning. And when parting, I told all my colleagues (special services and defence) in the Kremlin and set them the task of rescuing the deposed Ukrainian President.: 'We'll have to start working on bringing Crimea back to Russia',"
On 27th February 2014, the armed little green men seized the local parliament and government buildings, and raised the Russian flag.
Although Putin had already revealed the participation of Russian troops in Crimea's incorporation, he had always claimed that the intervention was made to ensure the reunification referendum process, organised by pro-Russian authorities in the peninsula on March 1.
"We did use our armed forces, but only to give the people living here the opportunity to express their views regarding their future," Putin said in the Crimean city of Yalta last August.
Moreover, the Russian president consistently argued that Crimea has always been Russian territory but was unfairly transferred to Ukraine in 1954, when both were part of the Soviet Union.
On March 16, 2014, Crimea held an independence referendum, unrecognised by the authorities in Kiev and the international community, in which approximately 97 percent of those who voted were in favour of Crimea acceding to Russia.
Two days later, Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory in a ceremony at the Kremlin, where Putin and the leaders of the region signed a bilateral treaty, declaring the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sebastopol as members of the Russian Federation. Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18th March 2014 to international condemnation after unidenified gunmen (little green men) took over the peninsula before the referendum.
Putin said he ordered work on 'returning Crimea' to begin an all night meeting on 22nd February after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Putin subsequently admitted deploying troops on the peninsula to stand behind Crimea's self defence forces.
He said he took his final decision about Crimea after secret undated opinion polls borne out by the outcome of the referendum on 16th March showed 97% of Crimeans favoured joining Russia.
This is what happened;
22nd February, Viktor Yanukovych flees Kiev after violent protests.
23rd February, Vladimir Putin plans to rescue Yanukovych from Donetsk and annexe Crimea.
27th February, Pro Russian gunmen seize Crimea's parliament and government buildings.
28th February, Unidentified soldiers in combat fatigues with no insignia, occupy two airports in Crimea.
1st March, Russian parliament approves Putin's request to use force in Ukraine.
16th March, 97% of voters in Crimea agree to join Russia.
18th March, Putin signs a bill absorbing Crimea into the Russian Federation.
The Russian president was right to include Crimea as it has always been Russian territory, but was unfairly transferred to Ukraine in 1954. Putin was acting in the Russian people interests, and used his intuition to act swiftly thinking a war is imminent.
I could see that the Russian people were very unhappy with the breakups of the Soviet Union, and did not think breakups after the cold war was justified. That is because democracy was so repressed and limited. It should never have been broken up in the first place. I do not see USA be broken up, so why should Russia? The American people would be very angry and unhappy if they are not part of USA.
I am not saying former Soviet Countries who are not part of Russia should be part of Russia. I am saying that in certain circumstances when the government as in the instance of Ukraine is failing the Russian people. The Russians have a right to a return to ask to be part of Russia if they wish.
11th March 2015
http://www.dw.de/rebels-dig-new-front-line-positions-despite-ukraine-ceasefire/a-18305362
Rebels prepare for more self defence despite Ukraine ceasefire.
NATO
It would be helpful if DPR, LPR and Ukraine could sign to agree and ratify the Lisbon Treaty to promote peace, its values and the well being of its peoples. If they have already done so, they need to be reminded or do so again.
It really is time that the human race learned to settle its differences without periodically slaughtering one another, and without wasting precious resources on the means to do so internationally. It calls for co-operation and willingness.
The EU’s GDP is greater than that of the US or Russia, so a common military and foreign policy is obvious to free-thinking citizens. Defence spending would probably be much reduced for each country, since there could be one procurement programme, with the same ships, planes, tanks, guns and ammunition. All made within the EU. Jobs would be created to benefit all.
Nato was a purely defensive alliance, so when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Warsaw pact was dissolved, and there was no longer anyone to defend against. Nato should have been dissolved. That did not happen, and it is not surprising that several countries in Eastern Europe applied to join the alliance, as a precaution against any revival of Russian power.
It is not surprising either that when Russia found that countries a few hundred kilometres from St Petersburg were members of an alliance whose sole purpose was to oppose Russia that it too needed to take precautions by expanding its military expenditure and exerting pressure on its neighbours. Nato may declare that its intentions are entirely peaceful, and its actions only defensive. But who will attack Nato?
Nato is not protective, it is provocative. It has spread its military power across the world with bilateral agreements with states around the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. It retains its nuclear armed policies, including the right to use nuclear weapons first. Because of “obligations to Nato”, the UK also keeps a policy of using nuclear weapons first. If Nato were less involved in Europe, maybe European nation states could develop alternative defence strategies and move away from militarism.
We do not need nuclear to defend ourselves as we may as well blow up our own country to smithereens to kingdom come. It was USA that started making nuclear, and that is so destructive. Russia raised up the ante by having nuclear weapons, then other countries followed. Nato is not really promoting security, stability and wellbeing, and other countries are losing out not being members. Nato in fact is violating the Lisbon Treaty by having nuclear weapons which is a great real threat to the world. We are living in fear.
This is the real reason why NATO should be abolished as it stands in the way of progress not to use nuclear. Nato is not security. Nato cannot fight each countries's wars while one country has got to defend itself from another country. Each country has to be prepared for stocking up weapons and weaponry, and is allowed to buy them in the event of any attacks. But no country including NATO can abuse their power to start a war first.
The North Atlantic treaty stated Nato’s aim was the promotion of stability and wellbeing “in the North Atlantic area”. I can’t seem to find the Atlantic coast of Ukraine (or Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Greece and Turkey). I wonder how far relentless expansion would reach?
This is a real reason not to have NATO while it has nuclear weapons which has prompted Russia to think more about nuclear, and may have nuclear in Crimea. Iran is seeing the threat not only from NATO but USA too. They have to be ready for any strikes coming from NATO and USA. Having nuclear weapons in the first place have raised tensions and divisions. That USA and NATO must take the lead not to have nuclear weapons.
This calls for world disarmament, and this is where the United Nations Security Council have to take action to promote a dialogue to have security, stability and wellbeing. This is to have no nuclear to start with.
My concerns are that nuclear falls into the wrong hands, or when one leader becomes mentally ill or not rational.
12th March 2015
MEPs of the European Parliament have put forward a proposal for an international forum in Donetsk.
The first meeting of the forum under the working title "Donbas: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" is expected to take place in Donetsk in May to discuss the future of LPR and DPR.
Speaking at a news conference in Strasbourg, Schaffhauser said, "The aim of our trip is to get an insight into what is going on there and to unite colleagues in searching for a peaceful settlement to the conflict. We want to see how the provisions of the Minsk agreement are being implemented in terms of recognizing local authorities and establishing dialogue with them, as well as ensuring control of the border," Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, a French member of the European Parliament and one of the initiators of the proposal, said yesterday.
Schaffhauser said he had already sent corresponding requests to authorities in eastern Ukraine. "Practical preparation will start after we receive final responses from Donetsk and Luhansk," he added.
The cross-party initiative is a brain child of participants in an international observer mission who monitored the recent elections in the two self-proclaimed republics, including German publisher and journalist Manuel Ochsenreiter, and Italian political scientist Alessandro Musolino.
The idea also received support from Latvian MEP Tatiana Zhdanyuk and Czech MEP Miloslav Ransdorf.
The deal struck on February 12 in Minsk by the leaders of Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia envisaged a pull-back of heavy weapons from the front line, a release of prisoners and an agreement for international observers to monitor the truce.
It was President Putin who submitted a list of proposals to extend the Minsk Accords that lead to Normandy Four. Then Russia had a UN Resolution passed which prompted all militias sides, to do heavy weapons withdrawal. Ukraine is very slow and biding their time, and is still shelling but there has been a great decrease of shelling and violence.
Among the terms of the truce were also a commitment to grant wider self-rule to Donetsk and Luhansk, and calls for talks on their long-term status.
Addressing the packed briefing in Strasbourg, the French politician also expressed confidence that last year's overthrow of the Ukrainian government was organised by US intelligence agencies.
"Obviously, it is necessary to recall the events of February 2014. There was an electoral process of democratic renewal in the country. This process was stopped, and there was a coup," Schaffhauser said, noting that the West was "trying to legitimise the coup", but "this does not stop it from being a coup, which was prepared and conducted by representatives of the U.S. intelligence services.
Spain, Italy and Greece have suffered heavy losses from sanctions imposed on Russia. Spain said that the Association agreement should be in Russia's interests. It was also an outright provocation of not using Russian language as a first language in Ukraine by the Ukrainian parliament.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782433
Russia's unification with Crimea did not violate the Budapest Memorandum. Not to blame for loss of territiorial integrity by Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781734
Delayed implementation of Donbas special status degree effects peace process - LPR and DPR.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782400
Donetsk People's Republic gives Kiev two days to prove its compliance with Minsk agreements. Assumes Ukraine does not want peace.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782321
OSCE registers mass withdrawal of military equipment from contact line in East Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782424
President Putin submits protocol to Treaty on nuclear free zone in Central Asia for ratification today. It is possible for EU countries to sign in earnest, the Treaty on nuclear free zone in Europe including NATO.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782405
Russian Defence Ministry again dismisses allegations of Russian involvement in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782367
Retired US General made pronouncements breaching the norms not only of Russian legislation but also the provisions of Article 20 of International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 that prohibits any war propaganda and any instigation for discrimination, hatred or violence.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782432
Spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry commented on scandalous statements of US Retired General Robert Scales urging to "start killing Russians".
13th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/782480
Up to 200 join militias ranks in Donetsk People's Republic daily.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782707
Ukraine contact group reaches agreements passing to political stage of Ukraine settlement.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782730
Russian Foreign Minister stresses necessity to stop blockade of Ukraine's Eastern regions.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782749
Russian Federation to continue mobilisation of collective efforts to protect Christians.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782771
Fighting terrorism requires development of international military co-operation.
19th March 2015
Kiev’s decision on Donbas special status grossly violates and rewrites the Minsk agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference last Wednesday.
"On [Ukraine’s] President Petro Poroshenko’s proposal, the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian parliament] made a decision - which was particularly confusing as Ukraine’s president supported the Minsk package from February 12 - that, in fact, rewrites the agreements and, putting it simply, grossly violates them," Lavrov said.
DPR and LPR does not recognise amendments to law on Donbas special status.
From our point of view, they [amendments] are legally meaningless and politically void," the envoy stressed. "And they directly violate the spirit and word of the Minsk agreements. The Minsk process is practically interrupted as its basis - the law on special status - is in fact cancelled by Poroshenko’s amendments. He [Poroshenko] does not respect the people of Donbas, he does not want peace," Pushilin said.
DPR and LPR authorities called on March 16 on Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada to approve the draft law on areas with special status in Donbas, DPR and LPR envoys in the Contact Group on Ukrainian peaceful settlement Denis Pushilin and Vladislav Deinego said.
According to Article 4 of the package of measures on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, a law on areas in Donbass with special political and economic status must be adopted by the Verkovna Rada by March 14. However, the law has still not been adopted. Kiev still have not complied with the Minsk agreements on law for status of DPR and LPR.
UK Prime Minister has said that everyone must press for more sanctions until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented. UK and EU does not seem to want to know that it is Ukraine has been slowing down the heavy weapons withdrawal, the release of prisoners, the continued fighting near Donetsk airport which OSCE claims came from Ukrainian troops, and the invalidity of the the law on special status which has been amended without the permission of the DPR and LPR.
This proves Verkovna Rada does not really want peace. and does not seem to want to co-operate, and is creating problems.
http://rt.com/news/242273-lavrov-washington-kiev-military/
Lavrov says Washington is pushing Kiev for a military solution.
http://tass.ru/en/world/783879
Russia's OSCE envoy says Kiev reluctant to enter political settlement dialogue with Donbas - Andrey Kelin.
http://www.dw.de/us-british-training-mission-for-ukraines-soldiers/a-18325318
US and UK training mission for Ukraine's soldiers have begun. Shows they are still meddling in the conflict and wants military solution. They are threatening to derail the peace process.
20th March 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin said after a meeting with the leaders of Belarus and Kazakhstan in Astana. Moscow hopes Kiev will strictly adhere to the Minsk Accords
"We do expect that the authorities in Kiev will fully comply with the Minsk Accords," Putin said.
The Russian leader confirmed that the situation in Ukraine was among the themes discussed. He noted the active involvement of Alexander Lukashenko and Nursultan Nazarbayev in efforts to promote a settlement of that problem.
"The Minsk Accords of February 12 paved the way for gradual de-escalation of the armed conflict," Putin said.
Putin's speech comes after the need to have more talks with France, Germany and Ukraine possibly next week.
http://rt.com/politics/242205-russia-ukraine-laws-status/
Kremlin awaits Europe reaction to Ukraine's Donbas status laws - Peskov.
http://tass.ru/en/world/784202
LPR leader says MInsk agreements will stop working after resumption of combat actions. No doubt DPR agree too.
24th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/784660
OSCE drones register shelling of East Ukraine's Shirokino by Kiev troops.
http://tass.ru/en/world/784646
OSCE observers Russian journalists come under fire in East Ukraine - DPR.
http://rt.com/politics/242549-gortbachev-russia-ukraine-ussr/
Gorbachev blames war in Ukraine on Perestroika failure and USSR breakup.
29th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/785642
OSCE says Ukrainian armed forces bombarded village east of Mariupol last Friday.
The past few weeks there have been violations of ceasefire in and around the Donetsk region by Ukrainian armed forces, and possibly other militias fighting aside them.
http://tass.ru/en/world/785696
RF, Ukrainian delegates to OSCE Assembly discuss implementation of agreements.
14th April 2015
The US is seeking world supremacy and its geopolitical strategy relies on the instinct of colonizers, the State Duma speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, Sergey Naryshkin, wrote in his article posted on the Vedomosti newspaper’s website on Tuesday.
"The new conflicts in various regions of the planet that often emerge due to external provocations show that the instincts of colonizers have not disappeared. They are presented with renewed vigour and by some carpetbaggers from the European continent, and they have become the essence of geopolitical strategy for the US. The US is pursuing a hegemonic policy, The obedience of almost the whole Europe in military affairs has already been reached, and many things are under control in political affairs. Now it’s time for trade and finances"
Naryshkin said the key goal of the US sanctions, military and political undertaking in Donbas and other Washington’s actions in Europe is the signing a tough and all-encompassing economic deal with the EU, in which the Europeans will have the role of a younger partner.
"America needs the lengthy sanctions saga that comes in violation of the international law and the atmosphere of information hysteria to continue the unpunished economic banditry," Naryshkin wrote.
Naryshkin has again called on the citizens of European states "to make practical conclusions that are important for a new grouping of forces calling for a fair world order that is based on the law. And our brothers, the Ukrainians, should think about the real part that the overseas director assigns to their country. As for them, the tragedy of their Motherland is not even a supporting role but just an episode. And the number of victims is not important here. In line with the Hollywood standards, the sea of blood is a usual background for the main character’s exploits," he said.
In the article called "Instincts of Colonizers Or Root Cause Behind Global Leadership" Naryshkin notes that the longer the Ukrainian conflict lasts and Kiev fails to comply with the Minsk agreements, the more often the theme of the US special role in unleashing this conflict rises to the surface.
Hegemony is when socially powerful people use their influence to convince less powerful people. It is in the best interest to do what is actually in the most people's best interest. One uses hegemony to justify growing economic inequality. There is a great focus of power and control or dominate people. Hegemony is the opposite of coercion. Coercion uses force or intimidation and goes against values and against the laws of anyone's state.
When people believe they have been disadvantaged by a rigged system, they get angry and they start to use words like injustice, occupy, and revolution. If the rich and socially powerful can convince the poor that it is their fault they are poor, or that they are about to be rich. Then the revolutionary tension is released. Hegemony is used everyday to deflect blame away from the rich and the powerful and convince socially disadvantaged people to continue to tolerate inequality. Income or economic inequality.
There is a great danger that when one country like US or Europe wants leadership, dominance, supremacy, authority, mastery, control, power and rule over other countries. It leads to chaos, disruption and even war. Which is why no one country can ever lead and supreme over the other.
Very often when a leader starts to behave irresponsibly and go senile, that a country would be put at great risk of hegemony. Which is why, like Russia who would not use hegemony but to use its power like a father to his children, and get them together to form a new grouping for a fair non-violent world order based on law. Hegemony is a violation of human rights and against international law.
This new grouping helps one to understand each problem, and deal with one problem at a time leading to common sense and good judgement. It helps a lot to work as a team as if one fails to perform satisfactorily, the others fail.
Politicians must do more and stand firm against their own leaders using hegemony. It is their responsibility to make sure hegemony does not happen at all.
NATO
The Russia-led military alliance of former Soviet states, CSTO, said last Monday it was concerned over NATO attempts to interfere in the Ukraine conflict, and an escalation of almost all frozen conflicts in these territories.
"But the main thing we are worried about is NATO trying to interfere in the process and those events taking place in Ukraine," he said, noting NATO’s move to send military instructors to provide advice and training to Kiev soldiers alongside steps to strengthen the alliance's military presence in Eastern Europe, moving US troops and equipment eastwards". That is with UK taking the lead for NATO.
Reports about NATO establishing command centers in six of its eastern countries were "extremely alarming". "This is nothing but creation of an infrastructure for military actions," CSTO said.
"The situation was no better in other directions. Almost all so-called frozen conflicts are escalating," emphasising the need to address issues of importance to the CSTO countries - Russia and former Soviet republics of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
NATO have recently moved so much more closer to the borders, but their military presence is posing a great threat, in case the terrorists wants to target them as sitting ducks or up for a challenge for a real fight for the sake of being trigger happy. NATO itself are making the other countries so very uncomfortable and making them more watchful, by increasing their defences to match NATO. It is getting tiring when I say that we do not need military solution, but UN must be able to say or do something to get NATO to back off.
http://tass.ru/en/world/789080
Normandy Four foreign ministers call for full ceasefire in Ukraine. This is more like it having four foreign ministers talking together to reach an agreement to make more progress.
15th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/economy/789320
Steinmeier - road to restoring G8 format lies through Ukrainian settlement.
17th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790084
Kiev forces prepare provocations using OSCE insignia, people's militia uniform. There have been cases of some intruders wearing Russian uniforms in an attempt to derail the Minsk peace process in the past.
18th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790241
OSCE observers say "third side" provoking clashes near Donetsk airport.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32363766
Alexander Zakharchenko talking about the failure of Minsk Accords.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790321
OSCE mission comes under Azov battalion's shelling in East Ukraine - Media.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790302
Issue of recognising LPR and DPR to be considered proceeding from situation - Putin
This probably banks on all sides to sign an agreement to proceed to completely withdraw all weapons as agreed by the Normandy Four on the 14th April 2015. However, Ukraine have violated the deal of the Minsk Accords by not meeting the deadline, which was last March. LPR and DPR still have got rights to have their republics recognised.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790234
OSCE registers over 20 Ukranian tanks in Donbas security area - OSCE SMM report.
20th April 2015
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have said "The direct dialogue is Kiev's commitment in line with the Minsk agreements".
Kiev pledged to hold a direct dialogue with the self proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics. But will not hold a direct dialogue as Russia wants it to. Ukrainian conflict settlement is dragged out with Kiev's new requests which were not subjected to discussions
Lavrov said "It is clear why Kiev drags out the formation of working groups and proves Kiev's unwillingness to begin practical implementation of the MInsk-2 accords. Today we see that the formation of the working groups of the Contact Group is being obstructed by some requests, which were never discussed with anyone and they imply engagement of some experts besides members of the Contact Group".
Moscow is opposed to diluting the format of the Contact Group on Ukraine and attracting some outside experts that no one has heard about.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday warned the Russian authorities against recognizing the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) as independent states.
"It would dramatically complicate the process of Ukrainian settlement," he told the ARD television channel.
He called on Russia to observe Ukraine’s territorial integrity as a fundamental basis of the Minsk agreement. He said he hoped this agreement would finally be implemented. "If I had no hopes I would not be dedicating so much time and effort to this," he said, adding that the current situation was not as dramatic as it used to be some three months ago. Nonetheless, in his words, the implementation of the Minsk agreement was not satisfactory.
On April 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sergei Brilyov, the host of the Vesti v Subbotu programme, that the issue of whether to recognize the DPR’s and LPR’s independence or not, if it ever arose, would be considered proceeding from the actual situation at that time. "We will take into account realia that emerge in life I would not like to speak on the issue now because whatever I say everything could be counterproductive," Putin said.
I can see both sides are not talking constructively due to the fact Ukraine does not see eye to eye, and understand that it is really about Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine must understand that as Russia wants it too, and have no intention of breaking Ukraine up. It should be in the UN Resolution, and there should have been a copy of it.
There are problems in understanding that DPR and LPR have no intention not to have a referendum as it is not needed. And the republics have no intention to evict any Ukrainians living in these republics and wants to care for them. They want to self govern to protect and build the economy as well as protecting their homes and lands. They do not want to share the Association Agreement signed by Ukraine to be part of EU, that was signed against the will of both Russians and Ukrainians.
I would suggest that Ukraine accept the self governance of DPR and LPR, and tear up the Association Agreement to sign for European Economic Area (EFA), and follow the example of Switzerland. That way Ukraine and other countries are free, and become more flexible to have a Free Trade Zone which could include BRICS etc.
Ukraine must understand that it cannot depend on Europe alone. Ukraine must understand that if they have any questions or want to query about anything, talks must commence. Ukraine must understand fighting will not get anywhere and must have dialogue.
The European Economic Area (EEA) provides for the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital through three of the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and all 28 member states of the European Union (EU). Pending its ratification by all EEA countries, Croatia, the remaining and most recent EU member state, is applying the EEA Agreement provisionally.The EEA was established on 1 January 1994 following an agreement between the member states and the
EU's predecessor, the European Community EFTA states which join the EEA are able to participate in the EU's single internal market without being EU members, adopting almost all the relevant EU legislation other than laws regarding agriculture and fisheries. The EEA's decision-shaping processes enable them to influence and contribute to new EEA policy and legislation from an early stage.
One EFTA member, Switzerland, has not joined the EEA but has a series of bilateral agreements with the EU, including a free trade agreement.
I wrote all this today not knowing about PACE and found this agreeable. We need to focus on the economy as well.
Ukraine needs an efficient system of decentralization and an inclusive political process, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Anne Brasseur on Monday in her opening address for the April 2015 part-session in Strasbourg.
"Ukraine needs solid democratic institutions, a sound constitutional and legal framework, an independent, impartial and effective judiciary, a modern and efficient system of devolution of power, and - above all - an inclusive political process to carry out all these reforms," Brasseur said.
The PACE chief reminded that since February 2015 a ceasefire regime has been in place in eastern Ukraine. She emphasized that this is a "fragile" ceasefire "because it is very difficult to enforce, and violations happen on a daily basis. We must move from violence to dialogue".
Last week, the agreements was reached in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe announced that offices for informing citizens about the upcoming Ukrainian administrative reform would be open in all the Ukrainian regions. These regional centers will help pave the way for the decentralisation to ensure long term political stability in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790548
Head of Russian delegation PACE - Europe is tired of Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790552
Germany say future of anti-russia sanctions hangs on Moscow's actions.
Europe and US have done damage, and contributed to the break up of Ukraine by supporting Maidan protests and implementing the Association Agreement. War broke out at the same time leading to Russia having to take action to prevent the war happening in Crimea. What Russia did was out of love, and does not contradict International Law. It is against International Law not to let Russian Crimean residents not have human rights. Crimean needs was humanitarian, and was consensual. UN Security Council must recognise the annexation of Crimea on these grounds.
22nd April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790862
DPR head says Kiev's actions demonstrate its inability to observe Minsk agreements. There have been more violations from Kiev's troops, the last few days and weeks.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790864
OSCE reports intensified fighting around Donetsk airport and Shirokino.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790843
Kremlin comments on possibility of Barack Obama joining work of Normandy Four.
It is about time US takes the peace process seriously, and exert influence. US owes Russia to make amends for having damaged relations with Russia and US getting EU to damage relations with Russia. People's lives are at stake, bombings still continue, and still no decentralisation for both republics. US and EU cannot win on hegemony. We have had some world's leaders trying to stop the war through talks while Ukraine is being uncooperative and unwilling to stop fighting. If no one can, the worst scenario would be to have a gun pointed at Porochenko's head to force him to give orders for his troops to stop fighting. That is coercion, not agreement. Hope it will not come to that. It is unbelievable that Ukraine MPs endorsed resolution on "repelling Russian armed aggression". Ukraine Parliament is speaking for themselves, and I agree with Russia that Ukraine has dodged responsibility. The Ukrainian Parliament has lost credibility in ruling over Ukraine by not looking after its own people, not stopping the bombing and gunning, and letting the economy run down to the ground, not obeying the MInsk Accords and the UN Resolution. In fact Ukrainian Parliament is unfit to rule, and is mentally unstable and sick.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790813
Lawmaker says Kiev's speculations about Russian aggression attempt to dodge responsibility.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790663
UN says refugee numbers in Ukraine conflict soar to over 800,000 people.
These people live in appalling conditions. Some have fled to live in Russia or EU states to escape the violence. Ukrainian Parliament lives in an unreal world, if it does not recognise its own evil actions.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790950
Ukraine must remain united - Lavrov.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791139
France to help Ukraine hold decentralisation.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791160
Presence of US Military in Ukraine violates Kiev's commitments - Lavrov.
23rd April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/791333
Russian diplomat says it is unclear why criminals become law breakers in Ukraine. Verkhovna Rada is corrupt including deputies. It shows Verkhovna Rada is illegal and incompetent. The Ukrainian Parliament should be dissolved making the case so much stronger to have decentralisation in Eastern Ukraine and the recognition of Crimea, to protect what is important to the people. If it is true that there are criminals helping to rule the country, then the past elections have been rigged and was illegal. DPR have said there must be no amendment to the constitution of the republics by Verkhovna Rada.
24th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791533
Russian military general says US and West wage first phase of hybrid war on Russia. NATO's presence is a provocation for the Eastern Ukraine Republics. NATO has got no right to make their presence known by being so close to the borders, and training Ukrainian soldiers. Its encouragement is totally unacceptable, especially with UK taking the lead.
As leader of Democracy in the absence of Prime Minister awaiting General Election in two weeks time. I say "Halt, please withdraw from the borders, and stop the training and supplying non-lethal equipment, we must have no more shedding of blood, stop the violence at once". NATO is a threat showing its presence, and got nuclear weapons policy forcing Russia and Eastern Ukraine to put up its defence. NATO is violating the Minsk Accords, and is a great deterrent to the peace process.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791506
Russian Foreign Ministry is worried over US intention to supply weapons to Kiev.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791544
Russia's General Staff - Pentagon to expand forward deployment of it armed forces.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791504
Russian Lawmaker - Europe watches crimes in Ukraine "with eyes wide shut".
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791467
Russian Lawmaker - Warns PACE against stripping Russia of all powers.
25th April 2015
It was the Ukraine crisis that led to demonisation of President Putin, and promoted Russophobia. It is now clear that Ukraine, EU and US was at fault. The cold war has not really ended, as there are still frosty relations between US and Russia, no matter how hard Russia have tried to thaw. Russia was having problems with the Ukraine crisis, and became the victim of it, while it had nothing to do with it. Russia is invaluable in solving international problems but it cannot solve its own. Which is why someone has got to step in, and speak out on victimised countries who are being picked on. Russia has proved beyond capabilities against what is thrown at them, and will not give in .
EU has abandoned the peace project, and allowed itself to become an auxiliary of Nato's expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Instead of seeking accommodation, compromise and engagement with Russia in relation to Ukraine. The EU leadership in Brussels has turned the issue of Ukraine's European choice into an instrument to isolate and destabilise Russia.The confrontation between Russia and the West may divide the continent for at least a generation. There are Russophobes in Poland, the Baltic States and other countries within the new incomplete Europe who have imported into the EU their historic antagonisms with neighbouring Russia.
Ukrainian crisis was a mystery, as it has nothing to do with Ukrainian identity, nationalism and statehood as Russia supports them. Russians had not problems with living in Ukraine, and have married Ukrainians. It had exclusion from Nato and the EU. The crisis started when Ukraine suddenly wanted to be included in Nato and the EU. Another crisis was they signed an Association Agreement while some wanted to be in the Russia Customs Union. The third crisis was Ukraine wanted to purge Russian residents out of Ukraine with its Neo Nazis tendencies and racism.
President Putin is the most Pro European leader that Russia ever had, and was committed to partnership with the EU, US and Nato. He is a rational and pragmatic politician, and has been contesting the western expansion of Russia's borders, contesting western dominated European and world order. Ukraine was pushed into the front line of this struggle.
The West and EU have failed to subdue President Putin by sanctions, and isolate Russia internationally. Russia is in itself used an opportunity to organise from bottom up when it came to defence, economy, welfare system, corruption and many more, and is more or less completed restructuring, and creating a new democracy for a new and better Russia. This included Crimea. There has been very little support for sanctions in countries who have had deals in trade with Russia. Putin no doubt, wants Greater Europe which would include Russia and other big countries like China. Russia can co-exist peacefully if Ukraine dissolve their parliament, have snap elections, grant decentralisation to Eastern Ukraine, EU involvement, and to be rid of discrimination and divisions between Ukrainians and Russians.
Ukraine has not been fully or partially established, since it gained independence in 1991, not long ago, and Russians who have always had homes before then, started to get unsettled and thought it was unfair that independence happened without their say so. The breakup of the Soviet Union was traumatic and against their democracy. Ukraine is one of the most corrupt and inefficient states in the world. Before the crisis Russia was Ukraine's biggest, and most important trading partner. Millions of Ukrainian citizens live and work in Russia. Without Russian participation there is no viable solution or alternative to the economic collapse suffered by disintegrating Ukraine.
Unless we have a new Ukraine Parliament and cessation of violence, can all the Ukrainians return home including refugees to pick up the pieces, create a clean democracy and human rights. There is not a hope in hell for Ukraine as it will become a ghost country, and a vacuum could be filled with evil political parties or groups which a few exist now. Ukraine and Russia will one day co-exist and more differently.
26th April 2015
The DPR believes that there is no alternative to a political solution to the conflict and "all the attempts to disrupt the peace process should have an international evaluation,"
Eduard Basaurin said, "The Ukrainian side is doing everything possible, on an incredibly regular basis, in order to disrupt the Minsk agreements. We call on the international community and all the sides involved in the negotiation process to increase a direct political pressure on Ukraine’s government and to secure fulfilment of the Minsk agreements by official Kiev. We also call on the Ukrainian authorities to launch a full-fledged dialogue with the DPR and to proceed from the fact that the only civilised way out is a political settlement of all contradictions,"
Donbass is facing a rather volatile situation which needs an urgent interference of the international community keen on the conflict de-escalation, the spokesman for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic’s (DPR) Defence Ministry said last Saturday.
This is the first post and has continued into the second post. Please find second post for updates.
The deal is a historic moment towards the path of peace, and talks are still ongoing to resolve more problems that could arise, or have arisen during the peace talks.
9th October 2014
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2785261/Welcome-Donetsk-Shocking-pictures-Ukrainian-airport-lying-tatters-UN-says-331-killed-month-s-ceasefire-agreed.html
Shocking pictures of Donetsk airport lying in tatters. UN has called to respect residents rights for normalcy. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein released a statement today saying that the security crisis needed to be tackled so residents of east Ukraine could reclaim their rights.
The organisation estimates that some five million people are being deprived of education, adequate health care, housing and employment in the area.
Mr Zeid said: 'While the cease-fire is a very welcome step toward ending the fighting in eastern Ukraine, I call on all parties to genuinely respect and uphold it, and to halt the attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.'
I do understand why the rebels wanted to destroy the airport, as they wanted the Ukrainian troops out of their territory which rebels have always called home. The rebels have always wanted to protect their assets and properties from the Ukrainian government when it became corrupt and bust.
If Ukrainian troops have left the Donetsk airport soon after the ceasefire agreed, the untold damage and disruption to lives would never have happened on that scale.
There can never be a real proper ceasefire until the Ukrainian troops are ejected from Eastern Ukraine. They should have left a long time ago.
12th October 2014
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered thousands of troops stationed near the Ukrainian border to return to their bases, according to Russian media report.
Mr Putin's spokesman said about 17,600 soldiers on training exercises in the Rostov region would be pulled back.
