Russia to open new naval base in Black Sea to counter NATO.

Russia to open new naval base in Black Sea to counter NATO. (RBTH).

The Russian Defense Ministry is completing the construction of the final three submarine berths in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk (930 miles south of Moscow). According to a RBTH source in the military-industrial complex, the Black Sea Fleet's new base will host six Varshavyanka class Project 636.6 submarines.

"Currently, three of them are already in the city's harbor – the Rostov-on-Don, Novorossiysk and Stary Oskol," said the RBTH source.

"Each submarine is equipped with underwater torpedoes to combat surface ships and Kalibr missiles, which have demonstrated their combat power in Syria, including the ability to hit targets at a distance of up to 2,500 km."

According to the source, the decision to deploy an additional base on the Black Sea was made in connection with the increased activity of NATO warships in the past few years.


"The deployment of Varshavyanka class Project 636.6) submarines in Novorossiysk allows Russia to control potential threats in Europe and the Middle East," said the source.

The strength of the new base's location for the Black Sea Fleet is the possibility to distribute ships and submarines between several naval bases in the same region, say analysts. However, the base in Novorossiysk has a crucial issue that still needs to be resolved.

"First of all, it’s about climatic conditions," Litovkin told RBTH. "The maritime area of Novorossiysk is regularly subjected to the impact of northern winds from the Caucasus Mountains, which hit ships and houses in their path with great force.

“The wind can throw ships ashore and destroy the entire military infrastructure. The base is being constructed in such a way that the gusts of wind will not be so catastrophic."


According to him, Russia is building an additional tunnel in the Caucasus Mountains to nullify the threat of destructive winds.

Crimean Tatar council Mejlis banned from all activity.

#Turkey PM #Davutoglu met #Crimea Tatar leader Mustafa Abdülcemil Kırımoglu & #Tatar Majlis Chairman Refat Chubarov pic.twitter.com/4TKJ8BgM30

— Abdullah Bozkurt (@abdbozkurt) April 16, 2016

Crimean Tatar council banned from all activity. (AN).

Crimean Prosecutor Natalya Poklonskaya on Wednesday suspended the activity of the Mejlis (Council) of the Crimean Tatar People because of its destabilising “extremist activity”.

The Tatars are a Muslim minority in the Crimean Peninsula. They were deported from their homeland under Stalin, and allowed to come home only in the 1990s.

Russian authorities have been putting pressures on them since 2014 after they voted in a referendum against Russia’s internationally unrecognised annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula.

The Mejlis is now "banned the use of state and municipal media, the organisation of mass demonstrations, the use of bank accounts and any activity,” Prosecutor Poklonskaya said.

The European Union and human rights activists have slammed her decision, which will be valid until Crimea’s Supreme Court rules on Poklonskaya’s ban. Earlier, she had called for the Mejlis to be declared an extremist organization.

According to the prosecutor, the Crimean Tatar organisation ought to be added to Russia’s list of suspended public and religious associations. For some Tatars analysts, the move is part of a broader trend.
"The Mejlis’s political activities have been blocked for some time. Many of its leaders have been expelled from the region, and those who are left are involved in providing social and moral support to the community,” writes Ayder Muzhdabaev, deputy general director of ATR, a Tatar language TV channel that used to broadcast out of Simferopol, but was forced to move to Kiev to continue its activities.

For Muzhdabaev, what is really worrisome about the ban is that it is part of a plan by Russian authorities to create a "hybrid ghetto" for Crimean Tatars.

This is being done by, “On the one hand, turning them into a kind of untouchable caste, reducing the contacts with the rest of the population; and on the other, frightening the Crimean Tatar community to such an extent that people are afraid to communicate, and thus resist.”

"There is no doubt” that the Mejlis will eventually be declared as an extremist organisation. "The laws against extremism in Russia were adopted precisely to suppress all dissent," Muzhdabaev writes.

What is worse in this case, notes the journalist, is the fact that for the first time the laws “will be applied to a representative body elected by an entire people, and so consequently the whole Tatar people will be deemed as extremist."

In a statement, a spokesperson for the European Union slammed “Yesterday's decision by the so-called prosecutor of Crimea to suspend the activities of Mejlis.” This development “is extremely worrying”, and “must be reversed immediately.”

