Oleksander Turchynov told lawmakers Tuesday that government forces have begun an operation in the region of Donetsk, where pro-Moscow forces have ignored Kyiv's previous ultimatum to surrender by Monday or face retaliation.
Mr. Turchynov told lawmakers the crackdown was being carried out gradually and cautiously.
Pro-Russian demonstrators fortified their positions late Monday and erected fresh barricades, despite the government warning.
Western governments have accused Moscow of backing the protests in eastern Ukraine. U.S. President Barack Obama warned Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call Monday that Moscow will face further costs if its actions in Ukraine persist. He also urged the Russian leader to use his influence to persuade the demonstrators to leave the buildings they have seized.
In turn, Mr. Putin urged Mr. Obama to discourage the Ukrainian government from using force against protesters.
He denied claims of Russian agents' involvement in the protests as "speculations based on unreliable information.'' Mr. Putin said the protests vented public anger about the Ukrainian government's reluctance to recognize the interests of Russian speakers in the east.
The demonstrators are demanding a referendum on whether to split with Ukraine and join Russia - similar to last month's vote in Crimea.
Mr. Turchynov said he is not against a national referendum on what kind of country Ukraine should be. He said he is certain a majority would support a united and independent Ukraine, possibly giving broader localized rights to the east. He said such a vote could be held at the same time as the May 25 presidential election.
In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday he believes Russian-speaking Ukrainians in the eastern part of the country should be part of drafting a new constitution.
Top diplomats from Russia, the United States, Ukraine and the European Union are to hold emergency talks on the crisis April 17 in Geneva. White House officials say U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Kyiv April 22.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials signed a $1 billion loan guarantee to Ukraine. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said the agreement demonstrates the United States' unwavering commitment to a stable Ukraine. Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Shlapak said his country is wrapping up talks with the IMF on a comprehensive economic reform program.
[voanews.com]
15/4/14
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- Ukraine launches anti-terror operation against pro-Russian forces...
Ukraine's acting president said Tuesday that a military operation to quash a pro-Russian insurgency has started in eastern Ukraine after more than a week of seizures of government building in the latest standoff to grip the country.
Oleksandr Turchynov said the “anti-terrorist” operation began in the early morning hours in the northern Donetsk region, where the majority of the pro-Russian forces are located, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“Overnight, an antiterrorist operation began in the north of Donetsk. But it will be phased, responsible and balanced. The purpose of the actions, I stress once again, is to protect the citizens of Ukraine,” Turchynov told Ukraine’s parliament, according to Interfax.
"The plans of the Russian Federation were and remain brutal. They want not only for Donbass (Donetsk region), but for the whole south and east of Ukraine to be engulfed by fire," Turchynov continued. The aim of the operation is to "defend the citizens of Ukraine, to stop terror, stop crime and stop attempts to tear our country into pieces," he said......................http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/04/15/ukraine-launches-anti-terror-operation-against-pro-russian-forces/
15/4/14
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