Russia has previously announced troop withdrawals that Nato and the US say were not actually carried out.
There were changes in circumstances as Ukrainian troops were still firing from the airport in Donetsk which seems to have stopped since the ceasefire.
Russia was preparing for soldiers by giving them training in case the Ukranian conflict spilled over the Russian borders.
It was important for Russian soldiers to complete their training, and understand the borders better.
Ukraine's parliament speaker Oleksandr Turchynov has inked a law on special status of parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and sent it to President Petro Poroshenko for signing.
The parliament approved the law introducing self-administration in parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions on September 16.
The law stipulates that local elections are to take place in these regions on December 7 and also guarantees the right to use Russian or any other language in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier said Moscow views the special status legislation as a step in the right direction and in line with the agreements outlined in the Geneva joint statement by Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the EU on April 17, as well as in the Berlin declaration of July 2.
On September 5, the trilateral Contact Group consisting of representatives from Russia, Ukraine, the DPR and the LPR and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) met in Minsk to discuss the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
The meeting resulted in ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian government and independence supporters. In addition, Ukraine agreed to adopt a law on granting special status to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and ensuring early elections of the heads of the self-proclaimed republics.
The leaders of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR, LPR) have laid claim to the whole territory within the borders of the respective administrative entities in Ukraine, and want full independence.
Both self-proclaimed republics have set elections of regional leaders and legislative bodies for November 2.
2nd November 2014
Elections are taking place today. See link for news.
13th November 2014
A ceasefire agreed by the pro-Russian rebels and government forces more than two months ago seem dead, and Western fears of a return to all-out conflict are growing
Ukraine said on Wednesday it was redeploying troops in the east because of fears that separatists will launch a new military offensive, despite Russia's denials it has sent troops to reinforce the rebels.
Ukraine would say anything to go against the rebels's wishes to stay in Eastern Ukraine under another rule.
US General Philip Breedlove, Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the alliance had seen Russian troops and tanks entering Ukraine in the past few days, confirming reports by international observers.
“There is no question any more about Russia's direct military involvement in Ukraine,” Breedlove said in Bulgaria. Breedlove would say that but cannot prove Russia is involved unless there is proof there is real infighting outside Eastern Ukraine.
A Russian Defence Ministry official, General-Major Igor Konashenkov, said in Moscow that “there were and are no facts” behind such statements and Russia had given up paying attention to such accusations by Nato.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak left no doubt that Kiev was also no longer paying attention to Moscow's denials of providing the rebels with direct military support in the worst diplomatic standoff with the West since the Cold War.
“We are repositioning our armed forces to respond to the actions of the (rebel) fighters,” Poltorak told a government meeting in Kiev. “My main task is to prepare for military action.”
He gave no details of the troop movements.
The ceasefire was agreed in the Belarussian capital of Minsk on September 5 after weeks of fierce fighting between government forces and separatists who rebelled in mainly Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine against the rule of Kiev's Western-looking government eight months ago.
The truce has been violated daily, and increasingly but only inside Eastern Ukraine which Ukrainian troops should have left a long time ago.
Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern about what he called a “significant military build-up”.
“This is a severe threat to the ceasefire. “I call on Russia to pull back its forces and equipment from Ukraine, and to fully respect the Minsk agreements.” he said.
I agree with Nato Secretary General. Everyone would be concerned about a significant military build up, but I am not that concerned as Eastern Ukraine is just stocking up to meet their requirements against any eventuality from Ukraine. It is not quite the severe threat to the ceasefire yet as one would anticipate.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told US Secretary of State John Kerry by phone that the ceasefire deal must be upheld, rejecting accusations that Moscow is to blame for its collapse.
A Reuters reporter, however, saw unidentified military trucks in the centre of Donetsk on Wednesday, with soldiers in green uniform without insignia standing nearby. Russian soldiers spotted by local residents have often worn no insignia.
Kiev has nothing to fear, as Putin does not want to expand the territory controlled by the separatists and made that very clear.
Moscow denied sending in troops and armour in August, but said some Russians may have been there as volunteers during their holidays. Which is true and if there are Russian soldiers in Eastern Ukraine, they are volunteers, returning home from Russia or have made a new home in Eastern Ukraine from Russia.
Bear in mind that there is a very high population of Russians living in Ukraine as well as Eastern Ukraine.
The only thing that separates Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine is the Ukraine's economy which is almost non existent.
The prospect of all-out war returning to eastern Ukraine has piled pressure on the country's struggling economy, sending the hryvnia currency plummeting. The cost of insuring exposure to Ukraine's debt hit five-year highs on Wednesday, while its dollar bonds were sold off heavily.
Russia is also suffering an economic downturn aggravated by Western economic sanctions over the conflict, with the rouble falling nearly 30 percent against the dollar this year.
EU has signalled it will not ease sanctions on Russia when it meets to discuss them next week.
It is still so very wrong of EU to impose sanctions on Russia when Putin is not even involved.
Time will tell who is really the offender of war. The finger still points to Ukraine.
Message for Nato Secretary General - Putin has expanded his fleet of bombers to keep an eye on certain areas to making sure Nato is not going to do anything, and seeing that everything is as it is. Bombers are on patrol missions only. Putin like to keep his eye on Nato.
http://rt.com/news/204959-russia-ukraine-military-un/
Ukraine has got front line troops along Eastern Ukraine according to news by RT. Here is the full story plus another one to click on inside the article.
15th November 2014
http://www.dw.de/kyiv-orders-pullout-of-state-services-from-eastern-ukraine/a-18067266
This is good news about Ukraine pulling out state services from Eastern Ukraine, and hope that the rebels will give permission to let Ukraine do so.
17th November 2014
President Vladimir Putin said in a German television interview last Sunday that he is convinced it should be possible to find a way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, but added he was concerned about the threat of ethnic cleansing.
"Can one find a way out of this situation? Yes, I'm convinced there is a way," Putin said after criticising the Ukraine government for using force, rather than dialogue, against its adversaries in the east to trigger the crisis. "I'll say this bluntly: we're very concerned that the desire could arise to use ethnic cleansing. We're afraid about a drift towards neo-Nazism. There are people with swastikas on their sleeves running around and armed forces with SS symbols on the helmets... That's why we fear there's a drift in that direction. It would be a disaster for the people in Ukraine."
Putin, who spoke almost entirely in Russian, and said he had made mistakes, believes Ukraine has a bright future, although it needs a framework so that all its minorities feel at home.
"It's a great nation with great people," he said. "But, you know, there's just one thing missing: an understanding that to be successful, stable and grow, everyone needs to have a feeling that this is their home no matter what language they speak - whether it's Hungarian, Russian, Ukrainian or Polish."
Putin said the annexation of Crimea was legitimate under international law and democratic because both the regional parliament and the people voted for it in a referendum. He said Russian troops were deployed to prevent bloodshed, and added he was surprised by the reaction in the West.
"We consider the reaction to be completely inappropriate to what happened. I'm firmly convinced Russia did not violate international law in any way. It's in our interests ... and we'll look for a common solution and a common political framework," he said. "We're ready for that but it will only work jointly."
He was asked if he had made any mistakes.
"Listen, mistakes are always made - in business and private life," he said. "Everyone makes mistakes. But what's important is to react in a timely way, analyse and understand it was a mistake and then change the behaviour - and not get stuck on a dead-end street but work towards finding a solution."
Putin was full of praise for German-Russian relations. Industry leaders in Germany have been the strongest opponents of the European Union's economic sanctions against Russia
"If you look at the atmosphere between Russia and Germany over the last 10 or 15 years, I don't know if there's ever been such a good period before. I don't think so. I think it's a very good foundation for developing not only bilateral relations but between Russia and the European Union and beyond that for global relationships. It'd be a shame to lose all that."
A U.S. official suggested on Wednesday that Washington should consider providing weapons to Ukraine.
Proposed Model
I have a proposed model that might be acceptable to all parties.
Ideas could arise from the one proposed model from all parties.
Recommendations
It may sound like a competition.
If the rebels and the separatists think they can govern better than the Ukrainian government. They have to prove they can do so ranging from the economy to other issues relating to structuring institutions including Justice.
We will then see if who is better to govern whether it is Ukraine or Eastern Ukraine. If Ukraine is found to be more capable of governing than Eastern Ukraine. Eastern Ukraine will have to give up the right to permanent governance and vice versa.
If all parties agree to do that, they have to put the thought of independence on hold.
If Eastern Ukraine is found to be more capable, this government will have to take on the Ukrainian government and rule from there.
Or Ukraine is found to be more capable, then Ukraine takes over Eastern Ukraine.
All parties must abide by the rules that they must start from scratch, and must restructure institutions and rebalance the economy etc.
To agree there will be monitoring present to keep an eye on both Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine.
All parties have nothing to lose as all parties can each have a place in the Ukrainian government in the event Eastern Ukraine failed.
21st November 21014
957 people have been killed amid continuing violations on both sides in the eight weeks since the truce came into force. UN confirmed these figures, and highlights credible allegations of abuses by government forces.
Vladimir Putin said "threat to everyone, the global order and global peace".
It has been almost a full scale war and I condemn all countries for taking sides with Ukraine and condemn EU for imposing sanctions on Russia. These actions are so very shameful.
No one should take sides and must not take sides. Any encouragement will only fuel the war.
No countries except Russia has really bothered to find a political solution, which a real solution has not been found. Russia did its best to ease tensions and disputes.
And it did not help having a former President of Ukraine meddling in such matters.
The rebels and separatists are more intelligent than the Ukrainian government and the government should respect their human rights and freedom to live in democracy.
Therefore, all parties must consider my proposed model to peace detailed above.
We must restore Law and Order by not fighting anymore.
What US Vice President Joe Biden said:
The United States remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine as it works to establish security, restore economic stability, strengthen the rule of law, advance the fight against corruption, and carry out democratic and constitutional reforms. The White House would commit $20 million to support comprehensive reform in the Ukrainian law enforcement and justice sectors, including proscecutorial and anti-corruption reforms. US will be directing an additional $3 million to the UN World Food Program emergency operation in Ukraine for food rations and assistance to people displaced by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and other vulnerable populations.
The United States will continue to work with the Congress to identify additional opportunities for US assistance to Ukraine. For example, the Administration has requested from the Congress an additional $45 million as part of the President's European reassurance initiative that would help build Ukraine's capacity to provide for its own defence and increase interoperability with US and Western forces.
What Alan, an Ossetian fighter said:
"There was never a ceasefire. Ukraine broke the truce by not being serious about prisoner exchanges. They sent us back crooks and drunks who were never separatist fighters. I am a volunteer and was not sent to Eastern Ukraine by the Kremlin. I sport an automatic weapon that was never in use by the Ukrainian military. Most arms used by separatist fighters were looted from Ukrainian weapons stores".
Disputes persist on violations of the Minsk deal.
Ukrainian Security Service officials dismiss the claim that they did not observe the Minsk agreement provision governing prisoner swaps. An official, Vasyl Vovk said exchanges did take place, but there are still 333 Ukrainian servicemen, 41 members of volunteer battalions and two journalists being held by the separatists. He acknowledged about 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been freed by the rebels.
Separatists will not stop with Donetsk and Luhansk. Once they have secured them, they will push further and grab all eight provinces of South East Ukraine, including Mariupol, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia. They said port city of Odessa should be part of "New Russia".
There is evidence that people in Mariupol or Odessa want to leave Ukraine which throws doubts about whether the elections were rigged.
Ukraine officials said the rebels are impossible to negotiate with, and Prime Minister Yatseniuk rejected a call to negotiate directly with the separatists. The Prime Minister said that direct negotiations would legitimise the insurgents. Separatists and Rebels are not insurgents.
Alan said he will never observe the Minsk agreement and neither will his fighters. "This is Russian land, Russia's ancestral home and NATO and the American will not push us out".
US and Europe are siding with Ukraine and throwing money at Ukraine for their selfish means as to protect trade, save trade, to keep Ukraine in Europe for their own means etc. They do not care about a population of Russians who have lived in Ukraine all their lives, and have ancestors from Russia who lived in Ukraine which used to be part of Russia . US and Europe do not care if Ukraine destroy Russians's homes and their livelihoods. US and Europe should not be supporting Ukraine at all, and it shows Ukraine incapable of governing on its own without the intervention of US and Europe. Ukraine have signed a deal for all parties to have a Coalition government today.
There is new corruption taken place with the elections having been rigged, and not respecting the human rights of Russians and freedom to live in democracy.
The separatists and rebels will always be defiant to the end, and will never give up. If Ukraine succeed to wipe all of them, there will be more volunteers from Russia to take their place and it will go on and on. Vladimir Putin can do nothing, and cannot stop the Russians from his own country to fight in Ukraine. The war could last for years if volunteers (high population of Russians against Ukrainians) keep fighting against Ukraine unless there is a drastic political solution to end it all. It will be a hopeless situation, something that US and EU will not have predicted.
22nd November 2014
US have sent anti-mortar radar systems to aid the fight against rebels. It was confirmed in the Bloomberg report today. The rebels suffered heavy losses during a failed assault at Donetsk Airport. Ukraine continue to ignore the principles of humanitarian law and international conventions by gunning and shelling, and not evacuating Donetsk to leave the rebels alone to rebuild their lives. Ukraine have also used drones to spy on Donetsk Airport as well as other areas. It is believed that US provided the drones as well.
I would not be suprised if US is behind the elections rigging. I call on UN to arrange another general election and local elections, and have them monitored by UN. We need confirmation that it is fair and just.
The war is not going to end unless we deal with the war first, before there be reforms and a new parliament.
I believe that US is so paranoid thinking there will be another cold war, that Stalinism will return etc. That is not going to happen in the 21st century or the next century.
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/11/21/derek-fraser-what-vladimir-putin-wants-from-the-west/
This article must reach the West. Putin speaks at a Security Council meeting in the Kremlin, Moscow two days ago. He was delivering major foreign policy addresses for equal and indivisible security for the West. It is a very important article to read which is full of common sense. It is part of framework to peace.
United States Senate speeches
http://groundreport.com/hundreds-of-ukrainian-soldiers-have-died-in-battle-against-these-same-separatist-forces-says-senator-portman/
This link proves speeches took place in the United States Senate. That Senator Cardin did monitor the election. That there was a call to support Ukraine and provide radar systems etc. That they are against Russia. United States have abused their position by taking sides, and providing help to Ukraine.
Leader of the Rebels gives a true story.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-s-igor-strelkov-claims-responsibility-for-unleashing-war-in-ukraine/511584.html
Here is the true story from Igor Strelkov. It explains how the war started, what the aims were, what they were trying to achieve. He has now stepped down and is living in Moscow.
Joe Biden's motive to get rid of Eastern Ukraine
20th November 2014
A U.S. official suggested on Wednesday that Washington should consider providing weapons to Ukraine.
Russia said on Thursday the United States would violate international agreements, and destabilise the situation if it supplies weapons to Ukrainian forces fighting separatists in the country's east
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said that sent a "very serious signal".
Lukashevich was addressing reporters before a visit to Ukraine by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, who was due to arrive in Kiev on Thursday evening.
"If there is a change of policy (of providing only non-lethal assistance to Ukraine), then we can speak of a serious destabilizing factor that can seriously impact the balance of forces in this region,"
He cautioned against "a major change in policy of the (U.S.) administration in regard to the conflict" in Ukraine. "That (would be) a direct violation of agreements reached, including (agreements reached) with the participation of the United States," he said.
Washington backs Kiev in its struggle against the pro-Russian separatists in two eastern regions of Ukraine, and has imposed sanctions on Russia over its policies in the crisis.
Moscow supports the separatists, but denies it is part of the armed conflict which the United Nations says has killed more than 4,300 people since mid-April.
Separatists must not be left undefended and is entitled to have help defending themselves every time Ukrainian soldiers attack them. The separatists would be wiped out if undefended.
They say they got the arms and equipment from volunteers who are blood brothers raised money on behalf of separatists.
Separatists got their own homes, and it is unthinkable that any troops would just fire at any homes and demolish them. And any lands owned by landowners be destroyed purposely by Ukrainian soldiers.
The separatists simply do not want to be ruled by Ukraine.
What has Ukraine been trying to protect? It is a government no one wants to touch.
America would be fuelling the war by supplying arms to Ukraine instead of a political solution.
The war will not stop unless Ukrainian soldiers withdraw, and lay down arms.
The rebels cannot lay down arms if they have to protect their territory, but they will not shoot if not attacked.
The fighting in eastern Ukraine has killed nearly 300 people in the last month despite a ceasefire and has violated people's rights so much it could amount to war crimes, UN rights investigators said.
466, 830 people are displaced since the war began.
The report also cited allegations of serious human rights abuses by armed groups including torture, detention, executions, forced labour and sexual violence that "are of a systematic nature and may amount to crimes against humanity".
The report said the stand-off between Kiev's government troops and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine "is becoming increasingly entrenched, with the total breakdown of law and order and the emergence of parallel governance systems" in Donetsk, the largest city under separatist control, and in rebel-controlled areas in the neighbouring Luhansk region.
"All parties need to make a far more wholehearted effort to resolve this protracted crisis peacefully," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein said in a statement.
There will always be a total breakdown of law and order during any war unfortunately. Donetsk and Luhanask could have had local elections in May, but was prevented to do so until the beginning of November. They are now restoring law and order with new local governments. And peace is unlikely until Eastern Ukraine will become independent. The rebels and separatists are not going to give in to Ukrainian government. It is up to Ukrainian soldiers to give up now and keep the peace. There is nothing left for them to fight for. They cannot use violence to bully or force anyone anymore.
Proposed Model
I have a proposed model that might be acceptable to all parties.
Ideas could arise from the one proposed model from all parties.
Recommendations
It may sound like a competition.
If the rebels and the separatists think they can govern better than the Ukrainian government. They have to prove they can do so ranging from the economy to other issues relating to structuring institutions including Justice.
We will then see if who is better to govern whether it is Ukraine or Eastern Ukraine. If Ukraine is found to be more capable of governing than Eastern Ukraine. Eastern Ukraine will have to give up the right to permanent governance and vice versa.
If all parties agree to do that, they have to put the thought of independence on hold.
If Eastern Ukraine is found to be more capable, this government will have to take on the Ukrainian government and rule from there.
Or Ukraine is found to be more capable, then Ukraine takes over Eastern Ukraine.
All parties must abide by the rules that they must start from scratch, and must restructure institutions and rebalance the economy etc.
To agree there will be monitoring present to keep an eye on both Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine.
All parties have nothing to lose as all parties can each have a place in the Ukrainian government in the event Eastern Ukraine failed.
21st November 21014
957 people have been killed amid continuing violations on both sides in the eight weeks since the truce came into force. UN confirmed these figures, and highlights credible allegations of abuses by government forces.
Vladimir Putin said "threat to everyone, the global order and global peace".
It has been almost a full scale war and I condemn all countries for taking sides with Ukraine and condemn EU for imposing sanctions on Russia. These actions are so very shameful.
No one should take sides and must not take sides. Any encouragement will only fuel the war.
No countries except Russia has really bothered to find a political solution, which a real solution has not been found. Russia did its best to ease tensions and disputes.
And it did not help having a former President of Ukraine meddling in such matters.
The rebels and separatists are more intelligent than the Ukrainian government and the government should respect their human rights and freedom to live in democracy.
Therefore, all parties must consider my proposed model to peace detailed above.
We must restore Law and Order by not fighting anymore.
What US Vice President Joe Biden said:
The United States remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine as it works to establish security, restore economic stability, strengthen the rule of law, advance the fight against corruption, and carry out democratic and constitutional reforms. The White House would commit $20 million to support comprehensive reform in the Ukrainian law enforcement and justice sectors, including proscecutorial and anti-corruption reforms. US will be directing an additional $3 million to the UN World Food Program emergency operation in Ukraine for food rations and assistance to people displaced by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and other vulnerable populations.
The United States will continue to work with the Congress to identify additional opportunities for US assistance to Ukraine. For example, the Administration has requested from the Congress an additional $45 million as part of the President's European reassurance initiative that would help build Ukraine's capacity to provide for its own defence and increase interoperability with US and Western forces.
What Alan, an Ossetian fighter said:
"There was never a ceasefire. Ukraine broke the truce by not being serious about prisoner exchanges. They sent us back crooks and drunks who were never separatist fighters. I am a volunteer and was not sent to Eastern Ukraine by the Kremlin. I sport an automatic weapon that was never in use by the Ukrainian military. Most arms used by separatist fighters were looted from Ukrainian weapons stores".
Disputes persist on violations of the Minsk deal.
Ukrainian Security Service officials dismiss the claim that they did not observe the Minsk agreement provision governing prisoner swaps. An official, Vasyl Vovk said exchanges did take place, but there are still 333 Ukrainian servicemen, 41 members of volunteer battalions and two journalists being held by the separatists. He acknowledged about 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been freed by the rebels.
Separatists will not stop with Donetsk and Luhansk. Once they have secured them, they will push further and grab all eight provinces of South East Ukraine, including Mariupol, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia. They said port city of Odessa should be part of "New Russia".
There is evidence that people in Mariupol or Odessa want to leave Ukraine which throws doubts about whether the elections were rigged.
Ukraine officials said the rebels are impossible to negotiate with, and Prime Minister Yatseniuk rejected a call to negotiate directly with the separatists. The Prime Minister said that direct negotiations would legitimise the insurgents. Separatists and Rebels are not insurgents.
Alan said he will never observe the Minsk agreement and neither will his fighters. "This is Russian land, Russia's ancestral home and NATO and the American will not push us out".
US and Europe are siding with Ukraine and throwing money at Ukraine for their selfish means as to protect trade, save trade, to keep Ukraine in Europe for their own means etc. They do not care about a population of Russians who have lived in Ukraine all their lives, and have ancestors from Russia who lived in Ukraine which used to be part of Russia . US and Europe do not care if Ukraine destroy Russians's homes and their livelihoods. US and Europe should not be supporting Ukraine at all, and it shows Ukraine incapable of governing on its own without the intervention of US and Europe. Ukraine have signed a deal for all parties to have a Coalition government today.
There is new corruption taken place with the elections having been rigged, and not respecting the human rights of Russians and freedom to live in democracy.
The separatists and rebels will always be defiant to the end, and will never give up. If Ukraine succeed to wipe all of them, there will be more volunteers from Russia to take their place and it will go on and on. Vladimir Putin can do nothing, and cannot stop the Russians from his own country to fight in Ukraine. The war could last for years if volunteers (high population of Russians against Ukrainians) keep fighting against Ukraine unless there is a drastic political solution to end it all. It will be a hopeless situation, something that US and EU will not have predicted.
22nd November 2014
US have sent anti-mortar radar systems to aid the fight against rebels. It was confirmed in the Bloomberg report today. The rebels suffered heavy losses during a failed assault at Donetsk Airport. Ukraine continue to ignore the principles of humanitarian law and international conventions by gunning and shelling, and not evacuating Donetsk to leave the rebels alone to rebuild their lives. Ukraine have also used drones to spy on Donetsk Airport as well as other areas. It is believed that US provided the drones as well.
I would not be suprised if US is behind the elections rigging. I call on UN to arrange another general election and local elections, and have them monitored by UN. We need confirmation that it is fair and just.
The war is not going to end unless we deal with the war first, before there be reforms and a new parliament.
I believe that US is so paranoid thinking there will be another cold war, that Stalinism will return etc. That is not going to happen in the 21st century or the next century.
Major foreign policy addresses
This article must reach the West. Putin speaks at a Security Council meeting in the Kremlin, Moscow two days ago. He was delivering major foreign policy addresses for equal and indivisible security for the West. It is a very important article to read which is full of common sense. It is part of framework to peace.
United States Senate speeches
http://groundreport.com/hundreds-of-ukrainian-soldiers-have-died-in-battle-against-these-same-separatist-forces-says-senator-portman/
This link proves speeches took place in the United States Senate. That Senator Cardin did monitor the election. That there was a call to support Ukraine and provide radar systems etc. That they are against Russia. United States have abused their position by taking sides, and providing help to Ukraine.
Leader of the Rebels gives a true story.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-s-igor-strelkov-claims-responsibility-for-unleashing-war-in-ukraine/511584.html
Here is the true story from Igor Strelkov. It explains how the war started, what the aims were, what they were trying to achieve. He has now stepped down and is living in Moscow.
Joe Biden's motive to get rid of Eastern Ukraine
Hunter Biden's father Joe Biden travelled to Kiev on April 22, 2014, and urged the Ukraine government to reduce its dependence on Russia for supplies of natural gas. And he discussed how the United States could help provide technical expertise for expanding domestic production of natural gas.
Some accuse the United States of manipulating the Ukraine situation so that Western oil companies have unfettered access to shale gas (from "fracking") and to drill all across the Ukraine.
With the revelations that Hunter Biden serves on the board of the Ukrainian company Burisma, many raised concerns about Hunter Biden's interests conflicting with offical US government positions.
The White House has dismissed nepotism charges against Biden's son. But the director of the US-Ukraine Business Council Morgan Williams pointed to an "American tradition that frowns on close family members of government working for organisations with business links to active politics".
Williams stated Biden appears to have violated this unwritten principle: when you're trying to keep the political sector separate from the business sector, and reduce corruption, then it's not just about holding down corruption, it's also the appearance.
This is the reason why Joe Biden wanted to give so much money to Ukraine on behalf of US to help Ukraine establish a new parliament and to have new reforms etc. Eastern Ukraine has been targeted for fracking and wants use all the land. Which is why there is an intense war going on, and the refusal of Ukrainian troops not leaving Eastern Ukraine alone.
I suspected there was a lot of manipulation going on by US, and the reason for rigged elections etc. Shows there is more corruption.
The war must end first and all the elections including general election must be held legally and monitored very closely. And making sure everyone votes fair, square and just before there will be a new parliament and make reforms.
A lot of people have been displaced, moved abroad and moved to Russia which could be more than one million of the Ukrainian population still accounted for who have not been able to vote.
A lot of people would be happier including myself we were to see the last of President Poroshenko and his Prime Minister. They are in our eyes guilty of war crimes.
23rd November 2014
DPR is going to lay territorial claims over the entire territory of Ukraine's Donetsk region should talks with Kiev occur. Prime Minister Denis Pushilin said today. Donetsk have declared their independence for the Republic of Donetsk.
A lot of people would be happier including myself we were to see the last of President Poroshenko and his Prime Minister. They are in our eyes guilty of war crimes.
23rd November 2014
DPR is going to lay territorial claims over the entire territory of Ukraine's Donetsk region should talks with Kiev occur. Prime Minister Denis Pushilin said today. Donetsk have declared their independence for the Republic of Donetsk.
"We will insist on a full territorial integrity of the republic. It is within the borders of the former Donetsk Region," Pushilin told reporters, pointing out that the issue should be addressed at the negotiating table, without any weapons in hands.
Some people do not believe now that we will bring the whole territory of the region under control. But many people also did not believe that the republic would appear, that we would hold the referendum and elections, that we would withstand the onslaught of the [Ukrainian] army, answering the question whether Kiev would agree to hand over the whole territory of Donbas to the self-proclaimed republic.
DPR head Alexander Zakharchenko has repeatedly stated that the whole territory of the "former Donetsk Region" should become part of the Donetsk People's Republic.
If that happens Donetsk People's Republic may sign an agreement for strategic co-operation and integration meaning that an agreement is envisaging close co-operation in foreign policy, security, defence and economy with Russia. It would be a strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and the Donetsk People's Republic.
Abkhazia is going to sign an agreement tomorrow. Abkhazia broke away from Georgia some time ago and is now independent.
29th November 2014
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/29/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKCN0JD0E320141129
The President of European Commission and Angela Merkel have done the wrong way again. The say they do not want to go to war against Russia and imposed sanctions instead. This time against separatists. This is not going to work and will not make a difference, and it is not up to the separatists to resolve the conflict, and not up to Russia either.
These meaningless sanctions are spiralling, and is affecting those who imposed sanctions in the first place. The European Union are abusing their positions imposing sanctions and is sending a domino effect to other countries affecting their economies.
The separatists are not violating territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
They are human beings asking for democracy, and they are not foreigners. They are Russians defending their homes, and their homeland whether they are in Ukraine or not. It is their sovereign country. EU should not treat separatists like aliens.
Separatists sought independence because of the incompetency of the Ukrainian Government making it a lawless, corrupt and bankrupt country.
EU must stop blaming the separatists and rebels, and start asking the Ukrainian Government to withdraw their own troops without delay.
Then we can have peace and start talking.
We do condemn the European Union imposing sanctions at all, which are against human rights. It is also against human rights not to let separatists and rebels have democracy.
It is so unfair that these civilians should be treated that way, and the EU supporting the Free Syria Army.
30th November 2014
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said last Friday. "The sanctions against Russia undermine stability of global economy, and have no relation to the task of resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
Specific facts have been stated that signal that the unilateral sanctions introduced against us are illegitimate and undermine stability of global economy, and have nothing in common with the goal of de-escalating the Ukrainian crisis.”
Lavrov told a meeting of Russia’s Council of Heads of Subjects (CHS). "It is evident that restrictive measures are of a double-edged character. The anti-sanctions voices have become louder in Europe amid “negative impact of restrictions on national economies and interests of business circles who have ties with Russia’s market. We hope common sense will prevail".
Earlier this month, Russian presidential advisor Sergey Glazyev said the European Union member states could lose up to 1 trillion euros ($1.2 trillion) if Brussels continues pursuing the sanctions policy against Russia.
Lavrov said that Italy loses from Russia-EU sanctions at a cost of over 20 billion euros.
Donetsk, Luhansk and the Kiev authorities start restoring ties as soon as possible. Leaders of Eastern regions who were elected called for re-establishing a joint economic, cultural, and political space. The ongoing war can be resolved by political means through launching an inclusive dialogue with the goal of searching for the ways to reach national unity, he said.
There is a possibility of a united Ukraine if Eastern regions do not have to depend on Russia if each regions run their own economies, and have a proposed model to have their own health service, schools (Japan have donated money for the schools), public services etc.
But Ukraine must co-operate and leave these regions alone. We have to think of the children, and all the refugees who fled to Russia and abroad wants to go back home. There are about a million including displaced.
1st December 2014
I was expecting that to happen. Ukrainian and Russian military officials negotiated a ceasefire in the eastern city of Donetsk. Fighting has been very intense the last three days. Limited truce is signalling progress with meetings in mind probably tomorrow or the next day.
2nd December 2014
http://sputniknews.com/military/20141202/1015378088.html
Luhansk has agreed to a long term ceasefire on December 5th, and withdrawal of weapons on December 6th. More information in Sputnik news article.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a result, the most arduous form of ecumenism today often is not between Churches and Mosques, but rather within one’s own house.
Pope Francis delivered a strong message of unity that was ostensibly about the first sort of ecumenism, meaning the press for better relations among Churches and rites.
Diversity, may seem to create disorder, but that is where faith in the Holy Spirit enters the picture. Under his guidance, [differences] constitute an immense richness, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity, which is not the same thing as uniformity.
Pope Francis provided an impressive visual of Unity by pausing in Istanbul's famed blue Mosque alongside the Grand Mufti for a moment of silent prayer. This is hailed as a turning point in Muslim/Christian relations.
Last Saturday, the Pope celebrated a Mass at Istanbul’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which was “inter-ritual” in the sense that it brought together Syrian, Armenian, and Chaldean Catholics, as well as members of the Latin rite that’s most familiar to Catholics in the West. Also on hand were a number of Orthodox dignitaries, including Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
That mix of rites and confessions naturally elicited reflections from the Pontiff on unity and diversity. The message had clear relevance, because relations among the various Catholic rites and Churches in the Middle East are notoriously fractious.
They were also celebrating being together, and reunited since Christianity, Orthodoxy and Islam was created thousand of years ago at the same time.
Pope Francis argued that coping with such divisions takes faith.
“Only the Holy Spirit is able to kindle diversity, multiplicity, and, at the same time, bring about unity". When we try and create unity through our own human designs, we end up with uniformity. Unity can only be achieved through being together understanding and cooperating with each other.
“If we let ourselves be led by the Spirit, richness, variety, and diversity will never create conflict, because the Spirit spurs us to experience variety in the communion of the Church".
“The temptation is always within us to resist the Holy Spirit, because he takes us out of our comfort zone and unsettles us. It is always easier and more comfortable to settle in our sedentary and unchanging ways.