Likewise, Amnesty International noted that the ban “is aimed at snuffing out the few remaining voices of dissent in Crimea”, and “signals a new wave of repression against Crimean Tatar people” after “Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine two years ago.”

Since then, “Amnesty International has documented the suspected enforced disappearance of at least six Crimean Tatars”. In March 2014, one missing Tatar was found dead.


For Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland, “banning the Mejlis would discriminate against the whole Crimean Tatars community and is therefore unacceptable”. Hmmm.......Russia treating Tatars like Turkey treats Kurds. 

Russian Iskander-M missile systems to be deployed in Kaliningrad region till 2018.

Iskander missile range.

Russian Iskander-M missile systems to be deployed in Kaliningrad region till 2018. (Tass).

Russian Ground Forces’ guided missile brigade stationed in the westernmost Kaliningrad region will be reequipped with the Iskander-M ballistic missile systems till 2018, Maj Gen Mikhail Matveyevsky, commander of the army’s missile forces and artillery, said on Saturday.

When asked by the Russian News Service radio station whether the brigade in the Kaliningrad region would be reequipped with the missile complexes, Matveyevsky replied: "There are no doubts about it."

"The Ground Forces’ guided missile brigades are being rearmed with this complex, according to the schedule," he said. Hmmm.....'Flexibility' seems only Russia is flexing their muscles.

Russian Dep PM Rogozin to open a new Border crossing point on the border with Ukraine'.

Russian Dep PM Rogozin to open a new Border crossing point on the border with Ukraine'. (RAI).[GoogleTranslate].

Constant multi-point Graivoron in Belgorod region has a design capacity of 500 vehicles per day, including 300 cars, 150 trucks and 50 buses.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, on Saturday, May 16, will hold a grand opening of the automobile checkpoint on the border with Ukraine, in the village Graivoron Belgorod region, RIA Novosti reported Rosgranitsa.

This information was confirmed in the office of Deputy Prime Minister.

As reported in an interview with RIA Novosti head Rosgranitsa Konstantin Busygin, permanent multilateral Graivoron checkpoint in Belgorod region has a design capacity of 500 vehicles per day, including 300 cars, 150 trucks and 50 buses.

The agency's interlocutor explained that the work checkpoint began on April 14, 2015, but the grand opening is scheduled for May 16 with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

In addition, according to Busygin, the invitation to take part in the opening through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was sent to the authorities of Ukraine, but it remained unanswered.

The multilateral automobile checkpoint was set Graivoron intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Ukraine, February 8, 1995. In Rosgranitsa explained that since 1995 funds for its improvement were not allocated.

"The crossing point for border, customs and other controls used modular building, no parking for Inspection and loading and unloading operations, detained vehicles required special equipment," - told RIA Novosti in the Federal Agency.

Reconstruction of the crossing point was made Rosgranitsa under the Federal Target Program "State Border of the Russian Federation (2012-2020 years)" and in terms stipulated by the project and the state contract for 20 months.

It is equipped with modern technical means of border, customs and other controls, the latest security systems and communications. To meet the needs of the checkpoint built a gas boiler, diesel power, and made an autonomous system of water intake. Hmmmm......If anyone believes this 'Disinformatia', i've got a bridge for sale.

European Parliament: Russia is considering the possibility of nuclear strikes on Warsaw.

European Parliament: Russia is considering the possibility of nuclear strikes on Warsaw. (Charter97).

The Vice-President of the European Parliament, Polish politician Ryszard Czarnecki declared it on Polskie radio, Ukrinform reports.

He says the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs has adopted a so-called Black Sea report - draft resolution on strategic and military situation in the Black Sea basin, which mentions that Russia has conducted exercises on nuclear attack on Poland.

"EU-Russia relationships are the worst over the years. After all, the Black Sea report, adopted by the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs on Monday, proves it. It mentions that Russia has conducted exercises on nuclear attack on our country. This document is very skeptical towards Russia, this is a consequence of the EU continued tough course", the Vice-President of the European Parliament stated.

