High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called on Ukraine and Russia to avoid a further escalation of the conflict in Crimea, according to a statement posted on the EU’s website.

 “Any actions that could lead to a further escalation of the conflict must be avoided by all sides; a peaceful resolution of the conflict is the only possible solution. This includes eastern Ukraine, where we urge all parties to fully engage in the complete …

Ukrainian forces commented on the statements regarding shelling along the border

Ukraine has reinforced their military grouping on the border with the Crimea, as reported by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Viktor Muzhenko.

"The divisions and military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine which perform tasks in the area along the border with the occupied Crimea, are being placed in high operational readiness. The necessary grouping has been reinforced," he wrote …

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have begun large-scale exercises. As the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry reports, the exercise will take place in the ranges, airfields and training facilities of the Southern Military District and in the Black Sea.

"Logistical support, engineering, moral and psychological security, communications security, radio-electronic warfare and nuclear, chemical and biological (NBC) protection issues will be worked out in practice. The plan …