Our defensiveness is evident when we are entrenched within our bad ideas and our own false strengths — in which case we slip into Pelagianism (was an early Christian heresy which held that believers could earn salvation through their own efforts, rather than depending on the grace of God.) or when we are ambitious or vain, These defensive mechanisms prevent us from truly understanding other people, and from opening ourselves to a sincere dialogue with them.”
The Holy Spirit works inside Islam, inside Christianity, inside Orthodoxy and other Faiths. The Holy Spirit is always there. You can feel it, see it, touch it and moved by it.
All we have to do is open our hearts and minds and the Holy Spirit enflames the heart. The Churches and Mosques are moved by the breath of the Holy Spirit which does not transmit a power. But rather an ability to serve in love, a language which everyone is able to understand.
This language means we all have to be on the same level of understanding, cooperating, loving and wanting peace, wanting only the good, and not accepting evil. We are all capable of loving and that is something we all have in common all over the world. We all have a religion and respect that and that is also something we all have in common all over the world as well.
Having read some excerpts from the Q'uran, Christians find that we have something in common in the Q'uran and Islam find they have something in common in the Bible. The Holy Spirit guides us to a better understanding to interpret clearly and transparently what Q'uran and the Bible each means.
There is only one Islam, one Christianity, one Orthodox and so on. If there is evil in Islam, Islam is divided by good and evil. (Evil is twisted ideology and violence). If there is evil in Christianity, Christianity is divided by good and evil and so on.
Pope Francis leading a joint prayer service with Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar, the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and then joining him for an Orthodox liturgy Sunday morning. Bartholomew called the Pontiff’s visit to the headquarters of his church a “historic moment.”
We will pray together for the Unity of our Churches, for divided Christendom, for Mosques and divided Islam, as well as for peace in the Middle East and around the globe. We try to have close collaboration to face together the acute problems of the present world.”
The two leaders are scheduled to sign a joint declaration Sunday morning, which will pledge the Catholic and Orthodox churches to continue the press for closer ties.
We are all free to pray together any time not as a show for unity, but to be in spirit with each other respecting our own religion, and think of each other......., of peace,....... and unity......
http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-ukraine-s-petro-poroshenko-tells-army-not-to-give-up-donetsk-airport-2041536
Petro Poroshenko tells army not to give up Donetsk Airport which is threatening the peace process and will cause more bloodshed. He must go, and his Prime Minister must go too.
Poroshenko says that the enemy will take over the whole Ukraine if the army loses Donetsk Airport. That is not going to happen.
If Poroshenko and his Prime Minister are removed, Russia and Ukraine will be at peace permanently, and be able to rebuild their lives.
If I became President of Ukraine, I would order the Ukrainian troops to stop fighting. Arrest Poroshenko and his Prime Minister, and hand them over to Hague for war crimes. Dissolve Parliament, and set about providing security for lawless Ukraine, open schools and Universities. And set about uniting Ukraine, and asking all the Ukrainians and Russians to come home before we can have elections. Everything would be done swiftly to get normality in Ukraine.
Ukraine could have states like USA but still be one country. That is a possibility.
I am asking UN please do something, take action and not words as soon as possible.
28th December 2014
Vladimir Putin sent a written message to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, where he offered both parties to the conflict a concrete plan of heavy artillery pullout. The Ukrainian president received the message on Friday morning.
"Regrettably, the Ukrainian side has turned down the plan and has proposed nothing instead. More to it, it has resumed combat operations. In the recent days, Russia has been taking effort as a mediator in the settlement of the conflict. Thus, overnight from Thursday to Friday. As a result, we are witnessing ongoing shelling of Donetsk, and an absolute degradation of the situation in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is extremely worried over the development of the situation. They are again shelling residential quarters in Donetsk, people are dying again.” Peskov said.
There have been conflicting reports about who is in control of the Donetsk airport, and whether there are supposed to be lines. Lines are arguably disputed in the Minsk agreement.
Heavy artillery pullout is a very good proposal by Russia. Ukraine is mad to turn down the plan and shows that Ukrainians do not want to end the war which is prolonging the conflict. As always Ukraine is blocking the peace process vital to save hundreds of lives.
When is the West and Europe ever going to realise that Russia should not be blamed for not keeping the peace? It was totally wrong to impose sanctions on Russia in the first place.
http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/ukraine-offers-ceasefire-1.1806557#.VL03mtKsWSo
http://www.rferl.org/content/donetsk-fighting-poroshenko-airport-pledge/26800304.html
Ukraine is blocking the peace process, and have created an obstacle saying that Ukraine will not give up one inch of its land to the separatists. That Kyiv will reassert control over Eastern Ukraine.
Samantha Power should resign from the UN Security Council as she is so demented mouthing off with not a shred of evidence presented to the UN Security Council.
John Kerry should choose his words carefully as he does not know what land grab is. It is Ukraine's fault for starting the war, and creating a political vacuum by going bust and having a corrupt government. The ethnic Russians only wanted to protect their homes and their lands. It is their homeland. They do not want to be part of Ukraine anymore.
John Kerry does not have a care in the world while the European Union is holding countries hostages being domineering and manipulative imposing European Laws and Policies which are very unwelcome. I call that land grabs without guns. That is how we hate EU.
German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier said it was not a breakthrough "but I think we saw tangible progress".
He also said they had agreed on a procedure for pulling back heavy weapons 15km (nine miles) from a decmarcation line defined in last year's Minsk agreement.
His Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said, quoted by the Russian Interfax new agency, that if heavy weapons were withdrawn "we'll be able to speak of a substantial de-escalation of the current conflict". This is welcome news and look forward to hearing more about the talks on de-escalation of the current conflict.
23rd January 2015
Alexander Zakharchenko has refused to take part in truce talks, and is demanding to speak only to President Poroshenko. Poroshenko has previously refused to have any direct talks with any of the separatists.
President Poroshenko have been play acting asking the West and Europe for help, and getting sympathy when in fact he is guilty of the war crimes by getting his troops sent to the Donetsk region, and not caring about the people who live there.
If Poroshenko still will not have direct talks with the leader of the Donetsk region at all, then we need to deploy troops possibly from China to keep the Ukrainian troops out.
We have to think of alternatives to avoid any more bloodshed.
24th January 2015
The killings in Mariupol has got nothing to do with Eastern Ukraine. Separatists would not fire on any residential areas.
It is believed to be a group from the Ukrainian troops in disguise sabotaging seeking revenge, and laying the blame on the separatists of Donetsk taking the airport.
It is believed that the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine played a part in this trying to make out that rebels are terrorists and boast about it. The Prime Minister did say publicly in the newspapers that he wanted to appeal to the UN to make UN believe that any rebels or separatists are terrorists.
Former Russian rebel Strelkov did say that the separatists must not in any way touch Mariupol.
If separatists wanted to take Mariupol, they would ask Mariupol to vote in the elections which is the proper channel.
As I said in my post before, that I believe the general and local elections were rigged by the United States of America to support Ukraine sovereignty. And I do have proof.
If this situation is going to get worse in Mariupol, we need to have another general and local elections to de-escalate.
The dirty tricks of the Ukrainian government must not go further, and must be stopped. I condemn the attacks on Mariupol.
There are ethnic Russians living in Mariupol, so separatists would not kill their blood brothers and sisters. Russians do have an unusually strong bond looking after each other. It is good that Russians have married Ukrainians, and they both can easily live together in communities.
25th January 2015
Reaction
http://rt.com/news/226079-ukraine-foreign-military-mariupol/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/24/ukraine-crisis-dozens-die-rebels-shell-mariupol
http://rt.com/news/225955-mariupol-ukraine-shelling-kiev/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30967949
29th November 2014
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/29/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKCN0JD0E320141129
The President of European Commission and Angela Merkel have done the wrong way again. The say they do not want to go to war against Russia and imposed sanctions instead. This time against separatists. This is not going to work and will not make a difference, and it is not up to the separatists to resolve the conflict, and not up to Russia either.
These meaningless sanctions are spiralling, and is affecting those who imposed sanctions in the first place. The European Union are abusing their positions imposing sanctions and is sending a domino effect to other countries affecting their economies.
The separatists are not violating territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
They are human beings asking for democracy, and they are not foreigners. They are Russians defending their homes, and their homeland whether they are in Ukraine or not. It is their sovereign country. EU should not treat separatists like aliens.
Separatists sought independence because of the incompetency of the Ukrainian Government making it a lawless, corrupt and bankrupt country.
EU must stop blaming the separatists and rebels, and start asking the Ukrainian Government to withdraw their own troops without delay.
Then we can have peace and start talking.
We do condemn the European Union imposing sanctions at all, which are against human rights. It is also against human rights not to let separatists and rebels have democracy.
It is so unfair that these civilians should be treated that way, and the EU supporting the Free Syria Army.
30th November 2014
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said last Friday. "The sanctions against Russia undermine stability of global economy, and have no relation to the task of resolving the Ukrainian conflict.
Specific facts have been stated that signal that the unilateral sanctions introduced against us are illegitimate and undermine stability of global economy, and have nothing in common with the goal of de-escalating the Ukrainian crisis.”
Lavrov told a meeting of Russia’s Council of Heads of Subjects (CHS). "It is evident that restrictive measures are of a double-edged character. The anti-sanctions voices have become louder in Europe amid “negative impact of restrictions on national economies and interests of business circles who have ties with Russia’s market. We hope common sense will prevail".
Earlier this month, Russian presidential advisor Sergey Glazyev said the European Union member states could lose up to 1 trillion euros ($1.2 trillion) if Brussels continues pursuing the sanctions policy against Russia.
Lavrov said that Italy loses from Russia-EU sanctions at a cost of over 20 billion euros.
Donetsk, Luhansk and the Kiev authorities start restoring ties as soon as possible. Leaders of Eastern regions who were elected called for re-establishing a joint economic, cultural, and political space. The ongoing war can be resolved by political means through launching an inclusive dialogue with the goal of searching for the ways to reach national unity, he said.
There is a possibility of a united Ukraine if Eastern regions do not have to depend on Russia if each regions run their own economies, and have a proposed model to have their own health service, schools (Japan have donated money for the schools), public services etc.
But Ukraine must co-operate and leave these regions alone. We have to think of the children, and all the refugees who fled to Russia and abroad wants to go back home. There are about a million including displaced.
1st December 2014
I was expecting that to happen. Ukrainian and Russian military officials negotiated a ceasefire in the eastern city of Donetsk. Fighting has been very intense the last three days. Limited truce is signalling progress with meetings in mind probably tomorrow or the next day.
2nd December 2014
http://sputniknews.com/military/20141202/1015378088.html
Luhansk has agreed to a long term ceasefire on December 5th, and withdrawal of weapons on December 6th. More information in Sputnik news article.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Differences between Churches and Mosques are no longer nearly as critical as the rifts within them as we are living in a post denominational age.
As a result, the most arduous form of ecumenism today often is not between Churches and Mosques, but rather within one’s own house.
Pope Francis delivered a strong message of unity that was ostensibly about the first sort of ecumenism, meaning the press for better relations among Churches and rites.
Diversity, may seem to create disorder, but that is where faith in the Holy Spirit enters the picture. Under his guidance, [differences] constitute an immense richness, because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity, which is not the same thing as uniformity.
Pope Francis provided an impressive visual of Unity by pausing in Istanbul's famed blue Mosque alongside the Grand Mufti for a moment of silent prayer. This is hailed as a turning point in Muslim/Christian relations.
Last Saturday, the Pope celebrated a Mass at Istanbul’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which was “inter-ritual” in the sense that it brought together Syrian, Armenian, and Chaldean Catholics, as well as members of the Latin rite that’s most familiar to Catholics in the West. Also on hand were a number of Orthodox dignitaries, including Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.
That mix of rites and confessions naturally elicited reflections from the Pontiff on unity and diversity. The message had clear relevance, because relations among the various Catholic rites and Churches in the Middle East are notoriously fractious.
They were also celebrating being together, and reunited since Christianity, Orthodoxy and Islam was created thousand of years ago at the same time.
Pope Francis argued that coping with such divisions takes faith.
“Only the Holy Spirit is able to kindle diversity, multiplicity, and, at the same time, bring about unity". When we try and create unity through our own human designs, we end up with uniformity. Unity can only be achieved through being together understanding and cooperating with each other.
“If we let ourselves be led by the Spirit, richness, variety, and diversity will never create conflict, because the Spirit spurs us to experience variety in the communion of the Church".
“The temptation is always within us to resist the Holy Spirit, because he takes us out of our comfort zone and unsettles us. It is always easier and more comfortable to settle in our sedentary and unchanging ways.
Our defensiveness is evident when we are entrenched within our bad ideas and our own false strengths — in which case we slip into Pelagianism (was an early Christian heresy which held that believers could earn salvation through their own efforts, rather than depending on the grace of God.) or when we are ambitious or vain, These defensive mechanisms prevent us from truly understanding other people, and from opening ourselves to a sincere dialogue with them.”
The Holy Spirit works inside Islam, inside Christianity, inside Orthodoxy and other Faiths. The Holy Spirit is always there. You can feel it, see it, touch it and moved by it.
All we have to do is open our hearts and minds and the Holy Spirit enflames the heart. The Churches and Mosques are moved by the breath of the Holy Spirit which does not transmit a power. But rather an ability to serve in love, a language which everyone is able to understand.
This language means we all have to be on the same level of understanding, cooperating, loving and wanting peace, wanting only the good, and not accepting evil. We are all capable of loving and that is something we all have in common all over the world. We all have a religion and respect that and that is also something we all have in common all over the world as well.
Having read some excerpts from the Q'uran, Christians find that we have something in common in the Q'uran and Islam find they have something in common in the Bible. The Holy Spirit guides us to a better understanding to interpret clearly and transparently what Q'uran and the Bible each means.
There is only one Islam, one Christianity, one Orthodox and so on. If there is evil in Islam, Islam is divided by good and evil. (Evil is twisted ideology and violence). If there is evil in Christianity, Christianity is divided by good and evil and so on.
Pope Francis leading a joint prayer service with Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar, the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, and then joining him for an Orthodox liturgy Sunday morning. Bartholomew called the Pontiff’s visit to the headquarters of his church a “historic moment.”
We will pray together for the Unity of our Churches, for divided Christendom, for Mosques and divided Islam, as well as for peace in the Middle East and around the globe. We try to have close collaboration to face together the acute problems of the present world.”
The two leaders are scheduled to sign a joint declaration Sunday morning, which will pledge the Catholic and Orthodox churches to continue the press for closer ties.
We are all free to pray together any time not as a show for unity, but to be in spirit with each other respecting our own religion, and think of each other......., of peace,....... and unity......
6th December 2014
Petro Poroshenko tells army not to give up Donetsk Airport which is threatening the peace process and will cause more bloodshed. He must go, and his Prime Minister must go too.
Poroshenko says that the enemy will take over the whole Ukraine if the army loses Donetsk Airport. That is not going to happen.
If Poroshenko and his Prime Minister are removed, Russia and Ukraine will be at peace permanently, and be able to rebuild their lives.
If I became President of Ukraine, I would order the Ukrainian troops to stop fighting. Arrest Poroshenko and his Prime Minister, and hand them over to Hague for war crimes. Dissolve Parliament, and set about providing security for lawless Ukraine, open schools and Universities. And set about uniting Ukraine, and asking all the Ukrainians and Russians to come home before we can have elections. Everything would be done swiftly to get normality in Ukraine.
Ukraine could have states like USA but still be one country. That is a possibility.
I am asking UN please do something, take action and not words as soon as possible.
28th December 2014
The exchange began on Friday on a dark and isolated stretch of a road north of the devastated eastern rebel stronghold of Donetsk, and unfolded as negotiators from both sides held video talks on Skype at reviving stalled negotiations.
It was a very joyous time for the prisoners of both sides to be with their families for the New Year.
Smaller such exchanges have been frequent and often involved dozens of men.
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels have completed a swap of hundreds of prisoners that was agreed in Belarusian capital of Minsk days earlier at peace talks that eventually broke down.
Four Ukrainian soldiers were handed over on Saturday by separatists fighting in Luhansk, following up on a mass prisoner exchange that involved 222 pro-Russian fighters and 145 Ukrainian troops a day earlier will be able to meet the New Year with families
Some of the captives expressed surprise and joy at having the chance to go home in time for New Year's Eve - the most cherished of all the holidays celebrated in once-communist eastern Europe.
"They only just told us that this would happen," said a slightly older Ukrainian soldier named Artyom Syurik. "I am looking forward to seeing my parents and wife. They do not know I am coming."
Yet a rebel named Denis Balbukov sounded defiant as he sat in a Kamaz truck waiting to go home to Donetsk. "I will go back to fighting," the 21-year-old said. "It was alright once we were moved to the detention centre, but to begin with, they really tormented and roughed us up." But he too was looking forward to going home, adding: "I want to eat fried potatoes and talk to my relatives."
Smaller such exchanges have been frequent and often involved dozens of men.
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels have completed a swap of hundreds of prisoners that was agreed in Belarusian capital of Minsk days earlier at peace talks that eventually broke down because of personal problems.
However, one of the 146 Ukrainian prisoners originally brought by the rebels refused to rejoin his old military unit, and was eventually taken back to Donetsk. "All of my relatives are in Russia," the ethnically-Russian Alexei Samsonov . "I consider what the Ukrainian army is doing not to be right."
The next step to peace have been achieved, and there will be more peace talks in the New Year to try, and take the next step further.
31st December 2014
President Putin has given a New Year message to Crimea. Many people have always viewed Crimea as part of their homeland, because of centuries of shared history, and the region's mainly ethnic Russian population.
He said "Love for one's motherland is one of the most powerful and uplifting feelings. It manifested itself in full in the brotherly support to the people of Crimea and Sevastopol, when they resolutely decided to return home. This event will remain a very important epoch in domestic history forever."
19th January 2015
Vladimir Putin sent a written message to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, where he offered both parties to the conflict a concrete plan of heavy artillery pullout. The Ukrainian president received the message on Friday morning.
"Regrettably, the Ukrainian side has turned down the plan and has proposed nothing instead. More to it, it has resumed combat operations. In the recent days, Russia has been taking effort as a mediator in the settlement of the conflict. Thus, overnight from Thursday to Friday. As a result, we are witnessing ongoing shelling of Donetsk, and an absolute degradation of the situation in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is extremely worried over the development of the situation. They are again shelling residential quarters in Donetsk, people are dying again.” Peskov said.
There have been conflicting reports about who is in control of the Donetsk airport, and whether there are supposed to be lines. Lines are arguably disputed in the Minsk agreement.
Heavy artillery pullout is a very good proposal by Russia. Ukraine is mad to turn down the plan and shows that Ukrainians do not want to end the war which is prolonging the conflict. As always Ukraine is blocking the peace process vital to save hundreds of lives.
When is the West and Europe ever going to realise that Russia should not be blamed for not keeping the peace? It was totally wrong to impose sanctions on Russia in the first place.
http://www.rferl.org/content/donetsk-fighting-poroshenko-airport-pledge/26800304.html
President Poroshenko told a peace rally, the Unity March, in central Kyiv on January 18th that Ukraine would not "give up an inch" of its land to the separatists. That Kyiv will reassert control over the country's eastern region, where fighting has intensified in recent days between government troops and pro-Russian separatist rebels.
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman claimed that Poroshenko rejected a "concrete" peace plan proposed by Putin.
Dmitry Peskov said on January 18 that Putin had sent a letter to Poroshenko late on January 15th proposing a cease-fire by both government forces and separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, as well as the withdrawal of heavy artillery by both sides. He claimed Poroshenko had rejected the plan and did not make a counter-offer.
A copy of the letter was published by the Russian television channel NTV. In it, Putin proposed "urgent measures for the cessation of mutual shelling, and also the rapid withdrawal by the sides in the conflict of means of destruction with a caliber higher than 100 mm."
Peskov also said the Kremlin was concerned over "the escalation of hostilities."
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman claimed that Poroshenko rejected a "concrete" peace plan proposed by Putin.
Dmitry Peskov said on January 18 that Putin had sent a letter to Poroshenko late on January 15th proposing a cease-fire by both government forces and separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, as well as the withdrawal of heavy artillery by both sides. He claimed Poroshenko had rejected the plan and did not make a counter-offer.
A copy of the letter was published by the Russian television channel NTV. In it, Putin proposed "urgent measures for the cessation of mutual shelling, and also the rapid withdrawal by the sides in the conflict of means of destruction with a caliber higher than 100 mm."
Peskov also said the Kremlin was concerned over "the escalation of hostilities."
Ukraine today offered an immediate ceasefire to Russia, after Moscow claimed that Kiev rejected a fresh peace initiative by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We are ready to work with Russia to ensure ceasefire and implementation of the provisions of Minsk agreements in their entirety,” Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin wrote on Twitter.
Klimkin's Ministry said in a statement that Ukraine wants Moscow to commit itself to implementing the peace accords signed in the capital of Belarus in September.
The Russian Foreign Ministry retorted that Kiev should first withdraw heavy weapons from the front line, as stipulated in the accords.
“Only this approach will lower the risk of a fresh armed confrontation,” the ministry said.
The Kremlin said over the weekend that Ukraine had rejected a proposal by President Vladimir Putin to immediately withdraw heavy weapons.
Russia and Ukraine cannot have an immediate ceasefire unless Kiev first withdraw heavy weapons from the front line. Ukrainians needs to show they are serious about making improvements on the ground. This approach will lower the risk of a fresh armed confrontation and can easily lead to immediate ceasefire.
Ukraine is blocking the peace process, and have created an obstacle saying that Ukraine will not give up one inch of its land to the separatists. That Kyiv will reassert control over Eastern Ukraine.
22nd January 2015
The US ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power and John Kerry accused Russia of escalating the violence.
She said a new peace proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin was a little more than an attempt at military occupation.
"The plan would seek to legitimise territorial gains made by separatists in September as well as Russian personnel and equipment on the territory of Ukraine. Let us pull the veil away from Putin's peace plan and call it for what it is - a Russian occupation plan". She told to a special meeting of the UN Security Council.
Mr John Kerry said "This is a blatant land grab and is in direct contravention to the Minsk ceasefire agreements which they signed up to. US was particularly concerned "by rebel moves to attempt to gain control of a significant rail juncture in Eastern Ukraine".
I am so livid about what Samantha Power and John Kerry has said. They should get the facts right before they accuse Russia of anything. It is a bit rich accusing Russia of annexing Crimea when their history shows US have annexed Texas from Mexico. The world knows how greedy the Americans are having all that oil that belongs to Mexico. US should give Texas back. US have changed Mexico's history, and may not have been in a mess today.
John Kerry should choose his words carefully as he does not know what land grab is. It is Ukraine's fault for starting the war, and creating a political vacuum by going bust and having a corrupt government. The ethnic Russians only wanted to protect their homes and their lands. It is their homeland. They do not want to be part of Ukraine anymore.
John Kerry does not have a care in the world while the European Union is holding countries hostages being domineering and manipulative imposing European Laws and Policies which are very unwelcome. I call that land grabs without guns. That is how we hate EU.
German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier said it was not a breakthrough "but I think we saw tangible progress".
He also said they had agreed on a procedure for pulling back heavy weapons 15km (nine miles) from a decmarcation line defined in last year's Minsk agreement.
His Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov said, quoted by the Russian Interfax new agency, that if heavy weapons were withdrawn "we'll be able to speak of a substantial de-escalation of the current conflict". This is welcome news and look forward to hearing more about the talks on de-escalation of the current conflict.
23rd January 2015
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, and Pavlo Klimkin, his Ukrainian counterpart, agreed last Wednesday night that both sides should return to a cease-fire line agreed at the Minsk peace agreement, which was signed by Ukrainian, Russian, and separatist representatives.
Yesterday Ukrainian troops evacuated the Donetsk airport which was in the residential area of Donetsk. Much to the relief of every one, and hope there will be no more fighting. Ukraine will be asking for trouble if its troops resumed fighting and cause more bloodshed.
Alexander Zakharchenko, the head of the self proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, said last Thursday that he would push the front line so far to the west of Donetsk that Ukrainian shells would no longer be able to fall on the city.
“We will push back the front until no shells can fall on Donetsk,” said Mr Zakharchenko, speaking shortly after a mortar attack in central Donetsk killed at least 13 civilians.
His comments appear to torpedo diplomatic efforts to resuscitate a ceasefire agreement signed in September.
It seems that Minsk agreement may have to be redrawn to take into account that Eastern Ukraine needs protection from Ukraine going anywhere near residential areas, and other vulnerable areas. This would be a good reason to have talks. It is a great concern to have any further shelling on the city by Ukrainian troops.
However, the separatists are right to be on the alert, and do patrols in the event of any further attacks. It would be difficult for them to disarm at present. They need complete assurance that Donetsk region will not be attacked, or have some lands taken from them. They do need to have talks to get the complete assurance, and talk about keeping Debaltsev to include it in the plan.
Alexander Zakharchenko has refused to take part in truce talks, and is demanding to speak only to President Poroshenko. Poroshenko has previously refused to have any direct talks with any of the separatists.
President Poroshenko have been play acting asking the West and Europe for help, and getting sympathy when in fact he is guilty of the war crimes by getting his troops sent to the Donetsk region, and not caring about the people who live there.
If Poroshenko still will not have direct talks with the leader of the Donetsk region at all, then we need to deploy troops possibly from China to keep the Ukrainian troops out.
We have to think of alternatives to avoid any more bloodshed.
24th January 2015
30 people have been killed in Mariupol. No one can confirm who killed them, or can confirm whether the Grads rockets have been stolen from the separatists etc.
The separatists have denied any involvement. Interfax news agency quoted the defence ministry of the Donetsk People's Republic as saying "This is blatant misinformation and a lie. Rebel forces did not open any fire in the direction of Mariupol especially not on residential areas"
The killings in Mariupol has got nothing to do with Eastern Ukraine. Separatists would not fire on any residential areas.
It is believed to be a group from the Ukrainian troops in disguise sabotaging seeking revenge, and laying the blame on the separatists of Donetsk taking the airport.
It is believed that the Prime Minister and the President of Ukraine played a part in this trying to make out that rebels are terrorists and boast about it. The Prime Minister did say publicly in the newspapers that he wanted to appeal to the UN to make UN believe that any rebels or separatists are terrorists.
Former Russian rebel Strelkov did say that the separatists must not in any way touch Mariupol.
If separatists wanted to take Mariupol, they would ask Mariupol to vote in the elections which is the proper channel.
As I said in my post before, that I believe the general and local elections were rigged by the United States of America to support Ukraine sovereignty. And I do have proof.
If this situation is going to get worse in Mariupol, we need to have another general and local elections to de-escalate.
The dirty tricks of the Ukrainian government must not go further, and must be stopped. I condemn the attacks on Mariupol.
There are ethnic Russians living in Mariupol, so separatists would not kill their blood brothers and sisters. Russians do have an unusually strong bond looking after each other. It is good that Russians have married Ukrainians, and they both can easily live together in communities.
Speaking about the offensive launched on Mariupol, Alexander Zakharchenko said "This will be the best possible monument to all our dead". He was speaking at a memorial ceremony in Donetsk, and also said that separatists planned to encircle Debaltseve, a town north east of Donetsk in the next few days. This was from Interfax news agency.
Newspapers so far, have not said who is claiming responsibility of the Mariupol attacks. And separatists are just planning to encircle not attack Debaltseve. The separatists wants the town to be included as it is part of the Donetsk region so the people are not left out.
25th January 2015
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon condemned deadly rocket attacks in Ukraine's government held port of Mariupol, and denounced provocative statements made by Alexander Zakharchchenko, Leader of the Donetsk People's Republic.
He said rockets appear to have been launched indiscriminately into civilian areas which would constitute a violation of international law. He condemned Friday's unilateral withdrawal from the ceasefire by rebel leadership, and particularly provocative statements about claiming further territory. He also said the withdrawal constituted a violation of commitments under September's Minsk accords, which ordered the removal of heavy weapons, and a truce in a bid to end the nine month conflict that has cost more than 5,000 lives. Ukraine's peace, territorial integrity and stability, intrinsically linked to that of the broader region must be urgently restored.
Reaction
Russia is very upset about what Ban Ki Moon has said which singles out, and pointing the finger at Russia for violating the Minsk agreements while Ukrainian troops crudely violating the Minsk agreements by constantly shelling residential settlements among other things.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking to his US counterpart John Kerry on Sunday, blamed the upsurge in fighting in eastern Ukraine on government forces he said were “constantly” shelling towns.
Lavrov accused the government and President Petro Poroshenko of failing to launch an "all encompassing constitutional process" that would involve all regions and political forces. There have been no progress in investigating numerous crimes committed during the Ukrainian conflict either".
Moscow said that both Lavrov and Kerry spoke in favour of “an immediate cessation of artillery strikes in Donbass,” referring to Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland where pro-Russian separatists launched an uprising in April.
The statement said that Kerry suggested that the format of peace talks be expanded, without giving details. It said that Lavrov responded that Russia would do its best “to spur the sides to a peaceful settlement” but urged Kiev to negotiate directly with the rebels. Speaking in a separate phone call with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, Lavrov attributed the spike in violence to Kiev’s unwillingness to hold talks with rebels on implementing the Minsk agreements.
The latest upsurge in violence which claimed 30 lives in the city of Mariupol on Saturday could have been avoided, Lavrov said. “Instead Kiev has set a course for a further militarisation, announced new waves of mobilisation, and ordered to intensify the fighting,” the Russian foreign ministry said. Lavrov called on both Kerry and Mogherini to urge Kiev to halt the hostilities.
Putin did say that it is not helping at all that the West and Europe should keep pointing the finger of blame, and not doing anything about it. He also said that trying to put pressure on Russia is not doing any good, and is making things worse, far worse.
That is because it is effecting the separatists and rebels, and making them more rebellious than ever. Ban Ki Moon's speech was directly aimed at the separatists and rebels. It has made the separatists and rebels more determined than ever to do everything they can to protect all the towns, villages, homes, properties etc against all the criminal orders until they can secure all of the Donetsk and Donbass regions.
Nothing will stop them now. Once they have secured the regions, their priority is to make them safe and well protected from the Ukrainian government. No one will stand in their way now, and if Ukrainian government does try and block, the war will go on for decades. Ukraine government have lost. This is the defiant mood of the separatists and rebels.
The only thing now is ask the separatists and rebels to de-escalate the fighting is that Leader of the Donetsk People's Republic have talks with President Poroshenko directly, and ask him to give all parts of Eastern Ukraine quietly and without a fight. To make Eastern Ukraine independent.
Something that President Poroshenko has refused to do. The heavy artillery equipment on both sides will hopefully never have to be in use again after that. Poroshenko's refusal to give in will cause more bloodshed and casualties.
Something that President Poroshenko has refused to do. The heavy artillery equipment on both sides will hopefully never have to be in use again after that. Poroshenko's refusal to give in will cause more bloodshed and casualties.
Russia is not involved with the separatists and rebels. Putin can only try and pacify them, and will continue to do so. He cannot tell them what to do.
I have been very upset listening to all this Anti-Russian Rhetoric, and that the West and Europe continue to keep sniping at Russia to no avail and is going nowhere.
That has got to stop as everyone is fuelling the war, which they are not aware of doing.
There have been lots of evidence in the newspapers exposing groups belonging to the Ukrainians troops like the battalion of a different kind who seem to be holding Mariupol residents hostages in the city. This battalion has foreign fighters. There have been Ukrainian agents working to sabotage anything, and perhaps even assassinate.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/24/ukraine-crisis-dozens-die-rebels-shell-mariupol
http://rt.com/news/225955-mariupol-ukraine-shelling-kiev/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30967949
Lavrov recently added by saying "any real results can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Donetsk and Luhansk, which Kiev is avoiding by all means, clearly having set a course for military suppression of south-east Ukraine."
Kiev has been violating the Minsk agreement, and could violate more if there is to be no direct dialogue in the not too distant future.
26th January 2015
Protocol
The text of the protocol consists of twelve points:
Ensure an immediate bilateral ceasefire.
Ensure the monitoring and verification by the OSCE of the ceasefire.
A decentralisation of power, including through the adoption of the law of Ukraine "about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts" (law on the special status).
Ensure the permanent monitoring of the Ukrainian-Russian border and verification by the OSCE with the creation of security zones in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
To immediately release all hostages and illegally detained persons.