He stressed the failure of most European leaders to visit the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9 had a bad impact on the Russians, and it was the EU "accurate hit". The politician explains that the Victory Day for Russia has always been something extraordinary. Such anniversary is the way to demonstrate its power and the fact that Moscow should be taken into account.

"Until recently, Western leaders respected the view and arrived to Moscow. This time everything has changed. Putin expected softening of leading Western countries' line, but he was wrong", Czarnecki said.

It should be reminded that according to Polish media, Moscow rehearsed nuclear attack on Warsaw during joint exercises in Belarus in 2009 and 2013.

Thousands of Russian soldiers were involved. Except for a preventive nuclear strike, maneuvers also included "the suppression of a rebellion" of the Polish minority, as well as the invasion the territory of the Baltic States with a breakthrough to the Kaliningrad region.

According Czarnecki, the European Parliament rejected suggestions the former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who said, "Forget about the Crimea and begin to build a relationship with Russia, recognizing that Crimea is part of the Russian Federation." "In such a consent of the European Parliament is not and will not" - said vice-president. [Google Translated].

Related: Russian Planes Can Deliver Nuclear Strike Even At London From Belarus....or is the 'target' Brussels?

leader of Crimean Tatars, Dzhemilev: "Crimean Tatars facing mass conscription into Russian army"

leader of Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev: "Crimean Tatars facing mass conscription into Russian army"(ZIK)

The leader of Crimean Tatars, Mustafa Dzhemilev, says the Russian authorities are registering males and a massive conscription into the Russian army is to start on Jan. 1.

“It is clear the Tatars will refuse to serve in the Russian army,” he said.

The Russians are just looking for an excuse to banish the Tatars from Crimea,” he said.

Ukraine asking for ‘big gas reverse’ from Slovakia

Ukraine asking for ‘big gas reverse’ from Slovakia. (RT).

“We have signed a memorandum which stipulates that the maximum amount of small reverse supplies stands at 22 million cubic meters daily. There is another option, large reverse supplies, which may provide us with up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually,” Yuri Prodan said during a meeting with EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger in Brussels.

Ukraine has already struck a deal to import 3.2 billion cubic meters of gas from Slovakia through reverse flow, as well as from neighboring Hungary and Poland. The two countries signed a memorandum of intent in April.

Kiev is highly dependent on Russia’s Gazprom to keep the heat on in the winter, but has fallen out with the gas producer over pricing and its huge debt. At the beginning of June, Gazprom switched Ukraine to a prepayment system.

Gazprom doubts the legality of reverse flow gas into Ukraine, since under the contract countries cannot redistribute Russian gas.


Deliveries from Slovakia could satisfy up to 20 percent of Ukraine’s natural gas demand, which in 2013 was 55 billion cubic meters. Hmmm.....It's going to be a long cold Russian Winter. 

Putin asks Russian Federation council to repeal decision to use military force in Ukraine.

Putin asks Russian Federation council to repeal decision to use military force in Ukraine.(RT).

President Vladimir Putin has proposed the upper house to call off the March 1 resolution allowing the head of state to use the armed forces on the territory of Ukraine, said presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov.

The Federation Council is preparing to consider the cancelation proposal on Wednesday, June 25.

“Because of the beginning of the three-party talks to settle down the situation in the eastern parts of Ukraine, the head of state has addressed to the Federation Council to repeal the resolution on the use of Russian armed forces on the territory of Ukraine,” ITAR-TASS cited Peskov as saying.

The president sent an address to Federation Council Valentina Matvienko today morning, ahead of leaving on official visit to Vienna.

The Federation Council’s resolution of March 1 agreed on the president‘s right to use military force on the territory of the neighboring Ukraine “until the normalization of the social and political situation in that country.”

The resolution was adopted following a presidential address demanding security be maintained “for citizens of the Russian Federation, our compatriots and personnel of the Russian contingent deployed in accordance with international agreements on the territory of the Autonomous Crimea Republic of Ukraine.”

The resolution was adopted in accordance of the first part of the Article 102 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation.

Ukrainian Pres. Poroshenko does not exclude the third world war, Russian troops marching towards Ukr border.

In Crimea Russians to pull artillery positions Ukrainian border[GoogleTranslate].

