Some of the men claim they are Ukrainian soldiers who have switched sides to the pro-Russians who already control several government buildings in town.
Also, armed pro-Russians have taken over the mayor's office and the city council building in Donetsk -- another city where separatists demand referendums on splitting with Ukraine to join Russia.
Ukraine launched what it calls an anti-terrorist operation Tuesday to try to take back the government buildings seized by the protesters.
There are different reports on whether shots were fired, if there are any casualties, and who controls what.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the growing crisis in Ukraine has brought the country to the brink of civil war.
- The Kremlin says Mr. Putin made his comment during a telephone call Tuesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
President Putin accused the Ukrainian government of pursuing an "anti-constitutional" path by using force against the pro-Russian demonstrators who have taken over official buildings in 10 southeastern Ukrainian towns and cities.
The Kremlin says the Russian and German leaders hope Thursday's talks in Geneva between the European Union, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States will show the importance of finding a peaceful solution.
[voanews.com]
16/4/14
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Related:
Not right moment for peacekeepers in Ukraine. It doesn’t seem very practical. - Ban Ki-moon
White House Expresses Support for Ukraine Crackdown. -- Because of the threat to law and order in the country.
Those who don’t lay arms, will be destroyed. - Activists were being supported by hundreds of soldiers from the Russian army's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).
Ukraine insists it will use self-defense if necessary...
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Offenbar 150 ukrainische Soldaten übergelaufen
ReplyDeleteUnter den prorussischen Aktivisten, die sechs ukrainische Panzer vor der östlichen Stadt Slawjansk in ihre Gewalt gebracht haben, sind nach Angaben eines Anführers der Gruppe rund 150 Überläufer der ukrainischen Streitkräfte.
Er selbst sei "ein Mitglied der Selbstverteidigungskräfte der Krim", sagte der etwa 50-jährige Mann, der sich vor Journalisten als "Balu" ausgab. "Wir sind etwa zehn. Die anderen sind etwa 150 ukrainische Soldaten, die sich uns angeschlossen haben."
"Wir haben die Kontrolle über die Panzer übernommen, mit denen die Rebellion in Slawjansk zerschlagen werden sollte", sagte der Mann weiter......http://www.n24.de/n24/Nachrichten/Politik/d/4542236/deutschland-schickt-eurofighter-zur-nato-verstaerkung.html
16/4/14