A law on preventing the prosecution and punishment of persons in connection with the events that have taken place in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
Continue the inclusive national dialogue.
To take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Donbas.
Ensure early local elections in accordance with the law of Ukraine "about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts" (law on the special status).
Withdraw the illegal armed groups, military equipment, as well as fighters and mercenaries from Ukraine.
To adopt the program of economic recovery and reconstruction of Donbas region.
To provide personal security for the participants in the consultations.
Follow-up memorandum
In the two weeks after the Minsk Protocol was signed, there were frequent violations of the ceasefire by both parties to the conflict. Talks continued in Minsk, and a follow-up to the Minsk Protocol was agreed to on 19 September 2014. This memorandum clarified the implementation of the Protocol. Amongst some of the peacemaking measures agreed to were:
To pull heavy weaponry 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) back on each side of the line of contact, creating a 30-kilometre (19 mi) buffer zone
To ban offensive operations
To ban flights by combat aircraft over the security zone
To withdraw all foreign mercenaries from the conflict zone
To set up an OSCE mission to monitor implementation of Minsk Protocol
*New terms and conditions*
To push back the front until no shells can fall on Donetsk and Donbass regions as well as in the Luhansk region.
Any real results can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Donetsk and Luhansk, which Kiev is avoiding by all means, clearly having set a course for military suppression of south-east Ukraine.
To restore law and order in Eastern Ukraine.
To keep an army to restore order, and protect Donetsk, Donbass and Luhansk regions only.
To dispose heavy artillery equipment which is against International Law if used in residential or near residential areas.
To be responsible for any unwanted fighters not affiliated to separatists and obliterate them.
To have more direct talks regarding the future of Eastern Ukraine.
Independence for Eastern Ukraine.
Geopolitical situation have got to change as it is the 21st century. We have got to realise now that due to rising extremism, it no longer applies to countries like Syria and Ukraine etc to maintain their sovereignty, due to the fact they are too big and difficult to control.
Countries like these needs to be carved up into states autonomous or otherwise for tighter security and safety. And to prevent further influx of refugees.
In the case of Syria, Syria is best carved up in the north to let Kurds expand their autonomous state. They can protect Turkey.
Ukraine is best carved up so that European countries are protected by Eastern Ukraine.
New Russia to be a new state and be part of Ukraine.
These are some of the proposals along with Alexander Zakcharenko's wishes etc.
Presently the rebels intend to push their latest advance and have resumed fighting. The rebels aim to establish a stable "frozen conflict" on Ukrainian territory. Their present advance is intended mainly to push government troops further from Donetsk and Luhansk, to make those two strongholds more secure and safe to protect the residents.
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/773490
Russian Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin have accused Kiev of stonewalling the dialogue needed to discuss the parameters of the Constitution of the Minsk Accord. More can be read in the link above of Itar Tass News.
Russia is hopeful of a contact group within the next few days.
I am witness, and this blog and diary is testimony to the Hague if ever Ukraine try to bring proceedings against Russia.
26th January 2015
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/belarus/by_appnb.html
This link is Appendix B for Moldova and Belarus signed on December 8th 1991.
This Minsk agreement was signed in September 2014.
Protocol
The text of the protocol consists of twelve points:
Ensure an immediate bilateral ceasefire.
Ensure the monitoring and verification by the OSCE of the ceasefire.
A decentralisation of power, including through the adoption of the law of Ukraine "about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts" (law on the special status).
Ensure the permanent monitoring of the Ukrainian-Russian border and verification by the OSCE with the creation of security zones in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
To immediately release all hostages and illegally detained persons.
A law on preventing the prosecution and punishment of persons in connection with the events that have taken place in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.
Continue the inclusive national dialogue.
To take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Donbas.
Ensure early local elections in accordance with the law of Ukraine "about local government provisional arrangements in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts" (law on the special status).
Withdraw the illegal armed groups, military equipment, as well as fighters and mercenaries from Ukraine.
To adopt the program of economic recovery and reconstruction of Donbas region.
To provide personal security for the participants in the consultations.
Follow-up memorandum
In the two weeks after the Minsk Protocol was signed, there were frequent violations of the ceasefire by both parties to the conflict. Talks continued in Minsk, and a follow-up to the Minsk Protocol was agreed to on 19 September 2014. This memorandum clarified the implementation of the Protocol. Amongst some of the peacemaking measures agreed to were:
To pull heavy weaponry 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) back on each side of the line of contact, creating a 30-kilometre (19 mi) buffer zone
To ban offensive operations
To ban flights by combat aircraft over the security zone
To withdraw all foreign mercenaries from the conflict zone
To set up an OSCE mission to monitor implementation of Minsk Protocol
*New terms and conditions*
To push back the front until no shells can fall on Donetsk and Donbass regions as well as in the Luhansk region.
Any real results can only be achieved through direct dialogue between Donetsk and Luhansk, which Kiev is avoiding by all means, clearly having set a course for military suppression of south-east Ukraine.
To restore law and order in Eastern Ukraine.
To keep an army to restore order, and protect Donetsk, Donbass and Luhansk regions only.
To dispose heavy artillery equipment which is against International Law if used in residential or near residential areas.
To be responsible for any unwanted fighters not affiliated to separatists and obliterate them.
To have more direct talks regarding the future of Eastern Ukraine.
Independence for Eastern Ukraine.
Geopolitical situation have got to change as it is the 21st century. We have got to realise now that due to rising extremism, it no longer applies to countries like Syria and Ukraine etc to maintain their sovereignty, due to the fact they are too big and difficult to control.
Countries like these needs to be carved up into states autonomous or otherwise for tighter security and safety. And to prevent further influx of refugees.
In the case of Syria, Syria is best carved up in the north to let Kurds expand their autonomous state. They can protect Turkey.
Ukraine is best carved up so that European countries are protected by Eastern Ukraine.
New Russia to be a new state and be part of Ukraine.
These are some of the proposals along with Alexander Zakcharenko's wishes etc.
Presently the rebels intend to push their latest advance and have resumed fighting. The rebels aim to establish a stable "frozen conflict" on Ukrainian territory. Their present advance is intended mainly to push government troops further from Donetsk and Luhansk, to make those two strongholds more secure and safe to protect the residents.
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/773490
Russian Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin have accused Kiev of stonewalling the dialogue needed to discuss the parameters of the Constitution of the Minsk Accord. More can be read in the link above of Itar Tass News.
Russia is hopeful of a contact group within the next few days.
I am witness, and this blog and diary is testimony to the Hague if ever Ukraine try to bring proceedings against Russia.
27th January 2015
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Monday announced the introduction of the state of emergency in the regions engulfed by the rebellion, a move he said was intended to improve coordination between various government agencies and help protect the population. That is laughable as it is all rhetoric and empty threats, and increasing the conflict.
US and EU have not said anything or taken action to Ukraine to stop the shelling, and the fighting. Kiev is still not making efforts to have a dialogue with the separatists, and have not made efforts to stop shelling and gunning.
Ukraine politicians are playing politics to boost the Kiev's profile that, they are not the aggresssor, not terrorists, and is telling lies to their own people to cover up the truth and misdeeds by laying all the blame on Russia.
Kiev does not want the civilians to know the full extent of their own economic and social problems. Kiev is so completely incompetent spending millions or billions on defence and army when money could be used elsewhere to look after Ukraine constructively, materially and humanely.
Kiev government does not care about their own people, they care about all the assets in Eastern Ukraine. This is what Kiev is really fighting for, while the ethnic Russians and Ukrainians civilians are protecting their own homes, lands and properties. Civilians have got the right to live peacefully and safely. Kiev cannot ever take these away from them. The separatists are fighting for their rights as well as their own.
Civilians does not deserve to be terrorised by Ukrainian soldiers, and keep them contained in their own cities, towns and villages. They must be free from oppression, fear, depression and violence.
28th January 2015
There was a brief meeting of the two leaders of DPR and LPR who agreed to expand the DPR and LPR delegations to the Contact Group on Ukraine and conduct talks only with an envoy of the Ukrainian president, Alexey Karyakin, speaker of the LPR People’s Council (parliament). "There will be no meetings with any other persons, and Leonid Kuchma is not a presidential envoy, adding that these steps had been taken to make the talks more efficient. The decision to this effect was made at a meeting between the two republics’ leaders". Karyakin said.
29th January 2015
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/774178
Russian ambassador to OSCE is hopeful of reducing tensions thinks peace is managable. See more.
https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=uk&siidp=ec024e6daa237606e0ca55a0fc1753589259&ict=ln
Russian ambassador speaking about further sanctions from EU. It is plain stupid as EU could have waited until March expiry date before they extend new sanctions. EU is just doing more damage to themselves economically. See more.
28th January 2015
There was a brief meeting of the two leaders of DPR and LPR who agreed to expand the DPR and LPR delegations to the Contact Group on Ukraine and conduct talks only with an envoy of the Ukrainian president, Alexey Karyakin, speaker of the LPR People’s Council (parliament). "There will be no meetings with any other persons, and Leonid Kuchma is not a presidential envoy, adding that these steps had been taken to make the talks more efficient. The decision to this effect was made at a meeting between the two republics’ leaders". Karyakin said.
29th January 2015
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/774178
Russian ambassador to OSCE is hopeful of reducing tensions thinks peace is managable. See more.
https://news.google.com/news?pz=1&cf=all&ned=uk&siidp=ec024e6daa237606e0ca55a0fc1753589259&ict=ln
Russian ambassador speaking about further sanctions from EU. It is plain stupid as EU could have waited until March expiry date before they extend new sanctions. EU is just doing more damage to themselves economically. See more.
Igor Plotnitsky LPR leader and Alexander Zakharchenko, the DPR leader) are waiting for an official representative from Kiev. "We are ready to go to Minsk for talks at any moment, as soon as Ukraine’s representative is appointed, Our condition remains unchanged. Kiev should commission an official envoy vested with the authority to make decisions," they said.
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/774200
Human rights groups accused Ukraine army of using indiscriminate weapons in south east. I have seen a video of military gunning inside Mariupol which I thought strange. This video could be in my blog somewhere above, if not, it is common knowledge in newspapers. Another article inside the link says Kiev used cluster munitions in attack on airport. See more.
30th January 2015
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/01/29/ukraine-war-east-crimea-occupation
Human Rights World report 2015 are accusing Rebels and Ukrainian Army of using Grad rockets and Cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are banned under 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Yulia Gorbunova, a Europe and Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch said “Civilians in Ukraine have borne the brunt of this conflict, with thousands of casualties and hundreds of thousands displaced in a matter of months. All sides of the conflict should be doing their utmost to protect civilians.” Both government and rebel forces have launched unguided Grad rockets against targets in densely populated civilian areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, killing and injuring civilians. Both parties also fired artillery from populated areas without taking feasible precautions to protect civilians and endangering them by inviting return fire.
US is trying to put pressure on Russia to say that a cold war is imminent.
The Ukrainian conflict peace settlement initiative, put forward on Thursday by French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel is an attempt to politically sidestep the United States that is more and more inclined to start weapons supplies to Kiev, says an article published on Friday by France’s influential magazine L’Obs.
Hollande and Merkel is attempting to de-escalate the crisis through diplomacy.
The peace proposal of Merkel and Hollande most likely contains the same principal points that were "fixed in the Minsk agreements that were signed in September last year, but never fulfilled
"Armed with such a document, the French and German leaders could then argue that arms supplies are not needed," writes the French weekly.
Ukraine lost its territorial integrity and the Prime Minister and President of Ukraine have lost their own integrity.
Merkel said a few days ago that she has considered not arming Ukraine any further. She played a part in fuelling the Ukraine crisis along with other countries. If any of the countries did not supply arms and weapons, the war would have great less impact, and not so many loss of lives.
All the separatists ever wanted is to have the whole of Eastern Ukraine. Once that is achieved, they will only want to protect it.
Nato have said that they are going to increase their troops to 5,000. No one is going to feel threatened by it. It is just a precaution against extremism.
Merkel is still not saying anything to Ukraine to tell that withdrawal is neccesary, and must take the first step to do so.
If I was Queen of Europe, I would not go gallivanting trying to raise profile, and acting as a diplomat. I would order Ukraine top dogs to withdraw immediately, or there will be warrants for their arrests.
Ukraine must obey the Minsk Accords.
7th February 2015
France and Germany have had a long meeting with Russia in the Kremlin. A draft document will be issued shortly, and America will be consulted.
I have to stress that we have to think of all the people who live, or have lived in Ukraine effected by the war. They are war victims caused by the Ukrainian government playing monopoly with their lives.
When peace finally arrives, the people will have to rebuild their lives. But those who have fled the country to seek refuge in Russia or Europe may never return. They may be terrified of being governed under the same government that caused chaos, bloodshed, destruction and oppression. It is possible for all Ukrainians and Russians to return to their homeland under a new government.
Over a million people are either homeless, fled the country or got killed during the conflict. Ukraine is now divided and split, and it would be unrealistic to think of a united Ukraine.
What America said was so stupid saying that Europe cannot be redrawn. Of course it cannot be, but Ukraine was never in Europe. On the same day Putin signed a document for annexation of Crimea, Merkel was signing a document for Ukraine to get financial help from EU. Ukraine cannot officially be part of Europe for five years or less.
One thing I have to point out is that Europe cannot make ethnic Russians europeans while they have got a strong identity. Europe cannot force Russian civilians living in Ukraine be part of Europe.
Did Europe try and redraw Russia? I leave that for you to think about that one.
If the Ukrainian troops did not fight against the separatists. There would have been earlier talks about the future of a united Ukraine, the fighting would not be anywhere now.
We now got a split Ukraine which will never be mended, and part of it will never be part of Europe.
No country in their right mind would think a military solution is the way out. People have suffered greatly, and lost their lives to such an extent over a stupid chunk of land.
It is paramount to put people first always. It is the duty and responsibility for the Ukraine government to look after its own people.
Ukraine have failed, and it is time we have the Ukraine government be dissolved to create a new government without its present President and Prime Minister.
I am so horrified at all the damage and carnage they have done.
It should be in the peace plan to have the Ukraine parliament be dissolved, and dismantled to make way for a creation of a new government. To ensure that all the people effected by the war is able to return home safely and peacefully. I view the President and Prime Minister with revulsion and disgusting.
51st Munich Security Conference
Lavrov was speaking at the 51st Munich Security Conference, and is adamant that a military solution is not the answer, and would only inflame an already volatile situation. Putin said earlier that Russia would not go to war with anyone in spite of being provoked.
Lavrov said "Russia, Germany and France are ready to become guarantors of the agreements, if that can be achieved between the protagonists in the Ukraine crisis. If the main participants of the Minsk peace process, the Ukrainian authorities and the representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics come to an understanding on every articles of the Minsk agreements, I'm absoloutely sure that Russia will be there to secure the guarantees of these agreements. No matter where, in the OSCE or the UN Security Council, I'm certain that both Germany and France are also ready to provide such guarantees".
He spoke at length, and on numerous occasions about the need for all countries to adhere to the Helsinki Accords, which among other things, champions the self determination of peoples and respect for human rights. He mentioned that European security is based on both the UN Charter and the Helsinki agreement, but has been sabotaged by the US and its allies.
On Crimea who had a right of self determination. While the West has hit out at what it believes to be a Russian 'annexation' of Crimea, the Russian Foreign Minister says that the will of over 90% of the peninsula's population has been ignored, pointing to a referendum in which residents almost unanimously voted to join Russia. He gave the example of Kosovo, which despite not holding a referendum, was allowed to leave Serbia, and create its own state.
The Foreign Minister said "In Crimea what happened with the UN Charter on self determination is that the UN Charter has several principles, and the right of a nation for self determination has a key position."
About the European Union Association Agreement
President Yanukovych was in negotiations with Russia to "find the right model" for co-operation with the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. On 25th February 2013, President of the European Commision Jose Manuel Barroso made it clear that "one country cannot at the same time be a member of a Customs Union and be in a deep common free trade area with the European Union".
Relations between Ukraine and the European Union are currently shaped through the European Neighbourhood Policy, a foreign policy instrument of the EU designed for the countries it borders. The EU is seeking an increasingly close relationship with Ukraine going beyond co-operation, to gradual economic integration and deepening of political co-operation.
The political part of the Association Agreement was signed on 21st March 2014 by the new Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Meanwhile the EU has attempted to stabilise Ukraine by freezing assets of Russians and Ukrainians, and by granting financial help to Ukraine. The economic part of the Ukraine - European Union Association Agreement was signed on the 27th June 2014 by the new President Petro Poroshenko.
Russia did not know anything about the Association Agreement as Putin was signing a document of self determination for Crimea on the same day. Lavrov complained about not knowing this Association Agreement when he mentioned it at the 51st Munich Security Conference today.
The “gold standard” of statehood is the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States enacted in 1933 The Montevideo Convention requires an aspiring state to have it own territory, population, a functioning government and the ability to enter into relationships with other states.
Novorossiya while not currently in control of all its territory has maintained an undisputed presence in Lugansk and Donetsk backed up by a seasoned army and security forces. There is a sizeable population in Novorossiya despite ethnic cleansing attempts by the Ukraine government. There is a functioning government and diplomatic efforts are ongoing as evidenced by the Minsk process.
In a just and fair world then Novorossiya would be welcomed into the fold of sovereign nations as its newest member. But the world is neither just nor fair and Novorossiya is attacked by enemies in the West and blocked on other fronts by economic sanctions and diplomatic boycotts.
Nonetheless, Novorossiya has friends. The Russian people of course overwhelmingly support this new nation and South Ossetia has welcomed Novorossiya by diplomatically recognizing it. Diplomatic recognition is an important first step towards international legitimacy since South Ossetia itself is recognized by four UN member states – Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nauru.
More recognition for Novorossiya of course would be desirable but is not necessary to establish legitimacy. Somaliland for example which has been sovereign since 1991 and is recognized by no other country yet has maintained its complete independence and conducts business worldwide, issues passports and currency, and defends itself without any disapproval from the major powers. Novorossiya unlike Somaliland is an industrialized nation in Europe and not on the periphery of Africa, its relevance as an independent nation is assured.
But how does this relate to war crimes committed by Kiev’s political elite, Ukrainian armed forces and so called volunteer brigades of fascists? Before the brilliant tactical victory by the Novorossiya self defence forces that broke the blockade of Dontesk and Lugansk in late August 2014, it appeared as if the entire command and political infrastructure of Novorossiya might be in real danger of liquidation, summary arrest or exile if Ukrainian forces and their foreign mercenaries stormed Donetsk and Lugansk.
The very real scenario of another unfair UN sponsored tribunal like the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia) which mainly persecuted Serbs for defending themselves was looming large in the vent Ukraine prevailed.
Nonetheless, a war crimes tribunal is an important weapon against fascism. Fascists thrive in dark places and times and hide their identities behind masks and hoods, the threat of exposure, their identities and deeds scares them greatly.
Novorossiya can act against war criminals and not just symbolically. Section 107 of the Restatement (Second) of Foreign Relations Law of the United States [1965] states that:
When the oppressed people of Ukraine finally wake out of their slumber, and throw out the rascals in the Kiev government, and cleanse the country of Nazis and corrupt oligarchs
Novorossiya has demonstrated it can prevail against great odds on the battle field, now let the members of the international community who abhor war crimes use their skills and technology to make the seemingly impossible happen – to bring Kiev’s war criminals to justice.
We can stop this ethnic cleansing of the Russians, corruption, criminalisation and many more. Donetsk and Luhansk will take a very firm strict stance, and punish anyone severely and harshly against the Ukraine government involved in the dark world, as well as any criminals.
Ukraine will have their own problems of dealing with own law and order that the self defence forces can do without. As the problems are too big.
I find the self defence forces taking over the whole of Eastern Ukraine acceptable as long they do not expand their territory further. I agree with President Hollande about the his plan to extend the lines. That has been met with the refusal of President Porochenko.
9th February 2015
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/776245
DPR calls for creating demilitarised zone to stop conflict in Donbass. This is good news of acceptance for part of the Normandy format. See more.
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150209/1017980892.html
President Putin is pleading strongly to Kiev to have direct talks with the self defence forces of DPR and LPR. See more.
I am also asking strongly to Kiev to have direct talks with the self defence forces as well. It is very important that all sides agree, and try and be friends in the hope that they can work together amicably in the future. I agree that nationalism is not going to work when you think of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Either way, no one wants to be enemies for life with tragic consequences. Let us at least shake hands for a start, and not talk for the first meeting, face to face. Then take it slowly step by step to say only possibly one word or two and so on to break the ice.
Mr Putin earlier said Western countries had broken pledges not to expand Nato, and forced countries to choose between them or Russia, leading to the current crisis in Ukraine.
He accused Western states of supporting a "coup d'etat" in Kiev - a reference to the ousting of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych last year. He lost power amid protests over his decision to scrap a deal that would have seen Ukraine establish closer ties with the European Union. Since then, Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula and rebels in the east have sought to establish full control over the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
There is proof of this.
http://itar-tass.com/en/world/774200
Human rights groups accused Ukraine army of using indiscriminate weapons in south east. I have seen a video of military gunning inside Mariupol which I thought strange. This video could be in my blog somewhere above, if not, it is common knowledge in newspapers. Another article inside the link says Kiev used cluster munitions in attack on airport. See more.
30th January 2015
http://www.hrw.org/news/2015/01/29/ukraine-war-east-crimea-occupation
Human Rights World report 2015 are accusing Rebels and Ukrainian Army of using Grad rockets and Cluster munitions. Cluster munitions are banned under 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions.
Yulia Gorbunova, a Europe and Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch said “Civilians in Ukraine have borne the brunt of this conflict, with thousands of casualties and hundreds of thousands displaced in a matter of months. All sides of the conflict should be doing their utmost to protect civilians.” Both government and rebel forces have launched unguided Grad rockets against targets in densely populated civilian areas in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, killing and injuring civilians. Both parties also fired artillery from populated areas without taking feasible precautions to protect civilians and endangering them by inviting return fire.
All sides appeared to have also used cluster munitions, a weapon with indiscriminate, wide-area effects that is banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. All sides should stop using weapons such as Grad rockets in populated areas, as they have indiscriminate impact, and altogether stop using cluster munitions. Both Ukraine and Russia should join the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Human Rights Watch said. All sides of the conflict have committed grave violations of human rights. Russia should use its influence with the rebels to put an end to blatant abuses and press for those responsible to be brought to justice, and Ukraine’s international partners should urge the government to investigate abuses and ensure accountability.”
In the 656-page world report, its 25th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries. In his introductory essay, Executive Director Kenneth Roth urges governments to recognize that human rights offer an effective moral guide in turbulent times, and that violating rights can spark or aggravate serious security challenges. The short-term gains of undermining core values of freedom and non-discrimination are rarely worth the long-term price.
500,000 people have been internally displaced as the result of the ongoing hostilities, with some rights groups’ estimates being twice as high. Ukrainian authorities have struggled to provide adequate help and assistance to internally displaced people, including urgent housing and social assistance. Legislation adopted in November 2014 provided access to temporary accommodation for displaced people and simplified registration requirements, allowing easier access to employment and social benefits, including pensions. But rights groups have criticized the law for lack of clear implementation mechanisms.
While rebels and Ukraine are accused of violating human rights, it is unfair to say that the rebels are backed by Russia. Ukraine army have been backed by some countries supplying arms and weapons.
It is also unfair to say that the rebels did all the violating of human rights as there were freedom fighters and other groups that rebels were fighting against.
It was very unfair to have had a former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to be in the contact group in the first place. He runs or owns Kiev newspaper, and probably took advantage of issuing articles about the conflict in Ukraine.
The report on Crimea on human rights does not seem accurate to me, and seem misleading. Yulia Gorbunova is only a researcher so we cannot rely on everything she says.
See more in full in the link above.
Human Rights Watch have not clarified on how the conflict in Ukraine started, although newspapers have verified that. I have got a link above somewhere that gives a full account of the Maidan.
I would say that whoever started it, is to take the full blame, and that the other side was defending themselves having to use the same weapons to compete.
It is against International Law to start any conflict, and start violations of human rights. It is the aggressor that should be punished.
It is the responsibility of the Ukraine government to ban protests, and do something about it. The Ukraine government should not have got involved by getting the Ukrainian Army to fight and making things worse.
As a result there was a collapse of law and order, leading to abuses of human rights.
6th February 2015
Newspapers are blowing the Ukraine crisis out of proportion with US considering arming Ukraine.
US is trying to put pressure on Russia to say that a cold war is imminent.
The Ukrainian conflict peace settlement initiative, put forward on Thursday by French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel is an attempt to politically sidestep the United States that is more and more inclined to start weapons supplies to Kiev, says an article published on Friday by France’s influential magazine L’Obs.
Hollande and Merkel is attempting to de-escalate the crisis through diplomacy.
The peace proposal of Merkel and Hollande most likely contains the same principal points that were "fixed in the Minsk agreements that were signed in September last year, but never fulfilled
"Armed with such a document, the French and German leaders could then argue that arms supplies are not needed," writes the French weekly.
Ukraine lost its territorial integrity and the Prime Minister and President of Ukraine have lost their own integrity.
Merkel said a few days ago that she has considered not arming Ukraine any further. She played a part in fuelling the Ukraine crisis along with other countries. If any of the countries did not supply arms and weapons, the war would have great less impact, and not so many loss of lives.
All the separatists ever wanted is to have the whole of Eastern Ukraine. Once that is achieved, they will only want to protect it.
Nato have said that they are going to increase their troops to 5,000. No one is going to feel threatened by it. It is just a precaution against extremism.
Merkel is still not saying anything to Ukraine to tell that withdrawal is neccesary, and must take the first step to do so.
If I was Queen of Europe, I would not go gallivanting trying to raise profile, and acting as a diplomat. I would order Ukraine top dogs to withdraw immediately, or there will be warrants for their arrests.
Ukraine must obey the Minsk Accords.
7th February 2015
France and Germany have had a long meeting with Russia in the Kremlin. A draft document will be issued shortly, and America will be consulted.
I have to stress that we have to think of all the people who live, or have lived in Ukraine effected by the war. They are war victims caused by the Ukrainian government playing monopoly with their lives.
When peace finally arrives, the people will have to rebuild their lives. But those who have fled the country to seek refuge in Russia or Europe may never return. They may be terrified of being governed under the same government that caused chaos, bloodshed, destruction and oppression. It is possible for all Ukrainians and Russians to return to their homeland under a new government.
Over a million people are either homeless, fled the country or got killed during the conflict. Ukraine is now divided and split, and it would be unrealistic to think of a united Ukraine.
What America said was so stupid saying that Europe cannot be redrawn. Of course it cannot be, but Ukraine was never in Europe. On the same day Putin signed a document for annexation of Crimea, Merkel was signing a document for Ukraine to get financial help from EU. Ukraine cannot officially be part of Europe for five years or less.
One thing I have to point out is that Europe cannot make ethnic Russians europeans while they have got a strong identity. Europe cannot force Russian civilians living in Ukraine be part of Europe.
Did Europe try and redraw Russia? I leave that for you to think about that one.
If the Ukrainian troops did not fight against the separatists. There would have been earlier talks about the future of a united Ukraine, the fighting would not be anywhere now.
We now got a split Ukraine which will never be mended, and part of it will never be part of Europe.
No country in their right mind would think a military solution is the way out. People have suffered greatly, and lost their lives to such an extent over a stupid chunk of land.
It is paramount to put people first always. It is the duty and responsibility for the Ukraine government to look after its own people.
Ukraine have failed, and it is time we have the Ukraine government be dissolved to create a new government without its present President and Prime Minister.
I am so horrified at all the damage and carnage they have done.
It should be in the peace plan to have the Ukraine parliament be dissolved, and dismantled to make way for a creation of a new government. To ensure that all the people effected by the war is able to return home safely and peacefully. I view the President and Prime Minister with revulsion and disgusting.
51st Munich Security Conference
Lavrov was speaking at the 51st Munich Security Conference, and is adamant that a military solution is not the answer, and would only inflame an already volatile situation. Putin said earlier that Russia would not go to war with anyone in spite of being provoked.
Lavrov said "Russia, Germany and France are ready to become guarantors of the agreements, if that can be achieved between the protagonists in the Ukraine crisis. If the main participants of the Minsk peace process, the Ukrainian authorities and the representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics come to an understanding on every articles of the Minsk agreements, I'm absoloutely sure that Russia will be there to secure the guarantees of these agreements. No matter where, in the OSCE or the UN Security Council, I'm certain that both Germany and France are also ready to provide such guarantees".
He spoke at length, and on numerous occasions about the need for all countries to adhere to the Helsinki Accords, which among other things, champions the self determination of peoples and respect for human rights. He mentioned that European security is based on both the UN Charter and the Helsinki agreement, but has been sabotaged by the US and its allies.
On Crimea who had a right of self determination. While the West has hit out at what it believes to be a Russian 'annexation' of Crimea, the Russian Foreign Minister says that the will of over 90% of the peninsula's population has been ignored, pointing to a referendum in which residents almost unanimously voted to join Russia. He gave the example of Kosovo, which despite not holding a referendum, was allowed to leave Serbia, and create its own state.
The Foreign Minister said "In Crimea what happened with the UN Charter on self determination is that the UN Charter has several principles, and the right of a nation for self determination has a key position."
About the European Union Association Agreement
President Yanukovych was in negotiations with Russia to "find the right model" for co-operation with the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia. On 25th February 2013, President of the European Commision Jose Manuel Barroso made it clear that "one country cannot at the same time be a member of a Customs Union and be in a deep common free trade area with the European Union".
Relations between Ukraine and the European Union are currently shaped through the European Neighbourhood Policy, a foreign policy instrument of the EU designed for the countries it borders. The EU is seeking an increasingly close relationship with Ukraine going beyond co-operation, to gradual economic integration and deepening of political co-operation.
The political part of the Association Agreement was signed on 21st March 2014 by the new Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. Meanwhile the EU has attempted to stabilise Ukraine by freezing assets of Russians and Ukrainians, and by granting financial help to Ukraine. The economic part of the Ukraine - European Union Association Agreement was signed on the 27th June 2014 by the new President Petro Poroshenko.
Russia did not know anything about the Association Agreement as Putin was signing a document of self determination for Crimea on the same day. Lavrov complained about not knowing this Association Agreement when he mentioned it at the 51st Munich Security Conference today.
8th February 2015
The world has done its best to ignore the existence of the sovereign state of Novorossiya. The media mention Novorossiya applying terms like self declared state, unrecognised state and even a puppet republic to describe the status of the state. Under international law, Novorossiya has the same status as any member of the community nations. It is a sovereign independent nation.
The world has done its best to ignore the existence of the sovereign state of Novorossiya. The media mention Novorossiya applying terms like self declared state, unrecognised state and even a puppet republic to describe the status of the state. Under international law, Novorossiya has the same status as any member of the community nations. It is a sovereign independent nation.
The “gold standard” of statehood is the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States enacted in 1933 The Montevideo Convention requires an aspiring state to have it own territory, population, a functioning government and the ability to enter into relationships with other states.
Novorossiya while not currently in control of all its territory has maintained an undisputed presence in Lugansk and Donetsk backed up by a seasoned army and security forces. There is a sizeable population in Novorossiya despite ethnic cleansing attempts by the Ukraine government. There is a functioning government and diplomatic efforts are ongoing as evidenced by the Minsk process.
In a just and fair world then Novorossiya would be welcomed into the fold of sovereign nations as its newest member. But the world is neither just nor fair and Novorossiya is attacked by enemies in the West and blocked on other fronts by economic sanctions and diplomatic boycotts.
Nonetheless, Novorossiya has friends. The Russian people of course overwhelmingly support this new nation and South Ossetia has welcomed Novorossiya by diplomatically recognizing it. Diplomatic recognition is an important first step towards international legitimacy since South Ossetia itself is recognized by four UN member states – Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nauru.
More recognition for Novorossiya of course would be desirable but is not necessary to establish legitimacy. Somaliland for example which has been sovereign since 1991 and is recognized by no other country yet has maintained its complete independence and conducts business worldwide, issues passports and currency, and defends itself without any disapproval from the major powers. Novorossiya unlike Somaliland is an industrialized nation in Europe and not on the periphery of Africa, its relevance as an independent nation is assured.