Ukrainian Pres. Poroshenko does not exclude the third world war.

Ukrainian military shelled a village near the border with Russia [Googletranslate]

Порошенко не виключає Третю світову війну http://t.co/2A7X2oMP9O
— 24 канал (@24tvua) June 22, 2014

So much for "de-escalation" "@StateOfUkraine: A huge (2 km long) Russian military convoy heading towards Ukraine http://t.co/n1GstgHwnV"
— Bill Browder (@Billbrowder) June 22, 2014

From the city Kamensk-Shahtinsk, located at a distance of 30 km. from the Ukrainian border, went convoy of Russian troops. They move in the direction of Ukraine

This is reported by sources Espreso.TV .

The column consists of a huge number of tanks, KAMAZ and other military equipment. It stretches over 2 km.

Note that the DNR continues to seek volunteers Panzer Division, which is composed of 250 tanks.

Interestingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Ukrainian troops continue ATO despite truce and does not notice the actions of terrorists. Also, Russians pidtyahnuly artillery positions in the Crimea to Ukrainian border. Earlier it was reported that the Russians in the Crimea to pull artillery positions Ukrainian border.

Marshal Dmitry Yazov: Russia troops in Ukraine could trigger World War III http://t.co/IT1Fks3Xn5 pic.twitter.com/eCCmidsteJ

— Ukraine Business (@UkraineBusines) June 22, 2014

#Donetsk:Supreme Council applies to the #UN for recognition of its sovereignty, #DPR official confirms.
— PaulaSlier_RT (@PaulaSlier_RT) June 22, 2014

BREAKING Reports large #Russia column of tanks and APCs heading to #Ukraine border now. #cdnpoli http://t.co/mXrvM3oXec …
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 22, 2014

Russia's Putin calls for compromise in Ukraine (from @AP) http://t.co/r82u2GIa3Z

— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) June 22, 2014

Ukrainian Pres. Poroshenko warns of ‘detailed Plan B’ if Ukraine ceasefire fails.

Ukrainian Pres. Poroshenko warns of ‘detailed Plan B’ if Ukraine ceasefire fails. (RT).

“Peaceful scenario – it is our plan A,” Poroshenko said in a statement on his website. “But those who expect to use the peace talks only to gain time to regroup, should know that we have a detailed plan B. I am not going to talk about it now, because I believe that our peace plan will work.”

The ceasefire in eastern Ukraine took effect on June 20 and will last until June 27, the day Kiev plans to sign the EU Association agreement.

However, “the military will be given the right to return fire if Ukrainian army units or peaceful civilians are attacked,” Poroshenko said in his decree. Since then, the tensions have slightly eased in some areas, but the Ukrainian army is still using artillery and the air force in sporadic clashes with anti-Kiev militias.
 
Poroshenko claims the ceasefire is designed to enable local self-defence militias to lay down their arms and flee the country, or be destroyed. He also, while drafting the plan with Kiev-appointed governors of the defiant regions, rejected any possibility of negotiations with representatives of anti-Kiev forces.

While welcoming Kiev’s ceasefire efforts, the Russian president said the current peace plan on the table “should not take the form of an ultimatum to militia groups,” according to the Kremlin statement. It’s not enough to just put hostilities on pause, but vital to immediately start “constructive negotiations” to reach a viable compromise between the parties to the conflict.

“Russia notes that the proposed plan will not be viable or realistic if no practical steps are taken to commence the negotiation process,” the statement reads, shedding doubt that it would work as “the confrontation continues and shells from the Ukrainian side land and explode on the Russian territory.”

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that most clauses of President Poroshenko's peace plan look more like an ultimatum to the militias in Donetsk and Lugansk regions rather than an invitation to dialogue.

“The plan lacks the key thing – a proposal to start dialogue. This is a drastic departure from the Geneva statement of April 17 which is still supported by all of our Western partners, the United States, the European Union and the Ukrainian authorities or at least they say so,” Lavrov said, reports Itar-Tass.

OPINION: Ukraine peace plan is ‘Poroshenko’s PR move in a form of ultimatum’

Lavrov once again highlighted that Moscow is alarmed that Kiev continues the shelling, which now impact Russian border crossings with Ukraine.

