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Russia-backed separatist blocking aid in east Ukraine.
In his statement on Tuesday, Ivan Simonovic, the assistant U.N. secretary-general for human rights noted that efforts by Russia-backed separatist rebels to block "desperately needed" humanitarian aid from reaching people in conflict-ridden eastern Ukraine could amount to crimes against humanity. Mr. Simonovic criticized as a "great mistake" the move by rebels who control the eastern city of Luhansk to kick out U.N. and humanitarian aid agencies.
"I do think that currently the military warfare …
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$20 million military aid to Ukraine.
President Obama has authorized the U.S. State Department to provide up to $20 million to Ukraine to fund military training and other similar activities.This came one day after Ukraine announced that US instructors would start training the country’s special forces.
“The authority... to direct the drawdown of up to $20 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense and military education and training to provide assistance for the Government of Ukraine,” the Presidential …
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Russian rocket launchers spotted in Ukraine.
As reported by OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), Russian TOS-1 thermobaric rocket launchers have been spotted in Ukraine.A multiple launch thermobaric rocket system (TOS-1 Buratino, 220mm) was spotted at Kruhlyk training area around 30 km south-west of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, controlled by pro-russian forces. TOS-1 is a Russian 220mm 30-barrel (original system, Ob.634 or TOS-1M) or 24-barrel (Ob.634B or TOS-1A) multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon mounted on a T-72 tank …
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Russian soldiers on trial in Kyiv.
As reported by BBC, a pair of Russian special-forces soldiers have gone on trial in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Yevgeny Yerofeyev and Alexander Alexandrov were accused of waging war against Ukrainian troops. They were captured in May in east Ukraine. Both are alleged to be officers in Russia's GRU foreign military intelligence, though Russia insists the men were not serving soldiers when they were detained. Prosecutors called for life sentences. The two russians denied charges of terrorism and the hearing …
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Putin may stay for 4th term as President.
In his recent interview with CBC, Russian President Vladimir Putin said there are several conditions where he might remain in power.According to Putin, no laws would be violated if he goes for the 4th term as the Russian President, and his staying in power would depend on the circumstances
"But I'm not sure I should take full advantage of these constitutional rights. This will depend on the specific situation in the country, in the world, and on my own sentiments, "- said Putin.