But how does this relate to war crimes committed by Kiev’s political elite, Ukrainian armed forces and so called volunteer brigades of fascists? Before the brilliant tactical victory by the Novorossiya self defence forces that broke the blockade of Dontesk and Lugansk in late August 2014, it appeared as if the entire command and political infrastructure of Novorossiya might be in real danger of liquidation, summary arrest or exile if Ukrainian forces and their foreign mercenaries stormed Donetsk and Lugansk.
The very real scenario of another unfair UN sponsored tribunal like the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia) which mainly persecuted Serbs for defending themselves was looming large in the vent Ukraine prevailed.
Nonetheless, a war crimes tribunal is an important weapon against fascism. Fascists thrive in dark places and times and hide their identities behind masks and hoods, the threat of exposure, their identities and deeds scares them greatly.
Novorossiya can act against war criminals and not just symbolically. Section 107 of the Restatement (Second) of Foreign Relations Law of the United States [1965] states that:
“An entity not recognized as a state but meeting the requirements for recognition specified in SS 100 [of controlling a territory and population and engaging in foreign relations], or an entity recognized as a state whose regime is not recognized as its government, has the rights of a state under international law in relation to a non-recognizing state…”
See also Article 74 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties which states that “The severance or absence of diplomatic or consular relations between two or more States does not prevent the conclusion of treaties between those States.” What all this means is that under international law Novorossiya may act avail itself of all the remedies under international law as long as some other states concur.
When the oppressed people of Ukraine finally wake out of their slumber, and throw out the rascals in the Kiev government, and cleanse the country of Nazis and corrupt oligarchs
Novorossiya has demonstrated it can prevail against great odds on the battle field, now let the members of the international community who abhor war crimes use their skills and technology to make the seemingly impossible happen – to bring Kiev’s war criminals to justice.
We can stop this ethnic cleansing of the Russians, corruption, criminalisation and many more. Donetsk and Luhansk will take a very firm strict stance, and punish anyone severely and harshly against the Ukraine government involved in the dark world, as well as any criminals.
Ukraine will have their own problems of dealing with own law and order that the self defence forces can do without. As the problems are too big.
I find the self defence forces taking over the whole of Eastern Ukraine acceptable as long they do not expand their territory further. I agree with President Hollande about the his plan to extend the lines. That has been met with the refusal of President Porochenko.
9th February 2015
DPR calls for creating demilitarised zone to stop conflict in Donbass. This is good news of acceptance for part of the Normandy format. See more.
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150209/1017980892.html
President Putin is pleading strongly to Kiev to have direct talks with the self defence forces of DPR and LPR. See more.
I am also asking strongly to Kiev to have direct talks with the self defence forces as well. It is very important that all sides agree, and try and be friends in the hope that they can work together amicably in the future. I agree that nationalism is not going to work when you think of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Either way, no one wants to be enemies for life with tragic consequences. Let us at least shake hands for a start, and not talk for the first meeting, face to face. Then take it slowly step by step to say only possibly one word or two and so on to break the ice.
Mr Putin earlier said Western countries had broken pledges not to expand Nato, and forced countries to choose between them or Russia, leading to the current crisis in Ukraine.
He accused Western states of supporting a "coup d'etat" in Kiev - a reference to the ousting of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych last year. He lost power amid protests over his decision to scrap a deal that would have seen Ukraine establish closer ties with the European Union. Since then, Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula and rebels in the east have sought to establish full control over the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
There is proof of this.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is convinced that in order to settle the crisis in Ukraine, Kiev should urgently stop its military operation in the country’s south-east and work out such a form of constitutional arrangement that would suit all Ukrainians.
"It has emerged in response to the attempts of the USA and its western allies who considered themselves ‘winners’ of the Cold War to impose their will everywhere. Promises of non-expansion of the NATO to the East (given yet to the Soviet authorities) have turned out to be hollow statements.
We have seen how NATO's infrastructure was moving closer and closer towards Russian borders and how Russian interests were being ignored. Moreover, in the framework of the EU Eastern Partnership Program there have been attempts to tear states which had been parts of the former USSR off Russia and to prompt them to make an artificial choice ‘between Russia and Europe.
The Ukrainian crisis has become a high point of these negative trends. We repeatedly warned the USA and its western allies about harmful consequences of their interference in Ukrainian domestic affairs but they did not listen to our opinion.
Last February the USA and a number of EU member states supported the coup d’etat in Kiev.
The ultranationalists who seized the power using military force put the country on the edge of disruption and started the fratricidal war.
Unfortunately, today we can see how the ‘war party’ in Kiev actively supported from the outside continues its attempts to push the Ukrainian people over the edge of a catastrophe. The situation in Donbas has aggravated dramatically. Ukrainian security forces resumed the bombing of Donetsk, Luhansk and other residential areas in the region.
They are building up their military presence there. The ‘new wave’ of mass mobilization has been announced in the country; there are calls for ‘taking revenge after summer ‘military failures’ and for a forceful ‘Ukrainization of Donbas.
Ukraine is militarizing rapidly. We can judge by the statistics: in 2014, the Ukrainian military budget increased by almost 41% This year, according to preliminary data, it will more than triple and reach more than $3 billion — which is about 5% of the country's GDP. And this is happening when its economy supported mostly with international, including Russian, funds is in rather deplorable situation. We certainly feel worried. We hope that common sense will prevail.
Russia strongly calls for a comprehensive and exclusively peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis based on the Minsk agreements which were largely achieved owing to the initiative and efforts of the Russian side.
The most important condition for the stabilization of the situation is immediate cease-fire and ending of a so called ‘anti-terrorist’, but in fact punitive, operation in the south-east of Ukraine. Kiev's attempts to exert economic pressure on Donbas and disrupt its daily life only aggravate the situation.
This is a dead-end track, fraught with a big catastrophe. It is evident that the crisis will continue until the Ukrainians themselves agree with each other. Until the unbridled radicalism and nationalism are finished with, and the society is consolidated around positive values and genuine interests of Ukraine.
To achieve this, Kiev authorities need to listen to their people, find a common language and reach an agreement with all political forces and regions of the country. They need to elaborate such constitutional state system formula that would provide for a safe and comfortable living for all citizens with human rights being fully observed.
In the meantime, it is necessary to do one's utmost to make all the parties to the conflict gather around the negotiating table. In this context, the Russian side stands for forging sustainable and direct contacts between Kiev and Donetsk and Luhansk, for continued work within the Contact Group.
On our part, we intend to actively contribute to that process," the Russian president said in an interview with Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram on the eve of his visit to Cairo.
The United Nations has called for urgently declaring a ceasefire in the east of Ukraine, which will allow evacuating civilians from the conflict zone and delivering food and medicines there, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said in a report. The assessment of people’s needs and the situation in the disputed areas is required, the report said.
According to the UN, around 5,000 people remain in Ukraine’s Debaltsevo, among them are mostly families with children and elderly people. There is no electricity and water supply in the town, the report said.
The UN has expressed concern with the escalating conflict in the east of Ukraine. According to UN OCHA, at least 263 civilians died in the region from January 31 to February 5. The number of civilian casualties since the beginning of the conflict in April 2014 has now reached 5,500 people, including 59 children. More than 12,900 people have been injured, including 153 children. The UN OCHA stressed that these assessments are "very moderate."
The UN has also expressed concern about mobilization announced by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The report said that this may have a negative effect on the freedom of movement, spur corruption and smuggling.
Russia’s Federal Migration Service (FMS) told TASS that the number of Ukrainian men of conscription age fleeing to Russia has increased by 20,000 in the first week of February. "There are 2.5 million Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Russia now. Around 1.193 million of them are men of conscription age," FMS said
http://tass.ru/en/russia/77656
http://rt.com/news/230891-monti-us-ukraine-tool/
America has got to stop using provocative language about arming Ukraine. America has got to stop being involved in Europe's problems. Europe's problems has got nothing to do with America. Angela Merkel has got to stop giving ultimatums to Putin. No one should talk to any President like that. Ukraine must not be Pro-American.
As a result of America and Europe interfering with Russia interests which they forced Russians to choose between Europe and Russia. And poaching Russians to helping European Union form a bigger union, and attempting to reduce the Eurasian Russian Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite pressure, Moscow will pursue independent foreign policy that meets the interests of the Russian people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability.
Putin stressed that in the current challenging international environment, the effective work of the Russian Foreign Ministry, embassies, consulates and other representation offices is of growing importance.
"It is the guarantee that the Russian Federation, despite any pressure will further continue pursuing an independent foreign policy which meets the vital interests of our people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability", Putin said in his telegram to diplomats.
Putin said Russia has the important tasks now of strengthening the Eurasian Economic Union and developing mulit-faceted co-operation with its partners, including as part of Russia's presidency in the Shanghai Co-operation (SCO) and BRICS.
I ask the United Nations to restore back some former USSR states who were in the Customs Union from the European hands. It is illegal, and EU have been bribing some with a promise of a good life which EU failed to deliver and upsetting the balance of Europe's economy offering new life, benefits and free visas etc. The European Union cannot make Russians, Chinese, Egyptians and many more Europeans. That is what is illegal about it.
Russian Language
I have found out what also upset the Russians, and prompted Russian speaking Crimea. Ukraine government wanted to pass the law making Russian language a second language. This was a ridiculous gesture as there is a higher majority of Russians more than Ukrainians. It is against human rights as Ukrainian language has always been the second language.
We cannot have Ukraine government Ukrainify everything, and makes me wonder if there is a single Russian MP in the government. It would be racist.
President Putin wants territorial integrity but Ukraine will have to co-operate fully, and not cause sectarianism or use violence in any way. Ukraine has got no right to turn on the Russians because of their ethnicity.
12th February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812
http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/12/after-marathon-talks-a-peace-deal-to-end-the-10-month-war-in-eastern-ukraine-but-will-it-take-hold/
http://tass.ru/en/world/777231
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/12/ukraine-ceasefire-aims-pave-way-comprehensive-settlement-crisis
There were 200 Balkan mercenaries fighting on Kiev's side. Russian Human Rights Ombudsman blasts Sweden's double standards on mercenaries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister admits there were foreign mercenaries, some of which were Croats and Serbians.
Participation of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine’s internal conflict is unacceptable, and only aggravates the situation, and could be a violation of UN Convention.
These punitive operations of the European Nationals were being made together with unfounded accusations of Russian soldiers presence in Ukrainian territory.
Russia have always denied their involvement, and never had Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.
US and the European Union should not have kept blaming Russia and accusing them. They have put pressure, and accusations time and time again, trying to make Russia confess to the fighting. It was like drawing blood out of a stone.
UN and Russia will want to ask, and remind every one for all European countries to turn particular attention to decisions taken by the Contact Group [on Ukraine] in Minsk today, on February 12, on a package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Particularly on the withdrawal of all foreign armed units, military equipment, and also mercenaries from Ukrainian territory under OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] observation and disarmament of all illegal groups.
Once all this has been done, removing foreign units etc, can peace start properly. This is the first step to the path of peace.
Lessons have to be learnt that protests like the Maidan will never achieve anything which resulted in a new would be state for decentralisaton.
We have a principled position on sanctions. We have always been quite skeptical about sanctions as such because as far as I can remember sanctions have never worked against any country, even really legitimate sanctions, that is, sanctions approved by the UN Security Council.
As for the sanctions against Russia, they are completely illegitimate. And it is for those who imposed the sanctions to think about how to get rid of them because sanctions are a double-edged weapon,"
The deputy foreign minister cited the example of the exports of machinery to Russia."This is the sector that was hit hard by the sanctions in West European countries, for example, Germany and France. However, simultaneously, US machinery exports to Russia increased by 40% last year, Of course, this is not an economic law, but it really works this way or another when we talk about sanctions. The sanctions are senseless, they are illegitimate, and it is not for us to decide for the EU and the US how they should act with regard to the sanctions."
Russia have found a way to fight against sanctions by helping their businesses, and sanctions are not going to effect the Russian economy. Only US and Europe will suffer as a result.
13th February 2015
http://tass.ru/en/russia/777323
http://tass.ru/en/economy/777401
Russia have said it wants to build better relationships with the European Union and Ukraine. And be in economic, social and political partnerships to have free trade and other issues. The European Union could be helped by Russia to reform the internal issues troubling countries all over Europe.
Russia have got an idea of an Euro-Atlantic Security which is a mere coincidence as I was thinking of the same thing a few days ago. I give my full support to the Euro-Atlantic Security.
See more in the links above.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777418
Ukrainian Foreign Minister denies any constitutional reform - decentralisation liabilities. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777555
Kiev's refusal to amnesty Donbass leaders shows reluctance to implement Minsk deal. See more.
The recent news from Kiev has thrown a spanner in the works, and threatening to derail the Minsk Accords today. Shows that Kiev is very unwilling to have peace, and is being unco-operative.
14th February 2015
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150214/1018267152.html
The draft resolution is presented to the UN for Ukraine reconcilation.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777638
DPR and LPR have initiated several addendums to the Ukraine Constitution.
I am very optimistic that things will happen, but slowly as it takes time to complete the actions of those who have to abide by the Minsk Accords as agreed.
I am very confident that whatever Kiev throws at the self defence forces. Russia will always keep submitting draft resolutions until UN Security Council agree to decentralisation with or without Ukraine's permission.
Ukraine must realise this that it is stuck in a corner, and give in, and further fighting will not get anywhere.
It is now up to Kiev and all independent military groups to start abiding the Minsk Accords, and take the most difficult steps to countering their emotions, and think with their heads.
If UN Security Council gives the go ahead to decentralisation, it will not bode well if Kiev is shown to be incompetent to achieving full strong democracy, and will be a laughing stock. Kiev may lose all of Ukraine to self defence forces if there is to be no co-operation and reconcilation.
Tomorrow is the most difficult step of all, but difficulties will be overcome with the relief of having to have territorial integrity for all.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed ceasefire in embattled southeastern Ukraine saying there should be no exceptions to the truce between the conflicting sides, but voiced his concern over reports from local Debaltsevo area.
The Secretary-General welcomes the start of a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine as agreed on 12 February under the package of measures for implementation of the Minsk accords.
The statement cites the UN secretary general as saying that "the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, giving a desperately needed respite to civilians trapped in the area and contributing to a swift and peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, the Secretary-General is seriously concerned over reports of continued instances of hostilities including in Debaltseve and reiterates his call for all parties to abide by the cease-fire without exception.
Numerous Ukrainian troops has been surrounded by militia forces of self-proclaimed southeastern Ukrainian republics while the agreed upon ceasefire entered into force over the weekend.
The summit talks of Normandy Four leaders are bringing very little results.
I agree there should be no exceptions between the two warring factors but the Battle of Debaltsevo was unfinished with the kettling of Ukrainian troops. Both sides are stuck. The self defence forces are trying to preserve their lives, and hold them hostages but other Ukrainian soldiers have other ideas and want to fight.
I ask the United Nations to give Eastern Ukraine consideration for humanitarian reasons, and human rights.
This is what the Self Defence Forces are fighting for:
News about OPEC oil prices fluctuating for a long time. It does not make sense what OPEC is doing. If I was OPEC I would be fair and just and tell countries that they must not try and be competitive and raise prices whenever they feel like it. OPEC needs to give a fixed price for oil so that all countries have the same price, and not do any price fixing. That way all countries benefit equally, and get a fair share of income of fixed price from OPEC.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/778160
Moscow condemns Lithuania's provocative actions related to arms supplies to Kiev. See more.
I have seen newspaper articles about Lithuania's willingness to be involved.
Breaking news have emerged that the self defence forces have overtaken most of the town of Debaltseve which is sandwiched between Luhansk and Donetsk. The railway runs from Luhansk to Donetsk which is a vital link for main transport.
Russian draft resolution passed by UN Security Council
18th February 2015
February 2015
http://rt.com/news/233439-us-meddling-ukraine-crisis/
http://rt.com/op-edge/228379-obama-power-transition-ukraine/
US role in Ukraine coup hard to overlook. Obama openly admits "brokering power transition in Ukraine". George Soros admitted his involvement. US have largely tried to manipulate the democratic affairs of Ukraine. It was not a fair and just democracy for Ukraine, and we had the wrong politicians of Ukraine government running the show squandering money on the war as well as other things. Ukraine government in fact have overspent, and still do not know how to run the country. Ukraine government have been saying silly things like having peacekeepers in, be member of Nato when in fact it cannot happen and so on.
Michael Fallon, Defence Minister of UK
Michael Fallon the Defence Minister of UK is getting paranoid about the Baltic States and is scaremongering. There is no real and present danger to Lithunania. Latvia and Estonia. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all three members of Nato. Nato has a right of principle to support and defend its members while promoting peace around the world. Russia cannot attack any of its member states, unless it is attacked first, and will act aggressively depending how aggressive Nato would be. Fallon is making excuses to get Nato forces to stay where they are.
Fallon was saying on the Russian situation, “When you have jets being flown up the English Channel, when you have submarines in the North Sea, it looks to me like it’s warning you”. He was also saying that there have been Russian jets intercepted over inland of Cornwall which was a great concern, and was very worried it would continue.
The Defence Minister must have felt guilty about his anti-russian rhetoric, and not giving support to Russia who played no part in the Ukraine crisis except for peace making missions.
Russian Foreign Minister Lukashevich said that Fallon's words "are beyond diplomatic ethics".
If Russia was worried about the Russian speaking people living in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Russia would seek diplomatic solutions to any problems, and is trying to stabilise Ukraine through no fault of their own. There will be no aggression in the Baltic States. There is no need to worry about Putin, and he has high intellect and ability to stop any conflict coming his way by use of diplomatic efforts.
I am so very concerned to see the news all over the newspapers, and on television which included World News and Channel 4.
It was all blown out of proportion. Russia was on military exercises, and was forced out by Nato taking over some areas that Russia was normally exercising in.
20th February 2015
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150220/1018519229.html
Michael Fallon's comments have been met with derision by academics and military experts in Britain who say his comments show lack of knowledge of Nato's capabilities.
We blamed the desire of Western governments to expand Nato and the European Union for triggering the latest instability. Through expansionism, wanting Nato and the EU to expand that actually began much of this instability.
Nato Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg has confirmed it does not want confrontation with Russia, and Europe have confirmed that is does not want to have war with Russia. Jens Stoltenberg said that while he was Prime Minister of Norway. Norway and Russia had good relations on issues like trade and had a good working relationship. Russia is in the European Council and the European Parliament and would like to be more involved in Europe.
Michael Fallon's comments were totally unacceptable talking about the characterisation of Russia likening it to Islamic State. This is uncalled for. We have to hope that Nato will not have to use any force in the event of infiltration of the Islamic State into Europe from Libya.
Tightening of the borders is the best option in Europe, and Latvia is beginning to do that. It is best that each country be prepared to deal with any violence on their own patch. We must do more to tighten the borders, never mind thinking about the rights of other people. We have to think about the safety and health of each country.
We also have to prepare to deal with "hybrid threats" such as cyber attacks, irregular troops and propaganda.
Dealing with these hybrid threats requires much more investment in cyber, in strategic communications and intelligence because these aren't conventional threats, they are things that are going to involve people who are special forces operatives or intelligence operatives able to detect these things happening very quickly in Europe. Combating these threats are happening beginning with US and UK.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778828
OSCE drones have confirmed a pull out of heavy weaponry near Mariupol.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778914
All Kiev's troops have withdrawn from the pocket of Debaltsev.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778927
Heavy weapons withdrawal map have been signed by LPR and is awaiting signature by DPR which will happen today. They wanted to sign the agreement as soon as Kiev's troops have withdrawn.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779053
http://rt.com/news/234395-ukrainian-yanukovych-stop-war/
http://rt.com/news/229355-ukraine-eu-washington-russia/
http://rt.com/news/234387-ex-berkut-recall-maidan/
http://rt.com/news/201703-ukraine-mp-bombing-russia/
These are news articles by the former Ukrainian President, the former Ukrainian Prime Minister, the former Berkut, and present Ukrainian MP.
More truth and revelations about the Maidan. The former Berkut witnessed what happened at the Maidan. And the present Ukrainian MP threatening to bomb Russia.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-2962805/Ukraine-rebels-say-cease-fire-violations-persist.html
19.00 pm. Breaking news - First Ukraine war prisoner exchange completed. See more in the Daily Mail.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779080
19.17pm. Breaking news - DPR leader signs plan of withdrawal of heavy weapons from line of contact. As promised from the 20th February when LPR signed their heavy weapon withdrawal map.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779079
19.22 pm. Breaking news - OSCE observers gain access to Debaltsev today. They have not been able to get access due to security issues since the MInsk II Accords.
22nd February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31572259
OSCE mission requests sides in Ukraine conflict to provide data on heavy weapons. Heavy weapons withdrawal starts today and goes on until the 7th March 2015. Gen Lentsov, a Russian member of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-operation (JCCC), said: "We have designated 22 February as "D-Day" as determined by the agreement from all sides. So from tomorrow [Sunday] we will within the period of 14 days observe the agreement on the pullback of heavy weapons."
http://tass.ru/en/world/779084
DPR: battles in Donbass have ended along the whole front line. See more about who remained behind.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779095
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister says US Embassy had Ukraine coup script. See more about what Nikoli Azarov said while he was Prime Minister of Ukraine. He confirmed that President Poroshenko had funded anti-government protests that led to February 2014 coup.
USA is a very bad neighbour, and an anti-social country for the world.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779121
Preparatory works are under way. Tomorrow will be a Russian holiday, and the process of weaponry pullout will really start from February 24.
The ceasefire regime in Donbas officially came into force from 01:00 am Moscow time (00:00 hours Kiev time) on February 15.
Donbas swaps prisoners of war with Kiev.
On February 21, the DPR and LPR exchanged 139 captured Ukrainian troops for 52 self-defense fighters while another Ukrainian serviceman preferred to stay in Donetsk.
The latest swap was held under the "all for all" formula. The Luhansk People’s Republic exchanged 103 Ukrainian servicemen for 16 self-defense fighters.
The DPR intended to swap 37 Ukrainian troops for 36 militias but the exchange was finally held under the formula of "36 for 36" after one Ukrainian servicemen preferred to stay in Donetsk.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777115
LPR and DPR leaders have refused to sign document prepared at Normandy format talks, the so called Minsk II. There was really no MInsk II. See more for confirmation.
Shows that the 16 hour talks between Merkel, Hollande and Porochenko was a waste of time.
Credit is due to the LPR and DPR leaders for sticking and standing up to them, and for making peace happen on their own.
24th February 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/779325
Ukraine forces have begun heavy weaponry withdrawal with the supervision of OSCE only in initial stages. Ukrainian army is not controlling the private battalions fighting on Kiev's side. Ukrainian army cannot confirm they comply with orders. These private battalions including Azov Brigade are more difficult to remove. They have attacked the positions of DPR which led to more infighting since the signing of the roadmap by LPR and DPR a few days ago.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexey Meshkov said "The current security crisis in Europe results from attempts to create unipolar world, and is just formally related to the conflict in Ukraine.
"It has emerged in response to the attempts of the USA and its western allies who considered themselves ‘winners’ of the Cold War to impose their will everywhere. Promises of non-expansion of the NATO to the East (given yet to the Soviet authorities) have turned out to be hollow statements.
We have seen how NATO's infrastructure was moving closer and closer towards Russian borders and how Russian interests were being ignored. Moreover, in the framework of the EU Eastern Partnership Program there have been attempts to tear states which had been parts of the former USSR off Russia and to prompt them to make an artificial choice ‘between Russia and Europe.
The Ukrainian crisis has become a high point of these negative trends. We repeatedly warned the USA and its western allies about harmful consequences of their interference in Ukrainian domestic affairs but they did not listen to our opinion.
Last February the USA and a number of EU member states supported the coup d’etat in Kiev.
The ultranationalists who seized the power using military force put the country on the edge of disruption and started the fratricidal war.
Unfortunately, today we can see how the ‘war party’ in Kiev actively supported from the outside continues its attempts to push the Ukrainian people over the edge of a catastrophe. The situation in Donbas has aggravated dramatically. Ukrainian security forces resumed the bombing of Donetsk, Luhansk and other residential areas in the region.
They are building up their military presence there. The ‘new wave’ of mass mobilization has been announced in the country; there are calls for ‘taking revenge after summer ‘military failures’ and for a forceful ‘Ukrainization of Donbas.
Ukraine is militarizing rapidly. We can judge by the statistics: in 2014, the Ukrainian military budget increased by almost 41% This year, according to preliminary data, it will more than triple and reach more than $3 billion — which is about 5% of the country's GDP. And this is happening when its economy supported mostly with international, including Russian, funds is in rather deplorable situation. We certainly feel worried. We hope that common sense will prevail.
Russia strongly calls for a comprehensive and exclusively peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis based on the Minsk agreements which were largely achieved owing to the initiative and efforts of the Russian side.
The most important condition for the stabilization of the situation is immediate cease-fire and ending of a so called ‘anti-terrorist’, but in fact punitive, operation in the south-east of Ukraine. Kiev's attempts to exert economic pressure on Donbas and disrupt its daily life only aggravate the situation.
This is a dead-end track, fraught with a big catastrophe. It is evident that the crisis will continue until the Ukrainians themselves agree with each other. Until the unbridled radicalism and nationalism are finished with, and the society is consolidated around positive values and genuine interests of Ukraine.
To achieve this, Kiev authorities need to listen to their people, find a common language and reach an agreement with all political forces and regions of the country. They need to elaborate such constitutional state system formula that would provide for a safe and comfortable living for all citizens with human rights being fully observed.
In the meantime, it is necessary to do one's utmost to make all the parties to the conflict gather around the negotiating table. In this context, the Russian side stands for forging sustainable and direct contacts between Kiev and Donetsk and Luhansk, for continued work within the Contact Group.
On our part, we intend to actively contribute to that process," the Russian president said in an interview with Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram on the eve of his visit to Cairo.
10th February 2015
The United Nations has called for urgently declaring a ceasefire in the east of Ukraine, which will allow evacuating civilians from the conflict zone and delivering food and medicines there, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said in a report. The assessment of people’s needs and the situation in the disputed areas is required, the report said.
According to the UN, around 5,000 people remain in Ukraine’s Debaltsevo, among them are mostly families with children and elderly people. There is no electricity and water supply in the town, the report said.
The UN has expressed concern with the escalating conflict in the east of Ukraine. According to UN OCHA, at least 263 civilians died in the region from January 31 to February 5. The number of civilian casualties since the beginning of the conflict in April 2014 has now reached 5,500 people, including 59 children. More than 12,900 people have been injured, including 153 children. The UN OCHA stressed that these assessments are "very moderate."
The UN has also expressed concern about mobilization announced by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The report said that this may have a negative effect on the freedom of movement, spur corruption and smuggling.
Russia’s Federal Migration Service (FMS) told TASS that the number of Ukrainian men of conscription age fleeing to Russia has increased by 20,000 in the first week of February. "There are 2.5 million Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Russia now. Around 1.193 million of them are men of conscription age," FMS said
http://tass.ru/en/russia/77656
http://rt.com/news/230891-monti-us-ukraine-tool/
America has got to stop using provocative language about arming Ukraine. America has got to stop being involved in Europe's problems. Europe's problems has got nothing to do with America. Angela Merkel has got to stop giving ultimatums to Putin. No one should talk to any President like that. Ukraine must not be Pro-American.
As a result of America and Europe interfering with Russia interests which they forced Russians to choose between Europe and Russia. And poaching Russians to helping European Union form a bigger union, and attempting to reduce the Eurasian Russian Union. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite pressure, Moscow will pursue independent foreign policy that meets the interests of the Russian people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability.
Putin stressed that in the current challenging international environment, the effective work of the Russian Foreign Ministry, embassies, consulates and other representation offices is of growing importance.
"It is the guarantee that the Russian Federation, despite any pressure will further continue pursuing an independent foreign policy which meets the vital interests of our people and is in line with ensuring global security and stability", Putin said in his telegram to diplomats.
Putin said Russia has the important tasks now of strengthening the Eurasian Economic Union and developing mulit-faceted co-operation with its partners, including as part of Russia's presidency in the Shanghai Co-operation (SCO) and BRICS.
I ask the United Nations to restore back some former USSR states who were in the Customs Union from the European hands. It is illegal, and EU have been bribing some with a promise of a good life which EU failed to deliver and upsetting the balance of Europe's economy offering new life, benefits and free visas etc. The European Union cannot make Russians, Chinese, Egyptians and many more Europeans. That is what is illegal about it.
Russian Language
I have found out what also upset the Russians, and prompted Russian speaking Crimea. Ukraine government wanted to pass the law making Russian language a second language. This was a ridiculous gesture as there is a higher majority of Russians more than Ukrainians. It is against human rights as Ukrainian language has always been the second language.
We cannot have Ukraine government Ukrainify everything, and makes me wonder if there is a single Russian MP in the government. It would be racist.
President Putin wants territorial integrity but Ukraine will have to co-operate fully, and not cause sectarianism or use violence in any way. Ukraine has got no right to turn on the Russians because of their ethnicity.
12th February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812
http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/02/12/after-marathon-talks-a-peace-deal-to-end-the-10-month-war-in-eastern-ukraine-but-will-it-take-hold/
http://tass.ru/en/world/777231
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/12/ukraine-ceasefire-aims-pave-way-comprehensive-settlement-crisis
We have a new peace agreement reached in Minsk that calls for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Ukraine. This is first on the agenda for OSCE to supervise the disarming of weapons and weaponry. It is incredulous and irresponsible for countries to fight for Kiev's side and jeopardised the first Minsk agreement which led to the collapse of the peace settlement.
OSCE were shown foreign weapons recovered in Donetsk airport.
OSCE were shown foreign weapons recovered in Donetsk airport.
There were 200 Balkan mercenaries fighting on Kiev's side. Russian Human Rights Ombudsman blasts Sweden's double standards on mercenaries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister admits there were foreign mercenaries, some of which were Croats and Serbians.
Participation of foreign mercenaries in Ukraine’s internal conflict is unacceptable, and only aggravates the situation, and could be a violation of UN Convention.
These punitive operations of the European Nationals were being made together with unfounded accusations of Russian soldiers presence in Ukrainian territory.
Russia have always denied their involvement, and never had Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.
US and the European Union should not have kept blaming Russia and accusing them. They have put pressure, and accusations time and time again, trying to make Russia confess to the fighting. It was like drawing blood out of a stone.
UN and Russia will want to ask, and remind every one for all European countries to turn particular attention to decisions taken by the Contact Group [on Ukraine] in Minsk today, on February 12, on a package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Particularly on the withdrawal of all foreign armed units, military equipment, and also mercenaries from Ukrainian territory under OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] observation and disarmament of all illegal groups.
Once all this has been done, removing foreign units etc, can peace start properly. This is the first step to the path of peace.
Lessons have to be learnt that protests like the Maidan will never achieve anything which resulted in a new would be state for decentralisaton.
Alexy Meshkov the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said "Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over its stance on developments in neighboring Ukraine are completely illegitimate and such measures have never worked against any country,
We have a principled position on sanctions. We have always been quite skeptical about sanctions as such because as far as I can remember sanctions have never worked against any country, even really legitimate sanctions, that is, sanctions approved by the UN Security Council.
As for the sanctions against Russia, they are completely illegitimate. And it is for those who imposed the sanctions to think about how to get rid of them because sanctions are a double-edged weapon,"
The deputy foreign minister cited the example of the exports of machinery to Russia."This is the sector that was hit hard by the sanctions in West European countries, for example, Germany and France. However, simultaneously, US machinery exports to Russia increased by 40% last year, Of course, this is not an economic law, but it really works this way or another when we talk about sanctions. The sanctions are senseless, they are illegitimate, and it is not for us to decide for the EU and the US how they should act with regard to the sanctions."
Russia have found a way to fight against sanctions by helping their businesses, and sanctions are not going to effect the Russian economy. Only US and Europe will suffer as a result.
13th February 2015
http://tass.ru/en/russia/777323
http://tass.ru/en/economy/777401
Russia have said it wants to build better relationships with the European Union and Ukraine. And be in economic, social and political partnerships to have free trade and other issues. The European Union could be helped by Russia to reform the internal issues troubling countries all over Europe.
Russia have got an idea of an Euro-Atlantic Security which is a mere coincidence as I was thinking of the same thing a few days ago. I give my full support to the Euro-Atlantic Security.