“We are very much alarmed and worried by the fact that simultaneously with the announcement of the peace plan, a military operation was stepped up, which resulted in people wounded on the Russian side,” he said. 

Russian Pres Putin orders surprise drills to check combat readiness of central Russia forces.

Russian Pres Putin orders surprise drills to check combat readiness of central Russia forces. (RT).

Russia’s troops in the Central Military District have been put on alert to verify troops’ combat-readiness during massive war games of all branches of the armed forces. The exercises involve the relocation of military personnel and hardware, firing training and complex inspections.

“In accordance with president’s order, today starting from 11:00 Moscow time [07:00 GMT] all troops of the Central Military District have been placed in a state of full combat readiness," Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at staff meeting.

The drills will last for a week, from June 21 through 28, Shoigu said.


During the first 24 hours, the troops’ readiness for immediate deployment on a combat mission will be checked.

After that, military units will switch to tactical training, marching in battle formation to firing ranges for practice, Shoigu said.

Air Force units in the district will relocate planes to operational airfields to check their readiness for action in new locations. In particular, the 98th Airborne Division will be relocated from the Ivanovo Region of the Volga Federal District to the Urals for paratrooper jump exercises at the Chebarkul firing range.

The minister specifically ordered units to avoid any possible damage to civilian installations and infrastructure during the military drills, and to ensure the safety of military personnel, arms and hardware.

The June 21-28 drill is the second stage of general exercises in the Central Military District, Shoigu said. A special commission has already verified the general situation in the district and now the war games will give the picture of combat readiness of the troops stationed on a swathe of huge territory from the Volga River through the Urals Mountains to Siberia, and from the Kara Sea in the Arctic to the steppe on Russia’s southern border with Kazakhstan.


Shoigu said that the 28th and 35th Motorized Brigades began the training June 20, when both units were put on alert ahead of the rest of the military forces in the region.

#Russia's snap military drill by the numbers: 65,000 troops, 5,500 weapon units & military vehicles, 180 planes, 60 helicopters

— Kirit Radia (@KiritRadia) June 21, 2014

#Ukraine - Putin issues response to Poroshenko's ceasefire announcement [via @RFERL]: The announcement of Ukrain… http://t.co/q7SehXqMVC

— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) June 21, 2014

So #Putin orders snap drills in #Siberia?On the eve of #Nazi #Germany's invasion of #USSR. His last snap drills annexed #Ukraine's #Crimea.

— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) June 21, 2014

BREAKING #Russia puts #Ukraine’s Interior Minister Arsen Avakov on intl wanted list http://t.co/Ld9GutB3rU #cdnpoli

— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 21, 2014

#Donetsk - Column of armoured vehicles of NAF at Tores, near Donetsk http://t.co/Yu4iNOcvWE http://t.co/jDOMRKXaJS via @ofehr_en #Ukraine

— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 21, 2014

Russia Continues Military Exercise near EU Border, 'Eliminates' Militant Group

Russia Continues Military Exercise near EU Border, 'Eliminates' Militant Group. (RN).

Paratroopers and coastal troops taking part in a large scale exercise in Russia’s Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad successfully “eliminated” a group of militants, according to the Russian Baltic Fleet’s press office.

“In the exercise’s scenario, intelligence was received about an illegal military group’s presence in one of the districts of Kaliningrad Region. A motorized infantry regiment was alerted,” said the statement. The motorized infantry regiment had to move 60 kilometers with artillery support to force the surrender of and eliminate the “potential enemy” forces.

During the first stage of the drills, Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-34 bombers engaged land targets, while the Friday exercise involved about 1,000 military personnel and more than 100 pieces of military hardware, including aviation.

The joint exercise of Russia’s Baltic Fleet, Air Force and paratroopers is taking place at the same time as the NATO’s Saber Strike 2014 and Baltops 2014 exercises. The Russian Defense Ministry earlier said the number of troops deployed by Russia for the Kaliningrad military exercises is comparable to the ongoing NATO drills in terms of personnel and military hardware.

Following the reunification of Crimea with Russia, NATO has been flexing its military muscle near the Russian border. Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern over the West’s aggressive pressure on Russia.

