Ukraine: Climate remains explosive – Pro-Russian rebels complain of new mortar shells

Pro-Russian separatist guerrillas in the east Ukraine accused the Ukrainian government forces of moving on to two more today mortar attacksbroadcasts the Russian news agency Interfax.

Kiev and guerrillas, as reported by the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency, are blaming each other for escalation of intensityincreasing the number of gunfire and mortar shells along the line of contact since Thursday, intensifying fears of the West that Russia, which has gathered more than 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine, may be involved in the war in Donbas.

Analena Berbok: Complains of Russia’s demands reminiscent of “Cold War”

THE Russia threatens Europe’s security by raising ‘Cold War demands’ stalled the German Foreign Minister Analena Berbockthe day the annual Munich Security Conferencewhere discussions and speeches are expected to be monopolized by the crisis in Ukraine.

“With the unprecedented deployment of troops on the border with Ukraine “Russia is questioning the fundamental principles of the European order of peace,” Ms Berbok said in a statement, calling on Moscow to make “serious efforts to de-escalate”.

Heads of state and diplomats are expected from today at date in Munichin southern Germany, which will last until the day after Sunday for three days of discussions on defense and security issues.

Russia, whose Foreign Minister, the Sergei Lavrov, often participated in the annual event, will not participate this year. Mrs Berbok sees the Russian absence as a missed “opportunity”. “It is precisely in the current situation, which is extremely threatening, that it would be important for Russian representatives to be involved,” he said.

The German Foreign Minister will chair the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Ukraine tomorrow, Saturday.

Talks between the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Britain, the United States, Japan, Canada and Italy will send a “message of unity,” according to Ms. Berbock, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the seven most industrialized countries in the world.

«We are ready for a serious security dialogue with everyone. Even small steps towards peace are more valuable than big steps towards war. “But we also need serious de-escalation measures from Russia.”

“Statements of willingness for dialogue must be supported by genuine offers of dialogue. “Statements about the withdrawal of troops must be accompanied by verifiable withdrawals,” said the German Foreign Minister.

US President Joe Biden reiterated on Thursday that The risk of a Russian attack on Ukraine is “very high” and immediatedespite Moscow ‘s assurances that part of the Russian troops deployed on the border with Ukraine were gradually withdrawing after high schools.

Ukraine – Margaritis Schoinas: If there is an escalation of the crisis, large flows of refugees will be caused

The Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schoinas said the Member States of the European Union may be faced with mass flows of refugees in the event of a further escalation of the crisis in Ukraine.

It is estimated that between 20,000 and 1 million people will flee to the EU, Schinas told the German newspaper Die Welt.

In addition, there are currently about 20,000 citizens of EU member states living in Ukraine who will need support if an evacuation operation is to take place, said the Vice-President of the Commission.

According to Mr. Schoinas, Brussels is ready to mobilize to offer humanitarian aid and help in dealing with a possible emergency.

Source: News Beast

You may also like