See more in the links above.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777418
Ukrainian Foreign Minister denies any constitutional reform - decentralisation liabilities. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777555
Kiev's refusal to amnesty Donbass leaders shows reluctance to implement Minsk deal. See more.
The recent news from Kiev has thrown a spanner in the works, and threatening to derail the Minsk Accords today. Shows that Kiev is very unwilling to have peace, and is being unco-operative.
14th February 2015
http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150214/1018267152.html
The draft resolution is presented to the UN for Ukraine reconcilation.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777638
DPR and LPR have initiated several addendums to the Ukraine Constitution.
I am very optimistic that things will happen, but slowly as it takes time to complete the actions of those who have to abide by the Minsk Accords as agreed.
I am very confident that whatever Kiev throws at the self defence forces. Russia will always keep submitting draft resolutions until UN Security Council agree to decentralisation with or without Ukraine's permission.
Ukraine must realise this that it is stuck in a corner, and give in, and further fighting will not get anywhere.
It is now up to Kiev and all independent military groups to start abiding the Minsk Accords, and take the most difficult steps to countering their emotions, and think with their heads.
If UN Security Council gives the go ahead to decentralisation, it will not bode well if Kiev is shown to be incompetent to achieving full strong democracy, and will be a laughing stock. Kiev may lose all of Ukraine to self defence forces if there is to be no co-operation and reconcilation.
Tomorrow is the most difficult step of all, but difficulties will be overcome with the relief of having to have territorial integrity for all.
16th February 2105
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed ceasefire in embattled southeastern Ukraine saying there should be no exceptions to the truce between the conflicting sides, but voiced his concern over reports from local Debaltsevo area.
The Secretary-General welcomes the start of a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine as agreed on 12 February under the package of measures for implementation of the Minsk accords.
The statement cites the UN secretary general as saying that "the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, giving a desperately needed respite to civilians trapped in the area and contributing to a swift and peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, the Secretary-General is seriously concerned over reports of continued instances of hostilities including in Debaltseve and reiterates his call for all parties to abide by the cease-fire without exception.
Numerous Ukrainian troops has been surrounded by militia forces of self-proclaimed southeastern Ukrainian republics while the agreed upon ceasefire entered into force over the weekend.
T
he Secretary General reminds all of the significance of the ceasefire, which forms the basis for the broader implementation of the Minsk accords and to restore peace and stability to Ukraine".
he Secretary General reminds all of the significance of the ceasefire, which forms the basis for the broader implementation of the Minsk accords and to restore peace and stability to Ukraine".
The summit talks of Normandy Four leaders are bringing very little results.
I agree there should be no exceptions between the two warring factors but the Battle of Debaltsevo was unfinished with the kettling of Ukrainian troops. Both sides are stuck. The self defence forces are trying to preserve their lives, and hold them hostages but other Ukrainian soldiers have other ideas and want to fight.
I ask the United Nations to give Eastern Ukraine consideration for humanitarian reasons, and human rights.
This is what the Self Defence Forces are fighting for:
- To keep Russian language as their main language and other minority groups keep their own main language.
- To stop Ukraine suppressing the Russian population.
- To allow the Russian speaking population living, or have lived in Ukraine have somewhere to go due to sectarian violence.
- To allow Russian speaking population escape fascism and any unwanted extremists who are in the Ukrainian Parliament and is using arms. (e.g. Azov Brigade and Right Sector).
- To allow Russian speaking population be free from the European Union, and stay in the Customs Union of Russia.
- To allow Russian speaking population be free from the Ukraine government where there is no economy, law and has corruption.
- To allow Russian speaking population in Mariupol to be free from Azov Brigade living there holding them hostages.
- To stop Ukraine government from squandering billion of pounds on fighting that should never have happened.
- To allow the Russian speaking population start their own economy to ease the humanitarian situation, and take action to alleviate suffering and poverty and preventing more destruction.
- To allow Ukraine focus on their own economy, if Nato, US and regional players are removed as well as their own soldiers.
- To allow displaced people and refugees return to their own homes.
- To allow all children effected by the futile war to restart and receive education.
I repeat again. We need to consider the humanitarian reasons for doing so, acting for human rights of the Russian speaking population. This is an emergency.
Sent to President Putin, United Nations Geneva, United Nations NY, Nato, BBC World, Ukraine.
17th February 2105
Debaltseve, I blame the refusal of laying down of arms, and withdrawal of weapons on rogue elements by Ukraine. I also blame the Ukrainian Commanders for not giving orders to abide by the Minsk Accords. Newspapers have said that self defence forces have given orders but nothing from the Ukrainian Commanders. Self defence forces did try and create a corridor, and told the Ukrainian soldiers to lay down arms and leave which they refused.
Sent to President Putin, United Nations Geneva, United Nations NY, Nato, BBC World, Ukraine.
17th February 2105
Debaltseve, I blame the refusal of laying down of arms, and withdrawal of weapons on rogue elements by Ukraine. I also blame the Ukrainian Commanders for not giving orders to abide by the Minsk Accords. Newspapers have said that self defence forces have given orders but nothing from the Ukrainian Commanders. Self defence forces did try and create a corridor, and told the Ukrainian soldiers to lay down arms and leave which they refused.
News about OPEC oil prices fluctuating for a long time. It does not make sense what OPEC is doing. If I was OPEC I would be fair and just and tell countries that they must not try and be competitive and raise prices whenever they feel like it. OPEC needs to give a fixed price for oil so that all countries have the same price, and not do any price fixing. That way all countries benefit equally, and get a fair share of income of fixed price from OPEC.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/778160
Moscow condemns Lithuania's provocative actions related to arms supplies to Kiev. See more.
I have seen newspaper articles about Lithuania's willingness to be involved.
Breaking news have emerged that the self defence forces have overtaken most of the town of Debaltseve which is sandwiched between Luhansk and Donetsk. The railway runs from Luhansk to Donetsk which is a vital link for main transport.
Russian draft resolution passed by UN Security Council
The plan, hammered out during 16-hour negotiations on February 12, stipulates the comprehensive ceasefire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the frontline, an all-for-all prisoner exchange, and passage for humanitarian aid convoys.
In the medium turn, the Minsk peace plan calls for the withdrawal of any “foreign troops” and“mercenaries” from the conflict zone, general amnesty for the rebels and the OSCE using its drone fleet and monitors on the ground to ensure the implementation of agreements. It also provides for handing back of the border controls of the Ukrainian government, and lifting of the economic blockade that Kiev imposed on the eastern regions.
Eventually, the treaty proposes new elections in eastern Ukraine, and a decentralization that would grant more power to the rebel regions.
18th February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31519000
Ukrainian troops have retreated from Debaltsevo much to the relief of everyone. The agreed resolution from the UN has done the trick. Hope everyone can sleep at night more now, and be able to think of a better future. Here are the full details from the BBC World News.
http://rt.com/news/233071-maidan-sniper-massacre-anniversary/
Maidan massacre one year on, and still no justice for the victims. Full story and exposure by RT News.http://rt.com/news/233071-maidan-sniper-massacre-anniversary/
February 2015
http://rt.com/news/233439-us-meddling-ukraine-crisis/
http://rt.com/op-edge/228379-obama-power-transition-ukraine/
US role in Ukraine coup hard to overlook. Obama openly admits "brokering power transition in Ukraine". George Soros admitted his involvement. US have largely tried to manipulate the democratic affairs of Ukraine. It was not a fair and just democracy for Ukraine, and we had the wrong politicians of Ukraine government running the show squandering money on the war as well as other things. Ukraine government in fact have overspent, and still do not know how to run the country. Ukraine government have been saying silly things like having peacekeepers in, be member of Nato when in fact it cannot happen and so on.
Michael Fallon, Defence Minister of UK
Michael Fallon the Defence Minister of UK is getting paranoid about the Baltic States and is scaremongering. There is no real and present danger to Lithunania. Latvia and Estonia. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are all three members of Nato. Nato has a right of principle to support and defend its members while promoting peace around the world. Russia cannot attack any of its member states, unless it is attacked first, and will act aggressively depending how aggressive Nato would be. Fallon is making excuses to get Nato forces to stay where they are.
Fallon was saying on the Russian situation, “When you have jets being flown up the English Channel, when you have submarines in the North Sea, it looks to me like it’s warning you”. He was also saying that there have been Russian jets intercepted over inland of Cornwall which was a great concern, and was very worried it would continue.
The Defence Minister must have felt guilty about his anti-russian rhetoric, and not giving support to Russia who played no part in the Ukraine crisis except for peace making missions.
Russian Foreign Minister Lukashevich said that Fallon's words "are beyond diplomatic ethics".
If Russia was worried about the Russian speaking people living in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Russia would seek diplomatic solutions to any problems, and is trying to stabilise Ukraine through no fault of their own. There will be no aggression in the Baltic States. There is no need to worry about Putin, and he has high intellect and ability to stop any conflict coming his way by use of diplomatic efforts.
I am so very concerned to see the news all over the newspapers, and on television which included World News and Channel 4.
It was all blown out of proportion. Russia was on military exercises, and was forced out by Nato taking over some areas that Russia was normally exercising in.
20th February 2015
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150220/1018519229.html
Michael Fallon's comments have been met with derision by academics and military experts in Britain who say his comments show lack of knowledge of Nato's capabilities.
We blamed the desire of Western governments to expand Nato and the European Union for triggering the latest instability. Through expansionism, wanting Nato and the EU to expand that actually began much of this instability.
Nato Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg has confirmed it does not want confrontation with Russia, and Europe have confirmed that is does not want to have war with Russia. Jens Stoltenberg said that while he was Prime Minister of Norway. Norway and Russia had good relations on issues like trade and had a good working relationship. Russia is in the European Council and the European Parliament and would like to be more involved in Europe.
Michael Fallon's comments were totally unacceptable talking about the characterisation of Russia likening it to Islamic State. This is uncalled for. We have to hope that Nato will not have to use any force in the event of infiltration of the Islamic State into Europe from Libya.
Tightening of the borders is the best option in Europe, and Latvia is beginning to do that. It is best that each country be prepared to deal with any violence on their own patch. We must do more to tighten the borders, never mind thinking about the rights of other people. We have to think about the safety and health of each country.
We also have to prepare to deal with "hybrid threats" such as cyber attacks, irregular troops and propaganda.
Dealing with these hybrid threats requires much more investment in cyber, in strategic communications and intelligence because these aren't conventional threats, they are things that are going to involve people who are special forces operatives or intelligence operatives able to detect these things happening very quickly in Europe. Combating these threats are happening beginning with US and UK.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778828
OSCE drones have confirmed a pull out of heavy weaponry near Mariupol.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778914
All Kiev's troops have withdrawn from the pocket of Debaltsev.
http://tass.ru/en/world/778927
Heavy weapons withdrawal map have been signed by LPR and is awaiting signature by DPR which will happen today. They wanted to sign the agreement as soon as Kiev's troops have withdrawn.
21st February 2015
Ukrainian authorities’ pronouncing law enforcement agencies and the then president guilty of Maidan deaths was extrajudicial, Ukraine’s former President Viktor Yanukovich said today.
"It is already a year since the present government came to power, they must find the guilty persons, but they pronounced them at the very start without legitimate criminal investigations and court decisions," he told Rossiya-1 television on Saturday. In my opinion, this is a classical scenario of a color revolution".
Yanukovich said that when he was still in power, law enforcement agencies "practically had all evidence that these murders had not taken place at the locations where dead bodies were placed".
He said provocations and biased media reports contributed to bloodshed that spiraled into a war.
The former leader said he believed the ensuing activity of the new government was aimed seeing "the triumph of Maidan".
He said attempts to impose a certain way of life on Ukraine’s southeast which had not recognized Maidan, abolishment of the law on the status of the Russian language "triggered a defense reaction and people started demanding a reform, self-rule. They were immediately labeled as separatists. When people resisted the sending of radical nationalists to their regions, crowds of armed people, the co-called battalions, headed there.
There is a anti-Maidan and anti-colourful revolution rally taking place in Moscow today on the first anniversary of the Maidan. People says they never forget or forgive.
Ukrainian authorities’ pronouncing law enforcement agencies and the then president guilty of Maidan deaths was extrajudicial, Ukraine’s former President Viktor Yanukovich said today.
"It is already a year since the present government came to power, they must find the guilty persons, but they pronounced them at the very start without legitimate criminal investigations and court decisions," he told Rossiya-1 television on Saturday. In my opinion, this is a classical scenario of a color revolution".
Yanukovich said that when he was still in power, law enforcement agencies "practically had all evidence that these murders had not taken place at the locations where dead bodies were placed".
He said provocations and biased media reports contributed to bloodshed that spiraled into a war.
The former leader said he believed the ensuing activity of the new government was aimed seeing "the triumph of Maidan".
He said attempts to impose a certain way of life on Ukraine’s southeast which had not recognized Maidan, abolishment of the law on the status of the Russian language "triggered a defense reaction and people started demanding a reform, self-rule. They were immediately labeled as separatists. When people resisted the sending of radical nationalists to their regions, crowds of armed people, the co-called battalions, headed there.
There is a anti-Maidan and anti-colourful revolution rally taking place in Moscow today on the first anniversary of the Maidan. People says they never forget or forgive.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779053
An exchange of prisoners will be made outside Lugansk, eastern Ukraine, under the 37 for 37 formula, the Donetsk News Agency reports.
"Today we are exchanging officers for our commanders," Ombudswoman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic", Darya Morozova said.
We have had Ukrainian troops mass withdrawal, but some still remain including the Right Sector battalion belonging to Ukraine. We have huge amount decreased ceasefire in lots of areas including Debaltseve.
Work is underway for withdrawal of weapons and weaponry which is being overseen by OSCE probably today but not confirmed. There have been a great amount of progress in trying to implement the Minsk Accords.
The Self Defence forces say that as long as there are no obstacles like being fired on, or Ukrainian troops not co-operating in many ways. They can proceed to do everything quickly within the two weeks since Minsk II was made.
The prisoners of officers and commanders on both sides would explain why they could not give orders to their own troops delaying the implementation of the Minsk Accords II.
The world would like everyone to use Avaaz or Change.org online if they want to voice anything peacefully instead of trying to protest and causing protests. It would be a good idea if Mariupol could do that. I have to single that out as the people are Russian speaking and has got Ukrainian troops there. Mariupol would be able to send petition to the United Nations if it wanted to.
It is more effective than using arms, and only fight with words.
"Today we are exchanging officers for our commanders," Ombudswoman of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic", Darya Morozova said.
We have had Ukrainian troops mass withdrawal, but some still remain including the Right Sector battalion belonging to Ukraine. We have huge amount decreased ceasefire in lots of areas including Debaltseve.
Work is underway for withdrawal of weapons and weaponry which is being overseen by OSCE probably today but not confirmed. There have been a great amount of progress in trying to implement the Minsk Accords.
The Self Defence forces say that as long as there are no obstacles like being fired on, or Ukrainian troops not co-operating in many ways. They can proceed to do everything quickly within the two weeks since Minsk II was made.
The prisoners of officers and commanders on both sides would explain why they could not give orders to their own troops delaying the implementation of the Minsk Accords II.
The world would like everyone to use Avaaz or Change.org online if they want to voice anything peacefully instead of trying to protest and causing protests. It would be a good idea if Mariupol could do that. I have to single that out as the people are Russian speaking and has got Ukrainian troops there. Mariupol would be able to send petition to the United Nations if it wanted to.
It is more effective than using arms, and only fight with words.
http://rt.com/news/234395-ukrainian-yanukovych-stop-war/
http://rt.com/news/229355-ukraine-eu-washington-russia/
http://rt.com/news/234387-ex-berkut-recall-maidan/
http://rt.com/news/201703-ukraine-mp-bombing-russia/
These are news articles by the former Ukrainian President, the former Ukrainian Prime Minister, the former Berkut, and present Ukrainian MP.
More truth and revelations about the Maidan. The former Berkut witnessed what happened at the Maidan. And the present Ukrainian MP threatening to bomb Russia.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-2962805/Ukraine-rebels-say-cease-fire-violations-persist.html
19.00 pm. Breaking news - First Ukraine war prisoner exchange completed. See more in the Daily Mail.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779080
19.17pm. Breaking news - DPR leader signs plan of withdrawal of heavy weapons from line of contact. As promised from the 20th February when LPR signed their heavy weapon withdrawal map.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779079
19.22 pm. Breaking news - OSCE observers gain access to Debaltsev today. They have not been able to get access due to security issues since the MInsk II Accords.
22nd February 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31572259
OSCE mission requests sides in Ukraine conflict to provide data on heavy weapons. Heavy weapons withdrawal starts today and goes on until the 7th March 2015. Gen Lentsov, a Russian member of the Joint Centre for Control and Co-operation (JCCC), said: "We have designated 22 February as "D-Day" as determined by the agreement from all sides. So from tomorrow [Sunday] we will within the period of 14 days observe the agreement on the pullback of heavy weapons."
http://tass.ru/en/world/779084
DPR: battles in Donbass have ended along the whole front line. See more about who remained behind.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779095
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister says US Embassy had Ukraine coup script. See more about what Nikoli Azarov said while he was Prime Minister of Ukraine. He confirmed that President Poroshenko had funded anti-government protests that led to February 2014 coup.
USA is a very bad neighbour, and an anti-social country for the world.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779121
Preparatory works are under way. Tomorrow will be a Russian holiday, and the process of weaponry pullout will really start from February 24.
The ceasefire regime in Donbas officially came into force from 01:00 am Moscow time (00:00 hours Kiev time) on February 15.
Donbas swaps prisoners of war with Kiev.
On February 21, the DPR and LPR exchanged 139 captured Ukrainian troops for 52 self-defense fighters while another Ukrainian serviceman preferred to stay in Donetsk.
The latest swap was held under the "all for all" formula. The Luhansk People’s Republic exchanged 103 Ukrainian servicemen for 16 self-defense fighters.
The DPR intended to swap 37 Ukrainian troops for 36 militias but the exchange was finally held under the formula of "36 for 36" after one Ukrainian servicemen preferred to stay in Donetsk.
http://tass.ru/en/world/777115
LPR and DPR leaders have refused to sign document prepared at Normandy format talks, the so called Minsk II. There was really no MInsk II. See more for confirmation.
Shows that the 16 hour talks between Merkel, Hollande and Porochenko was a waste of time.
Credit is due to the LPR and DPR leaders for sticking and standing up to them, and for making peace happen on their own.
24th February 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/779325
Ukraine forces have begun heavy weaponry withdrawal with the supervision of OSCE only in initial stages. Ukrainian army is not controlling the private battalions fighting on Kiev's side. Ukrainian army cannot confirm they comply with orders. These private battalions including Azov Brigade are more difficult to remove. They have attacked the positions of DPR which led to more infighting since the signing of the roadmap by LPR and DPR a few days ago.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexey Meshkov said "The current security crisis in Europe results from attempts to create unipolar world, and is just formally related to the conflict in Ukraine.
The diplomat said in these conditions establishment of a system of equal security in line with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is becoming one of the organization's priorities. Once the crisis ends, an important task will be to "create a single space from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31610026
UK have announced it is going to train the Ukrainian troops. That is pushing things a bit too far and is pushing for war which is unacceptable. UK have made defence cuts, and should be thinking of defending its own country instead of spending money on another country. A luxury we cannot afford. UK would be mistaken, if Nato will defend instead. It does not seem that UK has sought approval from the UN on this.
25th February 2015
Russia’s permanent representative to the OSCE, Andrey Kelin said, ‘Ukrainian military are keeping silent for the time being, they are not pulling heavy armaments out and are speaking of the need for a pause of some kind. This really causes serious concern on the part of the OSCE. This pause can last indefinitely and the fact won’t help in terms of compliance with the first paragraph of the Minsk accords.
Kiev, however, said that government troops will begin pulling out artillery only when the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine holds for at least 48 hours. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce in the past two weeks.
Donetsk People’s Republic are pulling back heavy weapons along four routes, the Donetsk Defence Ministry’s spokesman, Eduard Basurin, said the Donetsk Republic over the previous 24 hours had pulled back five artillery battalions and one separate artillery battery. He said "The self-propelled howitzers are being pulled back from Kumachevo, Snezhnoye, Shakhtyorsk and Novoazovsk, . The units have vacated positions. The entire pullback process was being carried out under the supervision of the OSCE and the joint control and co-ordination center".
The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics made a decision to go ahead with the pullback in accordance with the schedule that had been originally agreed with the Ukrainian side, Basurin said, adding that all Donetsk militias were strictly observing ceasefire instructions.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today. “We are a bit concerned that while the withdrawal of heavy equipment is currently underway, at least by the independence supporters, the OSCE observers aren’t escorting this process, but they need to monitor and verify the arms withdrawal from the line of contact agreed on in Minsk on February 12,” Lavrov said during a meeting with French Senate leader Gerard Larcher in Moscow.
Lavrov said "The pullout process was to begin no later than on the second day of the ceasefire in the region, that came into force on February 15. “We are immediately calling on both the OSCE chairman-in-office and the organization’s secretary general to immediately send according instructions to the heads of Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine,”
LPR and DPR have signed the road map of withdrawal a few days ago, and the withdrawal officially started today as planned.
On 17th February, the Russian draft UN Resolution was passed to enable the extension of the Minsk agreement to commence, and get co-operation from both sides.
Ban Ki Moon has been speaking of strengthening the SMM (Special Monitoring Mission).
Angela Merkel have said previously that Europe should work with Russia on security, and not against Russia.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779662
Breaking news: Today LPR and DPR have completed withdrawal of 400 units of heavy armaments. See more.
26th February 2015
Mariupol
After the capture of Debaltseve, which sits at both a road and rail junction connecting the capitals of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics, fears have risen that Mariupol, a vital transport and economic hub, could be next to fall.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31610026
UK have announced it is going to train the Ukrainian troops. That is pushing things a bit too far and is pushing for war which is unacceptable. UK have made defence cuts, and should be thinking of defending its own country instead of spending money on another country. A luxury we cannot afford. UK would be mistaken, if Nato will defend instead. It does not seem that UK has sought approval from the UN on this.
25th February 2015
Russia’s permanent representative to the OSCE, Andrey Kelin said, ‘Ukrainian military are keeping silent for the time being, they are not pulling heavy armaments out and are speaking of the need for a pause of some kind. This really causes serious concern on the part of the OSCE. This pause can last indefinitely and the fact won’t help in terms of compliance with the first paragraph of the Minsk accords.
Kiev, however, said that government troops will begin pulling out artillery only when the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine holds for at least 48 hours. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce in the past two weeks.
Donetsk People’s Republic are pulling back heavy weapons along four routes, the Donetsk Defence Ministry’s spokesman, Eduard Basurin, said the Donetsk Republic over the previous 24 hours had pulled back five artillery battalions and one separate artillery battery. He said "The self-propelled howitzers are being pulled back from Kumachevo, Snezhnoye, Shakhtyorsk and Novoazovsk, . The units have vacated positions. The entire pullback process was being carried out under the supervision of the OSCE and the joint control and co-ordination center".
The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics made a decision to go ahead with the pullback in accordance with the schedule that had been originally agreed with the Ukrainian side, Basurin said, adding that all Donetsk militias were strictly observing ceasefire instructions.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today. “We are a bit concerned that while the withdrawal of heavy equipment is currently underway, at least by the independence supporters, the OSCE observers aren’t escorting this process, but they need to monitor and verify the arms withdrawal from the line of contact agreed on in Minsk on February 12,” Lavrov said during a meeting with French Senate leader Gerard Larcher in Moscow.
Lavrov said "The pullout process was to begin no later than on the second day of the ceasefire in the region, that came into force on February 15. “We are immediately calling on both the OSCE chairman-in-office and the organization’s secretary general to immediately send according instructions to the heads of Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine,”
LPR and DPR have signed the road map of withdrawal a few days ago, and the withdrawal officially started today as planned.
On 17th February, the Russian draft UN Resolution was passed to enable the extension of the Minsk agreement to commence, and get co-operation from both sides.
Ban Ki Moon has been speaking of strengthening the SMM (Special Monitoring Mission).
Angela Merkel have said previously that Europe should work with Russia on security, and not against Russia.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779662
Breaking news: Today LPR and DPR have completed withdrawal of 400 units of heavy armaments. See more.
26th February 2015
Mariupol
After the capture of Debaltseve, which sits at both a road and rail junction connecting the capitals of the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics, fears have risen that Mariupol, a vital transport and economic hub, could be next to fall.
World leaders have expressed concerns that the self defence forces will be using the second line of defence, that Kiev may be building as part of a campaign to protect Mariupol city should it come under attack.
Kiev tried defend Debaltseve that was not under attack in the first place, and was not supposed to be on Eastern Ukraine land. Kiev was coming between Luhansk and Donetsk.
The self defence forces said that it would be a crime to give up the city of Mariupol meaning, that it has Russian speaking people there, and should not be under attack. In spite of the Azov Brigade training in Mariupol, it should not be there. Azov, which Dyachenko said has more than 1,000 fighters, has played a key role in the defence of the city since the original struggle with self defence forces in May.
The world leaders have got a right to have concerns, and said if the city were to be captured, it would trigger more sanctions. It would put an end to the Minsk plans and is a violation of the new Russian UN Resolution.
Pro-Russia forces denyWe are not mounting an attack on Mariupol and we don’t plan to do so. We are carefully fulfilling the document signed by the head of the republic,” Basurin referring to the Minsk peace deal. “We stopped at the positions we held on 15 February.” Self defence forces have liberated the nearby villages of Pavlopil and Pyshchevyk.
The world leaders have got a right to have concerns, and said if the city were to be captured, it would trigger more sanctions. It would put an end to the Minsk plans and is a violation of the new Russian UN Resolution.
Pro-Russia forces denyWe are not mounting an attack on Mariupol and we don’t plan to do so. We are carefully fulfilling the document signed by the head of the republic,” Basurin referring to the Minsk peace deal. “We stopped at the positions we held on 15 February.” Self defence forces have liberated the nearby villages of Pavlopil and Pyshchevyk.
A Ukrainian military spokesman said both villages were in the buffer zone established by the Minsk agreement, and had not been held by Kiev’s forces.
Mariupol has got a population of 460,00 and it is the second largest city in the Donetsk region. This city belongs to the Donetsk region, and should stay part of it. It would make a land corridor to Crimea. Mariupol residents say the local population is evenly split between those who support Kiev, and those who would like to join the breakaway Donetsk people's republic. It is possible to negotiate a land corridor bypassing Mariupol.
Self defence forces have held the coastal town of Novoazovsk, about 20 miles east of Mariupol, and less than 10 from the Russian border, since August.
Whether Mariupol is the city at risk or not, it is not going to be captured by any means except through dialogue to discuss the future of Mariupol, and think about elections. But if the elections are split in half, nothing can be done until all the people decide who to be with. And whether the city is prepared to give up their Russian language to make way for Ukrainian language. The people do have a choice.
It is too early to think about the future of Mariupol, and everyone must get back to normality, and Kiev must concentrate on the country's economy as soon as possible. It is costing Kiev millions of pounds each day while there is a conflict. Money is better spent on the civilians who have not received pensions, benefits etc.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779729
Luhansk Republic says heavy weaponry withdrawal almost over and that OSCE confirms it.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779679
Ceasefire in Ukraine mostly holds says OSCE chairperson. Agreement reached on extending SMM (Special Monitoring Mission) mandate for full 12 months.
http://sputniknews.com/world/20150225/1018728748.html
Former Nato Intel Officer blames US for Ukraine crisis thirty years ago. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779872
DPR have pulled out 90% of heavy weapons from line of contact. See more.
27th February 2015
Igor Plotnitsky, the leader of LPR has promised to hold a referendum on the republic’s future in case political renovations take place in Ukraine. He said yesterday, "If there is a new, overhauled Ukraine, a country that wouldn’t call Russia an aggressor and wouldn’t refer to us as separatists and terrorists, then why not? We’ll hold one more referendum then and people will express their will and will tell us whom they’d like to live together with and how. We never discarded Ukraine as a state because it’s our neighbour. Whether or not we stay inside Ukraine depends primarily on what sort of Ukraine that would be. If this is a Nazi and Banderite Ukraine, then it’s not for us. We’ll never stay within the Ukraine of that sort. All the provisions that were spelt out in the Minsk accords prove that we give Ukraine one more chance to change its political system."
http://tass.ru/en/world/779939
Discontent with Ukraine's government grows amid cominig economic collapse. One parliamentarian said "This government needs to be toppled, there are practically no chances that the voting will be held".
http://tass.ru/en/russia/779954
Washington fails to make up global anti-russian coalition talking about new cold war. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779958
Kiev has to keep non-bloc status to preserve Ukraine's unity - Sergey Lavrov. See More.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780022
Ukraine signs multi-million dollar arms contracts, get lethal weapons - Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780057
Emirates Foreign Ministry refutes Kiev's claims on plans for weaponry exports.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779968
Kiev is ready to redeploy military hardware to contact line any time - Poroshenko. See more.
http://www.unian.info/war/1049597-nsdc-ukraine-already-receives-lethal-weapons-from-some-countries.html
NSDC - Ukraine already receives lethal weapons from some countries. See more.
BBC News thinks it is NATO members who provided lethal weapons, but they deny the allegation. It is against the UN Resolution to provide arms, fuelling the war escalating the conflict, and amounting to more murders. NATO is hugely funded by US, and it is time we abolished NATO to create a new Europe Security Organisation for the whole world.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780081
It has been confirmed that LPR have withdrawn more heavy weaponry, this time from Debaltseve.
1st March 2015
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150301/1018912314.html
East Ukraine's breakaway republics completed heavy weaponry withdrawal today.
5th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/781307
Ukrainian Armed forces are prepared to withdraw the Uragan muliple rocket launchers from March 6th.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780719
Kiev has vowed to complete heavy weaponry withdrawal from the disengagement line in Donbass by March 7th.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/781331
Ukraine unilaterally installs 235 boundary pillars on border with Russia. History of the Treaty on the State Border.
US
US hoped to cause mass protests in Russia and have exerted pressure on Russia to sow discord withing the two former Soviet republics. US has been trying to weaken economically by imposing more sanctions. Sanctions are only causing discomfort Russia, but is affecting other countries economically. And trying to tear Ukraine from Russia. US is now talking about redeployment of airborne troops and arming Ukraine. At the moment, it is all empty rhetoric and threats. Even Nato have moved closer to the borders than ever before. This is puzzling as Kiev, DPR and LPR are withdrawing heavy weaponry or some have withdrawn.
It is up to the United Nations to wield power and tell US and EU to stop meddling in Ukraine's affairs. It is up to the United Nations to decide if the former President Yanukovich to come back and take over the near zero economy etc. Ukraine is still spending millions of pounds each day, and only on defence alone and not thinking about the people. Enough is enough, we all want the war to stop, and Nato to withdraw from the borders.
6th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/781488
Ukrainian army completes withdrawal of Grad mulitple launch systems, Speaker Andriy Lysenko said. OSCE recorded the equipment pullout. There are still other heavy weaponry to withdraw.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781601
OSCE confirms shelling of missions observers at Donetsk airport from Ukrainian side.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781585
UK provides Ukraine with non-lethal equipment worth $1.3 million.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781581
Russian and German foreign ministers urge to extend OSCE observer mission in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/781599
Russia may back Donbass independence if other other options are left says parliamentarian.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781617
DPR calls on Kiev to fulfill its liabilities under Minsk agreements.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781665
DPR prepares suggestions Kiev may use to implement agreements on POW exchange.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31779869
Self defence forces completely pull out heavy weapons from front line.
8th March 2105
http://tass.ru/en/world/781686
Ukraine Defence Ministry - Donbass militia free 5 Ukrainian military.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781698
Ukrainian military complete fourth stage of heavy weapons withdrawal.
http://www.dw.de/rebels-dig-new-front-line-positions-despite-ukraine-ceasefire/a-18305362
Rebels prepare for more self defence despite Ukraine ceasefire.
NATO
It would be helpful if DPR, LPR and Ukraine could sign to agree and ratify the Lisbon Treaty to promote peace, its values and the well being of its peoples. If they have already done so, they need to be reminded or do so again.
It really is time that the human race learned to settle its differences without periodically slaughtering one another, and without wasting precious resources on the means to do so internationally. It calls for co-operation and willingness.