Breaking - Ukraine building up forces Near Crimea border.

#Russian sources claim forces return 2 the #Ukrainian border b/c of the escalation of situation in East Ukraine & "Ukr. provocations"
— Natasha Mozgovaya (@mozgovaya) June 19, 2014

#Russia Kremlin official accuses #Ukraine of genocide in #Donetsk & #Luhansk #cdnpoli #UN http://t.co/TQqnjyHzJp via @ria_novosti
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Fresh footage (from yesterday) from #Gukovo. Russian forces take positions 2 km from #Ukraine. https://t.co/VKFCdYRb9T
— ConflictReporter (@MiddleEast_BRK) June 19, 2014

BREAKING Leader of #Russia Communist Party proposes recognizing #Lugansk, #Donetsk Republics Via @ofehr_en #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/ZOmxEkgCG1
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Tweet Below:   "Naftogaz Ukrainy", "Gazprom" plans to terminate the agreement on balancing transit to Europe russian.rt.com/article/37226

«Нафтогаз Украины»: «Газпром» планирует расторгнуть договор о балансировке транзита в Европу http://t.co/BTILGqbTMb
— RT на русском (@RT_russian) June 19, 2014

#Ukraine SBU place #Russia journalists on "most wanted" terrorist list... http://t.co/vSWoHUClge via @RT_russian #cdnpoli #pressfreedom
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Ukraine Liveblog: NATO Sees Russian Troop Buildup - And The Kremlin Won't Comment http://t.co/WaAJqrNxfm
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) June 19, 2014

Putin: No more zero duties on #Ukraine imports, if Kiev inks EU deal http://t.co/q1mPwMRxbq
— RT (@RT_com) June 19, 2014

Ukraine crisis: Battle erupts amid talk of truce - BBC News: BBC NewsUkraine crisis: Battle erupts amid talk o... http://t.co/k8NpoQ2xGS
— Stella Pollard (@breakingnews_90) June 19, 2014

Left:Rebel 82mm mortar that hit a base. Right:Alleged Ukr army 82mm mortar that hit a church. https://t.co/ATb8ckBLD8 pic.twitter.com/bSyZm40YLp
— ConflictReporter (@MiddleEast_BRK) June 19, 2014

Oh. Oh dear. RT @AP: BREAKING: NATO: Russians resume military buildup near Ukraine, "several thousand" more troops deployed .
— Hayes Brown (@HayesBrown) June 19, 2014

BREAKING #Ukraine army shells Soviet WW2 memorial at Saur-Mogila, #Donetsk https://t.co/QnT2SlNBGi … via @Hlipinsky #Russia #cdnpoli
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Video: June 19 mortar attack on #Ukraine Border Guard camp in #Alekseevka #Donetsk region. #Ukraine https://t.co/Ndu3xwXdRw
— lennutrajektoor (@lennutrajektoor) June 19, 2014

REPORTS Fight in #KrasnyLiman #Yampil & #Seversk today. Losses #Ukraine: 1 tank,5 BMD so far via @Truth_Seeker_11 #Russia #Donetsk #cdnpoli
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

#Ukraine NSDC rep: #Russia continue to accumulate armed forces near border, they organize firing positions and camouflage military equipment
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) June 19, 2014

There is fierce battle in #KrasnyLiman area of #Donetsk region. Witnesses say about pro-RU tanks and dozens trucks w/fighters & heavy weapon
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) June 19, 2014

#Poroshenko's press service says Ukr president will meet #Donetsk and #Lugansk authorities today. Ukranian media.
— PaulaSlier_RT (@PaulaSlier_RT) June 19, 2014

 #Tymchuk On June 6 for downing An-30 @ #Slaviansk was used #RUS the latest MPAD "Verba", issued 1 week prior to army. http://t.co/7YCP66twYk — lennutrajektoor (@lennutrajektoor) June 19, 2014

#NATO SG @AndersFoghR @ChathamHouse:new Russian buildup on #Ukraine border is "a very regrettable step backwards"
— Oana Lungescu (@NATOpress) June 19, 2014

Kiev authorities want to substitute national dialogue with protest suppression http://t.co/mkeZAjfuxe
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) June 19, 2014

