Putin Denounces Ukraine 'Crimes', Reserves Right to Use Force

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine's leaders on Thursday of committing a “grave crime” by using the army to quell unrest in the east of the country, and did not rule out sending in Russian troops.

But, addressing Russians in his annual televised phone-in, Putin said he hoped he would not need to take such a step, and that diplomacy could succeed in resolving the standoff.


In a marathon session that was dominated by questions on Ukraine, Putin tempered withering criticism of the Ukrainian leadership with more conciliatory comments about the possibility of a compromise to resolve the worst East-West crisis since the Cold War.
 

• While recalling that parliament had granted him the right to use military force in Ukraine, the Kremlin chief said: “I really hope that I do not have to exercise this right and that we are able to solve all today's pressing issues via political and diplomatic means.”

Ukraine sent in troops this week to try to recapture a series of eastern towns from pro-Russian militants, but their first attempt on Wednesday ended in disarray, with some armored troop carriers retreating and others falling into the hands of the separatists.

“Instead of realizing that there is something wrong with the Ukrainian government and attempting dialog, they made more threats of force... this is another very grave crime by Kiev's current leaders,” Putin said.

“I hope that they are able to realize what a pit, what an abyss the current authorities are in and dragging the country into.”

He said crisis talks taking place in Geneva on Thursday were very important, and urged the government in Kiev to sit down to negotiate with the Russian-speaking communities in the east of the country.

“The start of today's talks are very important, because it is important that we together think about how to get out of the situation,” Putin said, referring to the Geneva meeting between Russia, Ukraine, the United States and the European Union.

In a later answer, he added: “I'm sure we will come to a mutual understanding with Ukraine. We will not be able to do without each other.”..............http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-putin-denounces-ukraine-crimes-but-says-compromise-possible/1895234.html
17/4/14
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