The EU’s GDP is greater than that of the US or Russia, so a common military and foreign policy is obvious to free-thinking citizens. Defence spending would probably be much reduced for each country, since there could be one procurement programme, with the same ships, planes, tanks, guns and ammunition. All made within the EU. Jobs would be created to benefit all.
Nato was a purely defensive alliance, so when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Warsaw pact was dissolved, and there was no longer anyone to defend against. Nato should have been dissolved. That did not happen, and it is not surprising that several countries in Eastern Europe applied to join the alliance, as a precaution against any revival of Russian power.
It is not surprising either that when Russia found that countries a few hundred kilometres from St Petersburg were members of an alliance whose sole purpose was to oppose Russia that it too needed to take precautions by expanding its military expenditure and exerting pressure on its neighbours. Nato may declare that its intentions are entirely peaceful, and its actions only defensive. But who will attack Nato?
Nato is not protective, it is provocative. It has spread its military power across the world with bilateral agreements with states around the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. It retains its nuclear armed policies, including the right to use nuclear weapons first. Because of “obligations to Nato”, the UK also keeps a policy of using nuclear weapons first. If Nato were less involved in Europe, maybe European nation states could develop alternative defence strategies and move away from militarism.
We do not need nuclear to defend ourselves as we may as well blow up our own country to smithereens to kingdom come. It was USA that started making nuclear, and that is so destructive. Russia raised up the ante by having nuclear weapons, then other countries followed. Nato is not really promoting security, stability and wellbeing, and other countries are losing out not being members. Nato in fact is violating the Lisbon Treaty by having nuclear weapons which is a great real threat to the world. We are living in fear.
This is the real reason why NATO should be abolished as it stands in the way of progress not to use nuclear. Nato is not security. Nato cannot fight each countries's wars while one country has got to defend itself from another country. Each country has to be prepared for stocking up weapons and weaponry, and is allowed to buy them in the event of any attacks. But no country including NATO can abuse their power to start a war first.
The North Atlantic treaty stated Nato’s aim was the promotion of stability and wellbeing “in the North Atlantic area”. I can’t seem to find the Atlantic coast of Ukraine (or Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Greece and Turkey). I wonder how far relentless expansion would reach?
This is a real reason not to have NATO while it has nuclear weapons which has prompted Russia to think more about nuclear, and may have nuclear in Crimea. Iran is seeing the threat not only from NATO but USA too. They have to be ready for any strikes coming from NATO and USA. Having nuclear weapons in the first place have raised tensions and divisions. That USA and NATO must take the lead not to have nuclear weapons.
This calls for world disarmament, and this is where the United Nations Security Council have to take action to promote a dialogue to have security, stability and wellbeing. This is to have no nuclear to start with.
My concerns are that nuclear falls into the wrong hands, or when one leader becomes mentally ill or not rational.
12th March 2015
MEPs of the European Parliament have put forward a proposal for an international forum in Donetsk.
The first meeting of the forum under the working title "Donbas: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" is expected to take place in Donetsk in May to discuss the future of LPR and DPR.
Speaking at a news conference in Strasbourg, Schaffhauser said, "The aim of our trip is to get an insight into what is going on there and to unite colleagues in searching for a peaceful settlement to the conflict. We want to see how the provisions of the Minsk agreement are being implemented in terms of recognizing local authorities and establishing dialogue with them, as well as ensuring control of the border," Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, a French member of the European Parliament and one of the initiators of the proposal, said yesterday.
Schaffhauser said he had already sent corresponding requests to authorities in eastern Ukraine. "Practical preparation will start after we receive final responses from Donetsk and Luhansk," he added.
The cross-party initiative is a brain child of participants in an international observer mission who monitored the recent elections in the two self-proclaimed republics, including German publisher and journalist Manuel Ochsenreiter, and Italian political scientist Alessandro Musolino.
The idea also received support from Latvian MEP Tatiana Zhdanyuk and Czech MEP Miloslav Ransdorf.
The deal struck on February 12 in Minsk by the leaders of Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia envisaged a pull-back of heavy weapons from the front line, a release of prisoners and an agreement for international observers to monitor the truce.
It was President Putin who submitted a list of proposals to extend the Minsk Accords that lead to Normandy Four. Then Russia had a UN Resolution passed which prompted all militias sides, to do heavy weapons withdrawal. Ukraine is very slow and biding their time, and is still shelling but there has been a great decrease of shelling and violence.
Among the terms of the truce were also a commitment to grant wider self-rule to Donetsk and Luhansk, and calls for talks on their long-term status.
Addressing the packed briefing in Strasbourg, the French politician also expressed confidence that last year's overthrow of the Ukrainian government was organised by US intelligence agencies.
"Obviously, it is necessary to recall the events of February 2014. There was an electoral process of democratic renewal in the country. This process was stopped, and there was a coup," Schaffhauser said, noting that the West was "trying to legitimise the coup", but "this does not stop it from being a coup, which was prepared and conducted by representatives of the U.S. intelligence services.
Spain, Italy and Greece have suffered heavy losses from sanctions imposed on Russia. Spain said that the Association agreement should be in Russia's interests. It was also an outright provocation of not using Russian language as a first language in Ukraine by the Ukrainian parliament.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782433
Russia's unification with Crimea did not violate the Budapest Memorandum. Not to blame for loss of territiorial integrity by Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781734
Delayed implementation of Donbas special status degree effects peace process - LPR and DPR.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782400
Donetsk People's Republic gives Kiev two days to prove its compliance with Minsk agreements. Assumes Ukraine does not want peace.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782321
OSCE registers mass withdrawal of military equipment from contact line in East Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782424
President Putin submits protocol to Treaty on nuclear free zone in Central Asia for ratification today. It is possible for EU countries to sign in earnest, the Treaty on nuclear free zone in Europe including NATO.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782405
Russian Defence Ministry again dismisses allegations of Russian involvement in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782367
Retired US General made pronouncements breaching the norms not only of Russian legislation but also the provisions of Article 20 of International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 that prohibits any war propaganda and any instigation for discrimination, hatred or violence.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782432
Spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry commented on scandalous statements of US Retired General Robert Scales urging to "start killing Russians".
13th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/782480
Up to 200 join militias ranks in Donetsk People's Republic daily.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782707
Ukraine contact group reaches agreements passing to political stage of Ukraine settlement.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782730
Russian Foreign Minister stresses necessity to stop blockade of Ukraine's Eastern regions.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782749
Russian Federation to continue mobilisation of collective efforts to protect Christians.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782771
Fighting terrorism requires development of international military co-operation.
19th March 2015
Kiev’s decision on Donbas special status grossly violates and rewrites the Minsk agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference last Wednesday.
"On [Ukraine’s] President Petro Poroshenko’s proposal, the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian parliament] made a decision - which was particularly confusing as Ukraine’s president supported the Minsk package from February 12 - that, in fact, rewrites the agreements and, putting it simply, grossly violates them," Lavrov said.
DPR and LPR does not recognise amendments to law on Donbas special status.
From our point of view, they [amendments] are legally meaningless and politically void," the envoy stressed. "And they directly violate the spirit and word of the Minsk agreements. The Minsk process is practically interrupted as its basis - the law on special status - is in fact cancelled by Poroshenko’s amendments. He [Poroshenko] does not respect the people of Donbas, he does not want peace," Pushilin said.
DPR and LPR authorities called on March 16 on Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada to approve the draft law on areas with special status in Donbas, DPR and LPR envoys in the Contact Group on Ukrainian peaceful settlement Denis Pushilin and Vladislav Deinego said.
According to Article 4 of the package of measures on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, a law on areas in Donbass with special political and economic status must be adopted by the Verkovna Rada by March 14. However, the law has still not been adopted. Kiev still have not complied with the Minsk agreements on law for status of DPR and LPR.
UK Prime Minister has said that everyone must press for more sanctions until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented. UK and EU does not seem to want to know that it is Ukraine has been slowing down the heavy weapons withdrawal, the release of prisoners, the continued fighting near Donetsk airport which OSCE claims came from Ukrainian troops, and the invalidity of the the law on special status which has been amended without the permission of the DPR and LPR.
This proves Verkovna Rada does not really want peace. and does not seem to want to co-operate, and is creating problems.
http://rt.com/news/242273-lavrov-washington-kiev-military/
Lavrov says Washington is pushing Kiev for a military solution.
http://tass.ru/en/world/783879
Russia's OSCE envoy says Kiev reluctant to enter political settlement dialogue with Donbas - Andrey Kelin.
http://www.dw.de/us-british-training-mission-for-ukraines-soldiers/a-18325318
US and UK training mission for Ukraine's soldiers have begun. Shows they are still meddling in the conflict and wants military solution. They are threatening to derail the peace process.
20th March 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin said after a meeting with the leaders of Belarus and Kazakhstan in Astana. Moscow hopes Kiev will strictly adhere to the Minsk Accords
"We do expect that the authorities in Kiev will fully comply with the Minsk Accords," Putin said.
The Russian leader confirmed that the situation in Ukraine was among the themes discussed. He noted the active involvement of Alexander Lukashenko and Nursultan Nazarbayev in efforts to promote a settlement of that problem.
"The Minsk Accords of February 12 paved the way for gradual de-escalation of the armed conflict," Putin said.
Putin's speech comes after the need to have more talks with France, Germany and Ukraine possibly next week.
http://rt.com/politics/242205-russia-ukraine-laws-status/
Kremlin awaits Europe reaction to Ukraine's Donbas status laws - Peskov.
http://tass.ru/en/world/784202
LPR leader says MInsk agreements will stop working after resumption of combat actions. No doubt DPR agree too.
24th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/784660
OSCE drones register shelling of East Ukraine's Shirokino by Kiev troops.
http://tass.ru/en/world/784646
OSCE observers Russian journalists come under fire in East Ukraine - DPR.
http://rt.com/politics/242549-gortbachev-russia-ukraine-ussr/
Gorbachev blames war in Ukraine on Perestroika failure and USSR breakup.
29th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/785642
OSCE says Ukrainian armed forces bombarded village east of Mariupol last Friday.
The past few weeks there have been violations of ceasefire in and around the Donetsk region by Ukrainian armed forces, and possibly other militias fighting aside them.
http://tass.ru/en/world/785696
RF, Ukrainian delegates to OSCE Assembly discuss implementation of agreements.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779729
Luhansk Republic says heavy weaponry withdrawal almost over and that OSCE confirms it.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779679
Ceasefire in Ukraine mostly holds says OSCE chairperson. Agreement reached on extending SMM (Special Monitoring Mission) mandate for full 12 months.
http://sputniknews.com/world/20150225/1018728748.html
Former Nato Intel Officer blames US for Ukraine crisis thirty years ago. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779872
DPR have pulled out 90% of heavy weapons from line of contact. See more.
27th February 2015
Igor Plotnitsky, the leader of LPR has promised to hold a referendum on the republic’s future in case political renovations take place in Ukraine. He said yesterday, "If there is a new, overhauled Ukraine, a country that wouldn’t call Russia an aggressor and wouldn’t refer to us as separatists and terrorists, then why not? We’ll hold one more referendum then and people will express their will and will tell us whom they’d like to live together with and how. We never discarded Ukraine as a state because it’s our neighbour. Whether or not we stay inside Ukraine depends primarily on what sort of Ukraine that would be. If this is a Nazi and Banderite Ukraine, then it’s not for us. We’ll never stay within the Ukraine of that sort. All the provisions that were spelt out in the Minsk accords prove that we give Ukraine one more chance to change its political system."
http://tass.ru/en/world/779939
Discontent with Ukraine's government grows amid cominig economic collapse. One parliamentarian said "This government needs to be toppled, there are practically no chances that the voting will be held".
http://tass.ru/en/russia/779954
Washington fails to make up global anti-russian coalition talking about new cold war. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779958
Kiev has to keep non-bloc status to preserve Ukraine's unity - Sergey Lavrov. See More.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780022
Ukraine signs multi-million dollar arms contracts, get lethal weapons - Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council. See more.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780057
Emirates Foreign Ministry refutes Kiev's claims on plans for weaponry exports.
http://tass.ru/en/world/779968
Kiev is ready to redeploy military hardware to contact line any time - Poroshenko. See more.
http://www.unian.info/war/1049597-nsdc-ukraine-already-receives-lethal-weapons-from-some-countries.html
NSDC - Ukraine already receives lethal weapons from some countries. See more.
BBC News thinks it is NATO members who provided lethal weapons, but they deny the allegation. It is against the UN Resolution to provide arms, fuelling the war escalating the conflict, and amounting to more murders. NATO is hugely funded by US, and it is time we abolished NATO to create a new Europe Security Organisation for the whole world.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780081
It has been confirmed that LPR have withdrawn more heavy weaponry, this time from Debaltseve.
Poland and Japan
Ukraine’s conflict should be resolved only by diplomatic means, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said in a joint statement today.
"It is necessary to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and to achieve a peaceful settlement of Ukraine’s crisis by diplomatic negotiations".
Abe and Komorowski stated the importance of global anti-terrorist co-operation against the background of ISIS mounting aggression. To strengthen defence co-operation including regular consultations at the level of defence ministries.
I am so glad that they agree on some things, and it makes a stronger case to have Europe Security Organisation against global anti-terrorism. We need to make counter terrorism measures official in so many ways. We need more co-operation like cyber attacks, monitoring of terrorists etc.
I hope Japan will see common sense and lift sanctions against Russia, as it is affecting the Japan's economy, and have co-operation with Russia. Russia is thinking about counter measures against sanctions, and will use any negativities to their advantage.
Ukraine’s conflict should be resolved only by diplomatic means, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said in a joint statement today.
"It is necessary to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and to achieve a peaceful settlement of Ukraine’s crisis by diplomatic negotiations".
Abe and Komorowski stated the importance of global anti-terrorist co-operation against the background of ISIS mounting aggression. To strengthen defence co-operation including regular consultations at the level of defence ministries.
I am so glad that they agree on some things, and it makes a stronger case to have Europe Security Organisation against global anti-terrorism. We need to make counter terrorism measures official in so many ways. We need more co-operation like cyber attacks, monitoring of terrorists etc.
I hope Japan will see common sense and lift sanctions against Russia, as it is affecting the Japan's economy, and have co-operation with Russia. Russia is thinking about counter measures against sanctions, and will use any negativities to their advantage.
1st March 2015
http://sputniknews.com/europe/20150301/1018912314.html
East Ukraine's breakaway republics completed heavy weaponry withdrawal today.
5th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/781307
Ukrainian Armed forces are prepared to withdraw the Uragan muliple rocket launchers from March 6th.
http://tass.ru/en/world/780719
Kiev has vowed to complete heavy weaponry withdrawal from the disengagement line in Donbass by March 7th.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/781331
Ukraine unilaterally installs 235 boundary pillars on border with Russia. History of the Treaty on the State Border.
US
US hoped to cause mass protests in Russia and have exerted pressure on Russia to sow discord withing the two former Soviet republics. US has been trying to weaken economically by imposing more sanctions. Sanctions are only causing discomfort Russia, but is affecting other countries economically. And trying to tear Ukraine from Russia. US is now talking about redeployment of airborne troops and arming Ukraine. At the moment, it is all empty rhetoric and threats. Even Nato have moved closer to the borders than ever before. This is puzzling as Kiev, DPR and LPR are withdrawing heavy weaponry or some have withdrawn.
It is up to the United Nations to wield power and tell US and EU to stop meddling in Ukraine's affairs. It is up to the United Nations to decide if the former President Yanukovich to come back and take over the near zero economy etc. Ukraine is still spending millions of pounds each day, and only on defence alone and not thinking about the people. Enough is enough, we all want the war to stop, and Nato to withdraw from the borders.
6th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/781488
Ukrainian army completes withdrawal of Grad mulitple launch systems, Speaker Andriy Lysenko said. OSCE recorded the equipment pullout. There are still other heavy weaponry to withdraw.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781601
OSCE confirms shelling of missions observers at Donetsk airport from Ukrainian side.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781585
UK provides Ukraine with non-lethal equipment worth $1.3 million.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781581
Russian and German foreign ministers urge to extend OSCE observer mission in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/781599
Russia may back Donbass independence if other other options are left says parliamentarian.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781617
DPR calls on Kiev to fulfill its liabilities under Minsk agreements.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781665
DPR prepares suggestions Kiev may use to implement agreements on POW exchange.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31779869
Self defence forces completely pull out heavy weapons from front line.
8th March 2105
http://tass.ru/en/world/781686
Ukraine Defence Ministry - Donbass militia free 5 Ukrainian military.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781698
Ukrainian military complete fourth stage of heavy weapons withdrawal.
9th March 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that he ordered the annexation of Crimea hours after the ouster of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, and a week before the regional authorities of the peninsula rebelled against the government in Kiev calling for an independence referendum,
Putin will disclose the details of Crimea's annexation and the special operation to take out the former Ukrainian president from his hometown of Donetsk, where he took refuge upon fleeing Kiev in the early hours of February 22. This will be done at a later date via documentary.
"Heavy machine guns were installed there to act without further parley. We got ready to pick him up directly from Donetsk: by land, by sea and by air. It was the night of (February) 22 to (February) 23, we finished at about seven o'clock in the morning. And when parting, I told all my colleagues (special services and defence) in the Kremlin and set them the task of rescuing the deposed Ukrainian President.: 'We'll have to start working on bringing Crimea back to Russia',"
On 27th February 2014, the armed little green men seized the local parliament and government buildings, and raised the Russian flag.
Although Putin had already revealed the participation of Russian troops in Crimea's incorporation, he had always claimed that the intervention was made to ensure the reunification referendum process, organised by pro-Russian authorities in the peninsula on March 1.
"We did use our armed forces, but only to give the people living here the opportunity to express their views regarding their future," Putin said in the Crimean city of Yalta last August.
Moreover, the Russian president consistently argued that Crimea has always been Russian territory but was unfairly transferred to Ukraine in 1954, when both were part of the Soviet Union.
On March 16, 2014, Crimea held an independence referendum, unrecognised by the authorities in Kiev and the international community, in which approximately 97 percent of those who voted were in favour of Crimea acceding to Russia.
Two days later, Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory in a ceremony at the Kremlin, where Putin and the leaders of the region signed a bilateral treaty, declaring the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sebastopol as members of the Russian Federation. Crimea was formally absorbed into Russia on 18th March 2014 to international condemnation after unidenified gunmen (little green men) took over the peninsula before the referendum.
Putin said he ordered work on 'returning Crimea' to begin an all night meeting on 22nd February after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was ousted. Putin subsequently admitted deploying troops on the peninsula to stand behind Crimea's self defence forces.
He said he took his final decision about Crimea after secret undated opinion polls borne out by the outcome of the referendum on 16th March showed 97% of Crimeans favoured joining Russia.
This is what happened;
22nd February, Viktor Yanukovych flees Kiev after violent protests.
23rd February, Vladimir Putin plans to rescue Yanukovych from Donetsk and annexe Crimea.
27th February, Pro Russian gunmen seize Crimea's parliament and government buildings.
28th February, Unidentified soldiers in combat fatigues with no insignia, occupy two airports in Crimea.
1st March, Russian parliament approves Putin's request to use force in Ukraine.
16th March, 97% of voters in Crimea agree to join Russia.
18th March, Putin signs a bill absorbing Crimea into the Russian Federation.
The Russian president was right to include Crimea as it has always been Russian territory, but was unfairly transferred to Ukraine in 1954. Putin was acting in the Russian people interests, and used his intuition to act swiftly thinking a war is imminent.
I could see that the Russian people were very unhappy with the breakups of the Soviet Union, and did not think breakups after the cold war was justified. That is because democracy was so repressed and limited. It should never have been broken up in the first place. I do not see USA be broken up, so why should Russia? The American people would be very angry and unhappy if they are not part of USA.
I am not saying former Soviet Countries who are not part of Russia should be part of Russia. I am saying that in certain circumstances when the government as in the instance of Ukraine is failing the Russian people. The Russians have a right to a return to ask to be part of Russia if they wish.
11th March 2015
Rebels prepare for more self defence despite Ukraine ceasefire.
NATO
It would be helpful if DPR, LPR and Ukraine could sign to agree and ratify the Lisbon Treaty to promote peace, its values and the well being of its peoples. If they have already done so, they need to be reminded or do so again.
It really is time that the human race learned to settle its differences without periodically slaughtering one another, and without wasting precious resources on the means to do so internationally. It calls for co-operation and willingness.
The EU’s GDP is greater than that of the US or Russia, so a common military and foreign policy is obvious to free-thinking citizens. Defence spending would probably be much reduced for each country, since there could be one procurement programme, with the same ships, planes, tanks, guns and ammunition. All made within the EU. Jobs would be created to benefit all.
Nato was a purely defensive alliance, so when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Warsaw pact was dissolved, and there was no longer anyone to defend against. Nato should have been dissolved. That did not happen, and it is not surprising that several countries in Eastern Europe applied to join the alliance, as a precaution against any revival of Russian power.
It is not surprising either that when Russia found that countries a few hundred kilometres from St Petersburg were members of an alliance whose sole purpose was to oppose Russia that it too needed to take precautions by expanding its military expenditure and exerting pressure on its neighbours. Nato may declare that its intentions are entirely peaceful, and its actions only defensive. But who will attack Nato?
Nato is not protective, it is provocative. It has spread its military power across the world with bilateral agreements with states around the Pacific and the Indian Oceans. It retains its nuclear armed policies, including the right to use nuclear weapons first. Because of “obligations to Nato”, the UK also keeps a policy of using nuclear weapons first. If Nato were less involved in Europe, maybe European nation states could develop alternative defence strategies and move away from militarism.
We do not need nuclear to defend ourselves as we may as well blow up our own country to smithereens to kingdom come. It was USA that started making nuclear, and that is so destructive. Russia raised up the ante by having nuclear weapons, then other countries followed. Nato is not really promoting security, stability and wellbeing, and other countries are losing out not being members. Nato in fact is violating the Lisbon Treaty by having nuclear weapons which is a great real threat to the world. We are living in fear.
This is the real reason why NATO should be abolished as it stands in the way of progress not to use nuclear. Nato is not security. Nato cannot fight each countries's wars while one country has got to defend itself from another country. Each country has to be prepared for stocking up weapons and weaponry, and is allowed to buy them in the event of any attacks. But no country including NATO can abuse their power to start a war first.
The North Atlantic treaty stated Nato’s aim was the promotion of stability and wellbeing “in the North Atlantic area”. I can’t seem to find the Atlantic coast of Ukraine (or Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Greece and Turkey). I wonder how far relentless expansion would reach?
This is a real reason not to have NATO while it has nuclear weapons which has prompted Russia to think more about nuclear, and may have nuclear in Crimea. Iran is seeing the threat not only from NATO but USA too. They have to be ready for any strikes coming from NATO and USA. Having nuclear weapons in the first place have raised tensions and divisions. That USA and NATO must take the lead not to have nuclear weapons.
This calls for world disarmament, and this is where the United Nations Security Council have to take action to promote a dialogue to have security, stability and wellbeing. This is to have no nuclear to start with.
My concerns are that nuclear falls into the wrong hands, or when one leader becomes mentally ill or not rational.
12th March 2015
MEPs of the European Parliament have put forward a proposal for an international forum in Donetsk.
The first meeting of the forum under the working title "Donbas: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" is expected to take place in Donetsk in May to discuss the future of LPR and DPR.
Speaking at a news conference in Strasbourg, Schaffhauser said, "The aim of our trip is to get an insight into what is going on there and to unite colleagues in searching for a peaceful settlement to the conflict. We want to see how the provisions of the Minsk agreement are being implemented in terms of recognizing local authorities and establishing dialogue with them, as well as ensuring control of the border," Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, a French member of the European Parliament and one of the initiators of the proposal, said yesterday.
Schaffhauser said he had already sent corresponding requests to authorities in eastern Ukraine. "Practical preparation will start after we receive final responses from Donetsk and Luhansk," he added.
The cross-party initiative is a brain child of participants in an international observer mission who monitored the recent elections in the two self-proclaimed republics, including German publisher and journalist Manuel Ochsenreiter, and Italian political scientist Alessandro Musolino.
The idea also received support from Latvian MEP Tatiana Zhdanyuk and Czech MEP Miloslav Ransdorf.
The deal struck on February 12 in Minsk by the leaders of Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia envisaged a pull-back of heavy weapons from the front line, a release of prisoners and an agreement for international observers to monitor the truce.
It was President Putin who submitted a list of proposals to extend the Minsk Accords that lead to Normandy Four. Then Russia had a UN Resolution passed which prompted all militias sides, to do heavy weapons withdrawal. Ukraine is very slow and biding their time, and is still shelling but there has been a great decrease of shelling and violence.
Among the terms of the truce were also a commitment to grant wider self-rule to Donetsk and Luhansk, and calls for talks on their long-term status.
Addressing the packed briefing in Strasbourg, the French politician also expressed confidence that last year's overthrow of the Ukrainian government was organised by US intelligence agencies.
"Obviously, it is necessary to recall the events of February 2014. There was an electoral process of democratic renewal in the country. This process was stopped, and there was a coup," Schaffhauser said, noting that the West was "trying to legitimise the coup", but "this does not stop it from being a coup, which was prepared and conducted by representatives of the U.S. intelligence services.
Spain, Italy and Greece have suffered heavy losses from sanctions imposed on Russia. Spain said that the Association agreement should be in Russia's interests. It was also an outright provocation of not using Russian language as a first language in Ukraine by the Ukrainian parliament.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782433
Russia's unification with Crimea did not violate the Budapest Memorandum. Not to blame for loss of territiorial integrity by Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/781734
Delayed implementation of Donbas special status degree effects peace process - LPR and DPR.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782400
Donetsk People's Republic gives Kiev two days to prove its compliance with Minsk agreements. Assumes Ukraine does not want peace.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782321
OSCE registers mass withdrawal of military equipment from contact line in East Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782424
President Putin submits protocol to Treaty on nuclear free zone in Central Asia for ratification today. It is possible for EU countries to sign in earnest, the Treaty on nuclear free zone in Europe including NATO.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782405
Russian Defence Ministry again dismisses allegations of Russian involvement in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782367
Retired US General made pronouncements breaching the norms not only of Russian legislation but also the provisions of Article 20 of International Pact on Civil and Political Rights of 1966 that prohibits any war propaganda and any instigation for discrimination, hatred or violence.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782432
Spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry commented on scandalous statements of US Retired General Robert Scales urging to "start killing Russians".
13th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/782480
Up to 200 join militias ranks in Donetsk People's Republic daily.
http://tass.ru/en/world/782707
Ukraine contact group reaches agreements passing to political stage of Ukraine settlement.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782730
Russian Foreign Minister stresses necessity to stop blockade of Ukraine's Eastern regions.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782749
Russian Federation to continue mobilisation of collective efforts to protect Christians.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/782771
Fighting terrorism requires development of international military co-operation.
19th March 2015
Kiev’s decision on Donbas special status grossly violates and rewrites the Minsk agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference last Wednesday.
"On [Ukraine’s] President Petro Poroshenko’s proposal, the Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian parliament] made a decision - which was particularly confusing as Ukraine’s president supported the Minsk package from February 12 - that, in fact, rewrites the agreements and, putting it simply, grossly violates them," Lavrov said.
DPR and LPR does not recognise amendments to law on Donbas special status.
From our point of view, they [amendments] are legally meaningless and politically void," the envoy stressed. "And they directly violate the spirit and word of the Minsk agreements. The Minsk process is practically interrupted as its basis - the law on special status - is in fact cancelled by Poroshenko’s amendments. He [Poroshenko] does not respect the people of Donbas, he does not want peace," Pushilin said.
DPR and LPR authorities called on March 16 on Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada to approve the draft law on areas with special status in Donbas, DPR and LPR envoys in the Contact Group on Ukrainian peaceful settlement Denis Pushilin and Vladislav Deinego said.
According to Article 4 of the package of measures on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, a law on areas in Donbass with special political and economic status must be adopted by the Verkovna Rada by March 14. However, the law has still not been adopted. Kiev still have not complied with the Minsk agreements on law for status of DPR and LPR.
UK Prime Minister has said that everyone must press for more sanctions until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented. UK and EU does not seem to want to know that it is Ukraine has been slowing down the heavy weapons withdrawal, the release of prisoners, the continued fighting near Donetsk airport which OSCE claims came from Ukrainian troops, and the invalidity of the the law on special status which has been amended without the permission of the DPR and LPR.
This proves Verkovna Rada does not really want peace. and does not seem to want to co-operate, and is creating problems.
http://rt.com/news/242273-lavrov-washington-kiev-military/
Lavrov says Washington is pushing Kiev for a military solution.
http://tass.ru/en/world/783879
Russia's OSCE envoy says Kiev reluctant to enter political settlement dialogue with Donbas - Andrey Kelin.
http://www.dw.de/us-british-training-mission-for-ukraines-soldiers/a-18325318
US and UK training mission for Ukraine's soldiers have begun. Shows they are still meddling in the conflict and wants military solution. They are threatening to derail the peace process.
20th March 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin said after a meeting with the leaders of Belarus and Kazakhstan in Astana. Moscow hopes Kiev will strictly adhere to the Minsk Accords
"We do expect that the authorities in Kiev will fully comply with the Minsk Accords," Putin said.
The Russian leader confirmed that the situation in Ukraine was among the themes discussed. He noted the active involvement of Alexander Lukashenko and Nursultan Nazarbayev in efforts to promote a settlement of that problem.
"The Minsk Accords of February 12 paved the way for gradual de-escalation of the armed conflict," Putin said.
Putin's speech comes after the need to have more talks with France, Germany and Ukraine possibly next week.
http://rt.com/politics/242205-russia-ukraine-laws-status/
Kremlin awaits Europe reaction to Ukraine's Donbas status laws - Peskov.
http://tass.ru/en/world/784202
LPR leader says MInsk agreements will stop working after resumption of combat actions. No doubt DPR agree too.
24th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/784660
OSCE drones register shelling of East Ukraine's Shirokino by Kiev troops.
http://tass.ru/en/world/784646
OSCE observers Russian journalists come under fire in East Ukraine - DPR.
http://rt.com/politics/242549-gortbachev-russia-ukraine-ussr/
Gorbachev blames war in Ukraine on Perestroika failure and USSR breakup.
29th March 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/785642
OSCE says Ukrainian armed forces bombarded village east of Mariupol last Friday.
The past few weeks there have been violations of ceasefire in and around the Donetsk region by Ukrainian armed forces, and possibly other militias fighting aside them.
http://tass.ru/en/world/785696
RF, Ukrainian delegates to OSCE Assembly discuss implementation of agreements.
14th April 2015
The US is seeking world supremacy and its geopolitical strategy relies on the instinct of colonizers, the State Duma speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, Sergey Naryshkin, wrote in his article posted on the Vedomosti newspaper’s website on Tuesday.
"The new conflicts in various regions of the planet that often emerge due to external provocations show that the instincts of colonizers have not disappeared. They are presented with renewed vigour and by some carpetbaggers from the European continent, and they have become the essence of geopolitical strategy for the US. The US is pursuing a hegemonic policy, The obedience of almost the whole Europe in military affairs has already been reached, and many things are under control in political affairs. Now it’s time for trade and finances"
Naryshkin said the key goal of the US sanctions, military and political undertaking in Donbas and other Washington’s actions in Europe is the signing a tough and all-encompassing economic deal with the EU, in which the Europeans will have the role of a younger partner.
"America needs the lengthy sanctions saga that comes in violation of the international law and the atmosphere of information hysteria to continue the unpunished economic banditry," Naryshkin wrote.
Naryshkin has again called on the citizens of European states "to make practical conclusions that are important for a new grouping of forces calling for a fair world order that is based on the law. And our brothers, the Ukrainians, should think about the real part that the overseas director assigns to their country. As for them, the tragedy of their Motherland is not even a supporting role but just an episode. And the number of victims is not important here. In line with the Hollywood standards, the sea of blood is a usual background for the main character’s exploits," he said.
In the article called "Instincts of Colonizers Or Root Cause Behind Global Leadership" Naryshkin notes that the longer the Ukrainian conflict lasts and Kiev fails to comply with the Minsk agreements, the more often the theme of the US special role in unleashing this conflict rises to the surface.
Hegemony is when socially powerful people use their influence to convince less powerful people. It is in the best interest to do what is actually in the most people's best interest. One uses hegemony to justify growing economic inequality. There is a great focus of power and control or dominate people. Hegemony is the opposite of coercion. Coercion uses force or intimidation and goes against values and against the laws of anyone's state.
When people believe they have been disadvantaged by a rigged system, they get angry and they start to use words like injustice, occupy, and revolution. If the rich and socially powerful can convince the poor that it is their fault they are poor, or that they are about to be rich. Then the revolutionary tension is released. Hegemony is used everyday to deflect blame away from the rich and the powerful and convince socially disadvantaged people to continue to tolerate inequality. Income or economic inequality.
There is a great danger that when one country like US or Europe wants leadership, dominance, supremacy, authority, mastery, control, power and rule over other countries. It leads to chaos, disruption and even war. Which is why no one country can ever lead and supreme over the other.
Very often when a leader starts to behave irresponsibly and go senile, that a country would be put at great risk of hegemony. Which is why, like Russia who would not use hegemony but to use its power like a father to his children, and get them together to form a new grouping for a fair non-violent world order based on law. Hegemony is a violation of human rights and against international law.
This new grouping helps one to understand each problem, and deal with one problem at a time leading to common sense and good judgement. It helps a lot to work as a team as if one fails to perform satisfactorily, the others fail.
Politicians must do more and stand firm against their own leaders using hegemony. It is their responsibility to make sure hegemony does not happen at all.
The US is seeking world supremacy and its geopolitical strategy relies on the instinct of colonizers, the State Duma speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, Sergey Naryshkin, wrote in his article posted on the Vedomosti newspaper’s website on Tuesday.
"The new conflicts in various regions of the planet that often emerge due to external provocations show that the instincts of colonizers have not disappeared. They are presented with renewed vigour and by some carpetbaggers from the European continent, and they have become the essence of geopolitical strategy for the US. The US is pursuing a hegemonic policy, The obedience of almost the whole Europe in military affairs has already been reached, and many things are under control in political affairs. Now it’s time for trade and finances"
Naryshkin said the key goal of the US sanctions, military and political undertaking in Donbas and other Washington’s actions in Europe is the signing a tough and all-encompassing economic deal with the EU, in which the Europeans will have the role of a younger partner.
"America needs the lengthy sanctions saga that comes in violation of the international law and the atmosphere of information hysteria to continue the unpunished economic banditry," Naryshkin wrote.
Naryshkin has again called on the citizens of European states "to make practical conclusions that are important for a new grouping of forces calling for a fair world order that is based on the law. And our brothers, the Ukrainians, should think about the real part that the overseas director assigns to their country. As for them, the tragedy of their Motherland is not even a supporting role but just an episode. And the number of victims is not important here. In line with the Hollywood standards, the sea of blood is a usual background for the main character’s exploits," he said.
In the article called "Instincts of Colonizers Or Root Cause Behind Global Leadership" Naryshkin notes that the longer the Ukrainian conflict lasts and Kiev fails to comply with the Minsk agreements, the more often the theme of the US special role in unleashing this conflict rises to the surface.
Hegemony is when socially powerful people use their influence to convince less powerful people. It is in the best interest to do what is actually in the most people's best interest. One uses hegemony to justify growing economic inequality. There is a great focus of power and control or dominate people. Hegemony is the opposite of coercion. Coercion uses force or intimidation and goes against values and against the laws of anyone's state.
When people believe they have been disadvantaged by a rigged system, they get angry and they start to use words like injustice, occupy, and revolution. If the rich and socially powerful can convince the poor that it is their fault they are poor, or that they are about to be rich. Then the revolutionary tension is released. Hegemony is used everyday to deflect blame away from the rich and the powerful and convince socially disadvantaged people to continue to tolerate inequality. Income or economic inequality.
There is a great danger that when one country like US or Europe wants leadership, dominance, supremacy, authority, mastery, control, power and rule over other countries. It leads to chaos, disruption and even war. Which is why no one country can ever lead and supreme over the other.
Very often when a leader starts to behave irresponsibly and go senile, that a country would be put at great risk of hegemony. Which is why, like Russia who would not use hegemony but to use its power like a father to his children, and get them together to form a new grouping for a fair non-violent world order based on law. Hegemony is a violation of human rights and against international law.
This new grouping helps one to understand each problem, and deal with one problem at a time leading to common sense and good judgement. It helps a lot to work as a team as if one fails to perform satisfactorily, the others fail.
Politicians must do more and stand firm against their own leaders using hegemony. It is their responsibility to make sure hegemony does not happen at all.
NATO
The Russia-led military alliance of former Soviet states, CSTO, said last Monday it was concerned over NATO attempts to interfere in the Ukraine conflict, and an escalation of almost all frozen conflicts in these territories.
"But the main thing we are worried about is NATO trying to interfere in the process and those events taking place in Ukraine," he said, noting NATO’s move to send military instructors to provide advice and training to Kiev soldiers alongside steps to strengthen the alliance's military presence in Eastern Europe, moving US troops and equipment eastwards". That is with UK taking the lead for NATO.
Reports about NATO establishing command centers in six of its eastern countries were "extremely alarming". "This is nothing but creation of an infrastructure for military actions," CSTO said.
"The situation was no better in other directions. Almost all so-called frozen conflicts are escalating," emphasising the need to address issues of importance to the CSTO countries - Russia and former Soviet republics of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
NATO have recently moved so much more closer to the borders, but their military presence is posing a great threat, in case the terrorists wants to target them as sitting ducks or up for a challenge for a real fight for the sake of being trigger happy. NATO itself are making the other countries so very uncomfortable and making them more watchful, by increasing their defences to match NATO. It is getting tiring when I say that we do not need military solution, but UN must be able to say or do something to get NATO to back off.
http://tass.ru/en/world/789080
Normandy Four foreign ministers call for full ceasefire in Ukraine. This is more like it having four foreign ministers talking together to reach an agreement to make more progress.
15th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/economy/789320
Steinmeier - road to restoring G8 format lies through Ukrainian settlement.
17th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790084
Kiev forces prepare provocations using OSCE insignia, people's militia uniform. There have been cases of some intruders wearing Russian uniforms in an attempt to derail the Minsk peace process in the past.
18th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790241
OSCE observers say "third side" provoking clashes near Donetsk airport.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32363766
Alexander Zakharchenko talking about the failure of Minsk Accords.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790321
OSCE mission comes under Azov battalion's shelling in East Ukraine - Media.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790302
Issue of recognising LPR and DPR to be considered proceeding from situation - Putin
This probably banks on all sides to sign an agreement to proceed to completely withdraw all weapons as agreed by the Normandy Four on the 14th April 2015. However, Ukraine have violated the deal of the Minsk Accords by not meeting the deadline, which was last March. LPR and DPR still have got rights to have their republics recognised.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790234
OSCE registers over 20 Ukranian tanks in Donbas security area - OSCE SMM report.
20th April 2015
Kiev pledged to hold a direct dialogue with the self proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics. But will not hold a direct dialogue as Russia wants it to. Ukrainian conflict settlement is dragged out with Kiev's new requests which were not subjected to discussions
Lavrov said "It is clear why Kiev drags out the formation of working groups and proves Kiev's unwillingness to begin practical implementation of the MInsk-2 accords. Today we see that the formation of the working groups of the Contact Group is being obstructed by some requests, which were never discussed with anyone and they imply engagement of some experts besides members of the Contact Group".
Moscow is opposed to diluting the format of the Contact Group on Ukraine and attracting some outside experts that no one has heard about.
The Russia-led military alliance of former Soviet states, CSTO, said last Monday it was concerned over NATO attempts to interfere in the Ukraine conflict, and an escalation of almost all frozen conflicts in these territories.
"But the main thing we are worried about is NATO trying to interfere in the process and those events taking place in Ukraine," he said, noting NATO’s move to send military instructors to provide advice and training to Kiev soldiers alongside steps to strengthen the alliance's military presence in Eastern Europe, moving US troops and equipment eastwards". That is with UK taking the lead for NATO.
Reports about NATO establishing command centers in six of its eastern countries were "extremely alarming". "This is nothing but creation of an infrastructure for military actions," CSTO said.
"The situation was no better in other directions. Almost all so-called frozen conflicts are escalating," emphasising the need to address issues of importance to the CSTO countries - Russia and former Soviet republics of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
NATO have recently moved so much more closer to the borders, but their military presence is posing a great threat, in case the terrorists wants to target them as sitting ducks or up for a challenge for a real fight for the sake of being trigger happy. NATO itself are making the other countries so very uncomfortable and making them more watchful, by increasing their defences to match NATO. It is getting tiring when I say that we do not need military solution, but UN must be able to say or do something to get NATO to back off.
http://tass.ru/en/world/789080
Normandy Four foreign ministers call for full ceasefire in Ukraine. This is more like it having four foreign ministers talking together to reach an agreement to make more progress.
15th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/economy/789320
Steinmeier - road to restoring G8 format lies through Ukrainian settlement.
17th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790084
Kiev forces prepare provocations using OSCE insignia, people's militia uniform. There have been cases of some intruders wearing Russian uniforms in an attempt to derail the Minsk peace process in the past.
18th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790241
OSCE observers say "third side" provoking clashes near Donetsk airport.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32363766
Alexander Zakharchenko talking about the failure of Minsk Accords.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790321
OSCE mission comes under Azov battalion's shelling in East Ukraine - Media.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790302
Issue of recognising LPR and DPR to be considered proceeding from situation - Putin
This probably banks on all sides to sign an agreement to proceed to completely withdraw all weapons as agreed by the Normandy Four on the 14th April 2015. However, Ukraine have violated the deal of the Minsk Accords by not meeting the deadline, which was last March. LPR and DPR still have got rights to have their republics recognised.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790234
OSCE registers over 20 Ukranian tanks in Donbas security area - OSCE SMM report.
20th April 2015
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have said "The direct dialogue is Kiev's commitment in line with the Minsk agreements".
Kiev pledged to hold a direct dialogue with the self proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics. But will not hold a direct dialogue as Russia wants it to. Ukrainian conflict settlement is dragged out with Kiev's new requests which were not subjected to discussions
Lavrov said "It is clear why Kiev drags out the formation of working groups and proves Kiev's unwillingness to begin practical implementation of the MInsk-2 accords. Today we see that the formation of the working groups of the Contact Group is being obstructed by some requests, which were never discussed with anyone and they imply engagement of some experts besides members of the Contact Group".
Moscow is opposed to diluting the format of the Contact Group on Ukraine and attracting some outside experts that no one has heard about.
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday warned the Russian authorities against recognizing the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) as independent states.
"It would dramatically complicate the process of Ukrainian settlement," he told the ARD television channel.
He called on Russia to observe Ukraine’s territorial integrity as a fundamental basis of the Minsk agreement. He said he hoped this agreement would finally be implemented. "If I had no hopes I would not be dedicating so much time and effort to this," he said, adding that the current situation was not as dramatic as it used to be some three months ago. Nonetheless, in his words, the implementation of the Minsk agreement was not satisfactory.
On April 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sergei Brilyov, the host of the Vesti v Subbotu programme, that the issue of whether to recognize the DPR’s and LPR’s independence or not, if it ever arose, would be considered proceeding from the actual situation at that time. "We will take into account realia that emerge in life I would not like to speak on the issue now because whatever I say everything could be counterproductive," Putin said.
I can see both sides are not talking constructively due to the fact Ukraine does not see eye to eye, and understand that it is really about Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine must understand that as Russia wants it too, and have no intention of breaking Ukraine up. It should be in the UN Resolution, and there should have been a copy of it.
There are problems in understanding that DPR and LPR have no intention not to have a referendum as it is not needed. And the republics have no intention to evict any Ukrainians living in these republics and wants to care for them. They want to self govern to protect and build the economy as well as protecting their homes and lands. They do not want to share the Association Agreement signed by Ukraine to be part of EU, that was signed against the will of both Russians and Ukrainians.
I would suggest that Ukraine accept the self governance of DPR and LPR, and tear up the Association Agreement to sign for European Economic Area (EFA), and follow the example of Switzerland. That way Ukraine and other countries are free, and become more flexible to have a Free Trade Zone which could include BRICS etc.
Ukraine must understand that it cannot depend on Europe alone. Ukraine must understand that if they have any questions or want to query about anything, talks must commence. Ukraine must understand fighting will not get anywhere and must have dialogue.
The European Economic Area (EEA) provides for the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital through three of the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and all 28 member states of the European Union (EU). Pending its ratification by all EEA countries, Croatia, the remaining and most recent EU member state, is applying the EEA Agreement provisionally.The EEA was established on 1 January 1994 following an agreement between the member states and the
EU's predecessor, the European Community EFTA states which join the EEA are able to participate in the EU's single internal market without being EU members, adopting almost all the relevant EU legislation other than laws regarding agriculture and fisheries. The EEA's decision-shaping processes enable them to influence and contribute to new EEA policy and legislation from an early stage.
One EFTA member, Switzerland, has not joined the EEA but has a series of bilateral agreements with the EU, including a free trade agreement.
I wrote all this today not knowing about PACE and found this agreeable. We need to focus on the economy as well.
Ukraine needs an efficient system of decentralization and an inclusive political process, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Anne Brasseur on Monday in her opening address for the April 2015 part-session in Strasbourg.
"Ukraine needs solid democratic institutions, a sound constitutional and legal framework, an independent, impartial and effective judiciary, a modern and efficient system of devolution of power, and - above all - an inclusive political process to carry out all these reforms," Brasseur said.
The PACE chief reminded that since February 2015 a ceasefire regime has been in place in eastern Ukraine. She emphasized that this is a "fragile" ceasefire "because it is very difficult to enforce, and violations happen on a daily basis. We must move from violence to dialogue".
Last week, the agreements was reached in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe announced that offices for informing citizens about the upcoming Ukrainian administrative reform would be open in all the Ukrainian regions. These regional centers will help pave the way for the decentralisation to ensure long term political stability in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790548
Head of Russian delegation PACE - Europe is tired of Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790552
Germany say future of anti-russia sanctions hangs on Moscow's actions.
Europe and US have done damage, and contributed to the break up of Ukraine by supporting Maidan protests and implementing the Association Agreement. War broke out at the same time leading to Russia having to take action to prevent the war happening in Crimea. What Russia did was out of love, and does not contradict International Law. It is against International Law not to let Russian Crimean residents not have human rights. Crimean needs was humanitarian, and was consensual. UN Security Council must recognise the annexation of Crimea on these grounds.
22nd April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790862
DPR head says Kiev's actions demonstrate its inability to observe Minsk agreements. There have been more violations from Kiev's troops, the last few days and weeks.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790864
OSCE reports intensified fighting around Donetsk airport and Shirokino.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790843
Kremlin comments on possibility of Barack Obama joining work of Normandy Four.
It is about time US takes the peace process seriously, and exert influence. US owes Russia to make amends for having damaged relations with Russia and US getting EU to damage relations with Russia. People's lives are at stake, bombings still continue, and still no decentralisation for both republics. US and EU cannot win on hegemony. We have had some world's leaders trying to stop the war through talks while Ukraine is being uncooperative and unwilling to stop fighting. If no one can, the worst scenario would be to have a gun pointed at Porochenko's head to force him to give orders for his troops to stop fighting. That is coercion, not agreement. Hope it will not come to that. It is unbelievable that Ukraine MPs endorsed resolution on "repelling Russian armed aggression". Ukraine Parliament is speaking for themselves, and I agree with Russia that Ukraine has dodged responsibility. The Ukrainian Parliament has lost credibility in ruling over Ukraine by not looking after its own people, not stopping the bombing and gunning, and letting the economy run down to the ground, not obeying the MInsk Accords and the UN Resolution. In fact Ukrainian Parliament is unfit to rule, and is mentally unstable and sick.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790813
Lawmaker says Kiev's speculations about Russian aggression attempt to dodge responsibility.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790663
UN says refugee numbers in Ukraine conflict soar to over 800,000 people.
These people live in appalling conditions. Some have fled to live in Russia or EU states to escape the violence. Ukrainian Parliament lives in an unreal world, if it does not recognise its own evil actions.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790950
Ukraine must remain united - Lavrov.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791139
France to help Ukraine hold decentralisation.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791160
Presence of US Military in Ukraine violates Kiev's commitments - Lavrov.
23rd April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/791333
Russian diplomat says it is unclear why criminals become law breakers in Ukraine. Verkhovna Rada is corrupt including deputies. It shows Verkhovna Rada is illegal and incompetent. The Ukrainian Parliament should be dissolved making the case so much stronger to have decentralisation in Eastern Ukraine and the recognition of Crimea, to protect what is important to the people. If it is true that there are criminals helping to rule the country, then the past elections have been rigged and was illegal. DPR have said there must be no amendment to the constitution of the republics by Verkhovna Rada.
24th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791533
Russian military general says US and West wage first phase of hybrid war on Russia. NATO's presence is a provocation for the Eastern Ukraine Republics. NATO has got no right to make their presence known by being so close to the borders, and training Ukrainian soldiers. Its encouragement is totally unacceptable, especially with UK taking the lead.
As leader of Democracy in the absence of Prime Minister awaiting General Election in two weeks time. I say "Halt, please withdraw from the borders, and stop the training and supplying non-lethal equipment, we must have no more shedding of blood, stop the violence at once". NATO is a threat showing its presence, and got nuclear weapons policy forcing Russia and Eastern Ukraine to put up its defence. NATO is violating the Minsk Accords, and is a great deterrent to the peace process.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791506
Russian Foreign Ministry is worried over US intention to supply weapons to Kiev.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791544
Russia's General Staff - Pentagon to expand forward deployment of it armed forces.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791504
Russian Lawmaker - Europe watches crimes in Ukraine "with eyes wide shut".
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791467
Russian Lawmaker - Warns PACE against stripping Russia of all powers.
25th April 2015
It was the Ukraine crisis that led to demonisation of President Putin, and promoted Russophobia. It is now clear that Ukraine, EU and US was at fault. The cold war has not really ended, as there are still frosty relations between US and Russia, no matter how hard Russia have tried to thaw. Russia was having problems with the Ukraine crisis, and became the victim of it, while it had nothing to do with it. Russia is invaluable in solving international problems but it cannot solve its own. Which is why someone has got to step in, and speak out on victimised countries who are being picked on. Russia has proved beyond capabilities against what is thrown at them, and will not give in .
EU has abandoned the peace project, and allowed itself to become an auxiliary of Nato's expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Instead of seeking accommodation, compromise and engagement with Russia in relation to Ukraine. The EU leadership in Brussels has turned the issue of Ukraine's European choice into an instrument to isolate and destabilise Russia.The confrontation between Russia and the West may divide the continent for at least a generation. There are Russophobes in Poland, the Baltic States and other countries within the new incomplete Europe who have imported into the EU their historic antagonisms with neighbouring Russia.
Ukrainian crisis was a mystery, as it has nothing to do with Ukrainian identity, nationalism and statehood as Russia supports them. Russians had not problems with living in Ukraine, and have married Ukrainians. It had exclusion from Nato and the EU. The crisis started when Ukraine suddenly wanted to be included in Nato and the EU. Another crisis was they signed an Association Agreement while some wanted to be in the Russia Customs Union. The third crisis was Ukraine wanted to purge Russian residents out of Ukraine with its Neo Nazis tendencies and racism.
President Putin is the most Pro European leader that Russia ever had, and was committed to partnership with the EU, US and Nato. He is a rational and pragmatic politician, and has been contesting the western expansion of Russia's borders, contesting western dominated European and world order. Ukraine was pushed into the front line of this struggle.
The West and EU have failed to subdue President Putin by sanctions, and isolate Russia internationally. Russia is in itself used an opportunity to organise from bottom up when it came to defence, economy, welfare system, corruption and many more, and is more or less completed restructuring, and creating a new democracy for a new and better Russia. This included Crimea. There has been very little support for sanctions in countries who have had deals in trade with Russia. Putin no doubt, wants Greater Europe which would include Russia and other big countries like China. Russia can co-exist peacefully if Ukraine dissolve their parliament, have snap elections, grant decentralisation to Eastern Ukraine, EU involvement, and to be rid of discrimination and divisions between Ukrainians and Russians.
Ukraine has not been fully or partially established, since it gained independence in 1991, not long ago, and Russians who have always had homes before then, started to get unsettled and thought it was unfair that independence happened without their say so. The breakup of the Soviet Union was traumatic and against their democracy. Ukraine is one of the most corrupt and inefficient states in the world. Before the crisis Russia was Ukraine's biggest, and most important trading partner. Millions of Ukrainian citizens live and work in Russia. Without Russian participation there is no viable solution or alternative to the economic collapse suffered by disintegrating Ukraine.
Unless we have a new Ukraine Parliament and cessation of violence, can all the Ukrainians return home including refugees to pick up the pieces, create a clean democracy and human rights. There is not a hope in hell for Ukraine as it will become a ghost country, and a vacuum could be filled with evil political parties or groups which a few exist now. Ukraine and Russia will one day co-exist and more differently.
26th April 2015
"It would dramatically complicate the process of Ukrainian settlement," he told the ARD television channel.
He called on Russia to observe Ukraine’s territorial integrity as a fundamental basis of the Minsk agreement. He said he hoped this agreement would finally be implemented. "If I had no hopes I would not be dedicating so much time and effort to this," he said, adding that the current situation was not as dramatic as it used to be some three months ago. Nonetheless, in his words, the implementation of the Minsk agreement was not satisfactory.
On April 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Sergei Brilyov, the host of the Vesti v Subbotu programme, that the issue of whether to recognize the DPR’s and LPR’s independence or not, if it ever arose, would be considered proceeding from the actual situation at that time. "We will take into account realia that emerge in life I would not like to speak on the issue now because whatever I say everything could be counterproductive," Putin said.
I can see both sides are not talking constructively due to the fact Ukraine does not see eye to eye, and understand that it is really about Ukraine's integrity and sovereignty. Ukraine must understand that as Russia wants it too, and have no intention of breaking Ukraine up. It should be in the UN Resolution, and there should have been a copy of it.
There are problems in understanding that DPR and LPR have no intention not to have a referendum as it is not needed. And the republics have no intention to evict any Ukrainians living in these republics and wants to care for them. They want to self govern to protect and build the economy as well as protecting their homes and lands. They do not want to share the Association Agreement signed by Ukraine to be part of EU, that was signed against the will of both Russians and Ukrainians.
I would suggest that Ukraine accept the self governance of DPR and LPR, and tear up the Association Agreement to sign for European Economic Area (EFA), and follow the example of Switzerland. That way Ukraine and other countries are free, and become more flexible to have a Free Trade Zone which could include BRICS etc.
Ukraine must understand that it cannot depend on Europe alone. Ukraine must understand that if they have any questions or want to query about anything, talks must commence. Ukraine must understand fighting will not get anywhere and must have dialogue.
The European Economic Area (EEA) provides for the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital through three of the four member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and all 28 member states of the European Union (EU). Pending its ratification by all EEA countries, Croatia, the remaining and most recent EU member state, is applying the EEA Agreement provisionally.The EEA was established on 1 January 1994 following an agreement between the member states and the
EU's predecessor, the European Community EFTA states which join the EEA are able to participate in the EU's single internal market without being EU members, adopting almost all the relevant EU legislation other than laws regarding agriculture and fisheries. The EEA's decision-shaping processes enable them to influence and contribute to new EEA policy and legislation from an early stage.
One EFTA member, Switzerland, has not joined the EEA but has a series of bilateral agreements with the EU, including a free trade agreement.
I wrote all this today not knowing about PACE and found this agreeable. We need to focus on the economy as well.
Ukraine needs an efficient system of decentralization and an inclusive political process, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Anne Brasseur on Monday in her opening address for the April 2015 part-session in Strasbourg.
"Ukraine needs solid democratic institutions, a sound constitutional and legal framework, an independent, impartial and effective judiciary, a modern and efficient system of devolution of power, and - above all - an inclusive political process to carry out all these reforms," Brasseur said.
The PACE chief reminded that since February 2015 a ceasefire regime has been in place in eastern Ukraine. She emphasized that this is a "fragile" ceasefire "because it is very difficult to enforce, and violations happen on a daily basis. We must move from violence to dialogue".
Last week, the agreements was reached in Strasbourg, the Council of Europe announced that offices for informing citizens about the upcoming Ukrainian administrative reform would be open in all the Ukrainian regions. These regional centers will help pave the way for the decentralisation to ensure long term political stability in Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790548
Head of Russian delegation PACE - Europe is tired of Ukraine.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790552
Germany say future of anti-russia sanctions hangs on Moscow's actions.
Europe and US have done damage, and contributed to the break up of Ukraine by supporting Maidan protests and implementing the Association Agreement. War broke out at the same time leading to Russia having to take action to prevent the war happening in Crimea. What Russia did was out of love, and does not contradict International Law. It is against International Law not to let Russian Crimean residents not have human rights. Crimean needs was humanitarian, and was consensual. UN Security Council must recognise the annexation of Crimea on these grounds.
22nd April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/790862
DPR head says Kiev's actions demonstrate its inability to observe Minsk agreements. There have been more violations from Kiev's troops, the last few days and weeks.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790864
OSCE reports intensified fighting around Donetsk airport and Shirokino.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790843
Kremlin comments on possibility of Barack Obama joining work of Normandy Four.
It is about time US takes the peace process seriously, and exert influence. US owes Russia to make amends for having damaged relations with Russia and US getting EU to damage relations with Russia. People's lives are at stake, bombings still continue, and still no decentralisation for both republics. US and EU cannot win on hegemony. We have had some world's leaders trying to stop the war through talks while Ukraine is being uncooperative and unwilling to stop fighting. If no one can, the worst scenario would be to have a gun pointed at Porochenko's head to force him to give orders for his troops to stop fighting. That is coercion, not agreement. Hope it will not come to that. It is unbelievable that Ukraine MPs endorsed resolution on "repelling Russian armed aggression". Ukraine Parliament is speaking for themselves, and I agree with Russia that Ukraine has dodged responsibility. The Ukrainian Parliament has lost credibility in ruling over Ukraine by not looking after its own people, not stopping the bombing and gunning, and letting the economy run down to the ground, not obeying the MInsk Accords and the UN Resolution. In fact Ukrainian Parliament is unfit to rule, and is mentally unstable and sick.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790813
Lawmaker says Kiev's speculations about Russian aggression attempt to dodge responsibility.
http://tass.ru/en/world/790663
UN says refugee numbers in Ukraine conflict soar to over 800,000 people.
These people live in appalling conditions. Some have fled to live in Russia or EU states to escape the violence. Ukrainian Parliament lives in an unreal world, if it does not recognise its own evil actions.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/790950
Ukraine must remain united - Lavrov.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791139
France to help Ukraine hold decentralisation.
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791160
Presence of US Military in Ukraine violates Kiev's commitments - Lavrov.
23rd April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/world/791333
Russian diplomat says it is unclear why criminals become law breakers in Ukraine. Verkhovna Rada is corrupt including deputies. It shows Verkhovna Rada is illegal and incompetent. The Ukrainian Parliament should be dissolved making the case so much stronger to have decentralisation in Eastern Ukraine and the recognition of Crimea, to protect what is important to the people. If it is true that there are criminals helping to rule the country, then the past elections have been rigged and was illegal. DPR have said there must be no amendment to the constitution of the republics by Verkhovna Rada.
24th April 2015
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791533
Russian military general says US and West wage first phase of hybrid war on Russia. NATO's presence is a provocation for the Eastern Ukraine Republics. NATO has got no right to make their presence known by being so close to the borders, and training Ukrainian soldiers. Its encouragement is totally unacceptable, especially with UK taking the lead.
As leader of Democracy in the absence of Prime Minister awaiting General Election in two weeks time. I say "Halt, please withdraw from the borders, and stop the training and supplying non-lethal equipment, we must have no more shedding of blood, stop the violence at once". NATO is a threat showing its presence, and got nuclear weapons policy forcing Russia and Eastern Ukraine to put up its defence. NATO is violating the Minsk Accords, and is a great deterrent to the peace process.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791506
Russian Foreign Ministry is worried over US intention to supply weapons to Kiev.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791544
Russia's General Staff - Pentagon to expand forward deployment of it armed forces.
http://tass.ru/en/world/791504
Russian Lawmaker - Europe watches crimes in Ukraine "with eyes wide shut".
http://tass.ru/en/russia/791467
Russian Lawmaker - Warns PACE against stripping Russia of all powers.
25th April 2015
It was the Ukraine crisis that led to demonisation of President Putin, and promoted Russophobia. It is now clear that Ukraine, EU and US was at fault. The cold war has not really ended, as there are still frosty relations between US and Russia, no matter how hard Russia have tried to thaw. Russia was having problems with the Ukraine crisis, and became the victim of it, while it had nothing to do with it. Russia is invaluable in solving international problems but it cannot solve its own. Which is why someone has got to step in, and speak out on victimised countries who are being picked on. Russia has proved beyond capabilities against what is thrown at them, and will not give in .
EU has abandoned the peace project, and allowed itself to become an auxiliary of Nato's expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Instead of seeking accommodation, compromise and engagement with Russia in relation to Ukraine. The EU leadership in Brussels has turned the issue of Ukraine's European choice into an instrument to isolate and destabilise Russia.The confrontation between Russia and the West may divide the continent for at least a generation. There are Russophobes in Poland, the Baltic States and other countries within the new incomplete Europe who have imported into the EU their historic antagonisms with neighbouring Russia.
Ukrainian crisis was a mystery, as it has nothing to do with Ukrainian identity, nationalism and statehood as Russia supports them. Russians had not problems with living in Ukraine, and have married Ukrainians. It had exclusion from Nato and the EU. The crisis started when Ukraine suddenly wanted to be included in Nato and the EU. Another crisis was they signed an Association Agreement while some wanted to be in the Russia Customs Union. The third crisis was Ukraine wanted to purge Russian residents out of Ukraine with its Neo Nazis tendencies and racism.
President Putin is the most Pro European leader that Russia ever had, and was committed to partnership with the EU, US and Nato. He is a rational and pragmatic politician, and has been contesting the western expansion of Russia's borders, contesting western dominated European and world order. Ukraine was pushed into the front line of this struggle.
The West and EU have failed to subdue President Putin by sanctions, and isolate Russia internationally. Russia is in itself used an opportunity to organise from bottom up when it came to defence, economy, welfare system, corruption and many more, and is more or less completed restructuring, and creating a new democracy for a new and better Russia. This included Crimea. There has been very little support for sanctions in countries who have had deals in trade with Russia. Putin no doubt, wants Greater Europe which would include Russia and other big countries like China. Russia can co-exist peacefully if Ukraine dissolve their parliament, have snap elections, grant decentralisation to Eastern Ukraine, EU involvement, and to be rid of discrimination and divisions between Ukrainians and Russians.
Ukraine has not been fully or partially established, since it gained independence in 1991, not long ago, and Russians who have always had homes before then, started to get unsettled and thought it was unfair that independence happened without their say so. The breakup of the Soviet Union was traumatic and against their democracy. Ukraine is one of the most corrupt and inefficient states in the world. Before the crisis Russia was Ukraine's biggest, and most important trading partner. Millions of Ukrainian citizens live and work in Russia. Without Russian participation there is no viable solution or alternative to the economic collapse suffered by disintegrating Ukraine.
Unless we have a new Ukraine Parliament and cessation of violence, can all the Ukrainians return home including refugees to pick up the pieces, create a clean democracy and human rights. There is not a hope in hell for Ukraine as it will become a ghost country, and a vacuum could be filled with evil political parties or groups which a few exist now. Ukraine and Russia will one day co-exist and more differently.
26th April 2015
The DPR believes that there is no alternative to a political solution to the conflict and "all the attempts to disrupt the peace process should have an international evaluation,"
Eduard Basaurin said, "The Ukrainian side is doing everything possible, on an incredibly regular basis, in order to disrupt the Minsk agreements. We call on the international community and all the sides involved in the negotiation process to increase a direct political pressure on Ukraine’s government and to secure fulfilment of the Minsk agreements by official Kiev. We also call on the Ukrainian authorities to launch a full-fledged dialogue with the DPR and to proceed from the fact that the only civilised way out is a political settlement of all contradictions,"
Donbass is facing a rather volatile situation which needs an urgent interference of the international community keen on the conflict de-escalation, the spokesman for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic’s (DPR) Defence Ministry said last Saturday.
This is the first post and has continued into the second post. Please find second post for updates.
This is the first post and has continued into the second post. Please find second post for updates.
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