RT @mfa_russia #Lukashevich:There is a humanitarian crisis in eastern #Ukraine,the extent of which @OSCE SG saw for himself #cdnpoli #Russia
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

#Lukashevich: We hope the #Ukrainian authorities will refrain from unilateral border demarcation in violation of international commitments
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) June 19, 2014

#Lukashevich: A Joint Demarcation Commission has been established in 2010 under the #Russian-#Ukrainian agreement on border demarcation
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) June 19, 2014

BREAKING Bridge in #Donetsk is damaged by explosion. #Ukraine #cdnpoli
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

RT @PaulaSlier_RT #Ukraine military reportedly reinforce roadblocks on border with #Crimea - Ukr. officials. #Russia #cdnpoli
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Ukraine Liveblog Day 122: Reports of Heavy Combat Near Krasny Liman http://t.co/WJbbGtOxUq
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) June 19, 2014

RT @A_J_S_B 10m FLASH NEWS: #Ukraine builds up forces near #Crimea border. #Russia #cdnpoli
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

@LauraWalkerKC considering troop movements looks like something is up.
— MFS - The Other News (@MFS001) June 19, 2014

#Ukraine armour moving to start lines at #Luhansk #cdnpoli http://t.co/8LscH7e35P via @YouTube
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Russia has send a fleet of brand new fighter jets to the border with Ukraine. [GoogleTranslate] .The new jets can perform precise attacks in any weather, day or night. In eastern Ukraine, on the border with Russia, tensions have been running for weeks in fighting between the army and pro-Russian Ukrainian rebels. Officially, Russia keeps aloof, but in practice, Russia close eye on the situation. The new aircraft should help.

Tanks of #Ukraine army being transported through #Kharkiv to #Luhansk for assault there. #cdnpoli http://t.co/qGRUIN5taB via @YouTube
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

Fights reportedly happening in #Kramatorsk, #KrasnyLiman and #Slavyansk. Russian media says citing eyewitness and colleagues in the field.
— PaulaSlier_RT (@PaulaSlier_RT) June 19, 2014

На востоке Украины возобновилась силовая операция http://t.co/NASG0N1NXx
— RT на русском (@RT_russian) June 19, 2014

#Ukraine army is assaulting #KrasnyiLiman , which is strange considering they were supposed to have captured it weeks ago. #cdnpoli
— Rock Solid Politics (@BradCabana) June 19, 2014

https://t.co/K8bK2rfOZu Near #Luhansk, #Ukraine (yesterday): #Ukrainian tanks ready to take care of terrorists #ATO pic.twitter.com/dEVqSEzkhz
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) June 19, 2014

No power, water and food shortages: E. Ukrainian city survives amid Kiev’s army shelling http://t.co/zs49OEl0if pic.twitter.com/Iycivmwohp
— RT (@RT_com) June 19, 2014

Life in Occupied Sloviansk: Residents Collect Water from a Pumping Station with Bottles and Stay at a Bus Station Hoping to Leave. PHOTOS

VIDEO - TODAY Convoy of Russian Airborne BMD 5 km from border - Heavy Ukrainian Artillery moving

VIDEO TODAY Сonvoy of Ukraine heavy artillery at Schastye 18/6/14 Donetsk Lugansk Slavyansk Ukraine.


Russia has send a fleet of brand new fighter jets to the border with Ukraine. [GoogleTranslate] .The new jets can perform precise attacks in any weather, day or night. In eastern Ukraine, on the border with Russia, tensions have been running for weeks in fighting between the army and pro-Russian Ukrainian rebels. Officially, Russia keeps aloof, but in practice, Russia close eye on the situation. The new aircraft should help.

Slavyansk mayor asks Russia to send peacekeepers in wake of deadly night attack.

Slavyansk mayor asks Russia to send peacekeepers in wake of deadly night attack.(VOR).[GoogleTranslate].

Head of the self-defense units of Ukraine's eastern town of Slavyansk, Vladimir Ponomaryov, who was appointed Slavyansk mayor by the town's residents, has asked Russia to send peacekeepers to eastern Ukraine to protect civilians from National Guard and Right Sector militants.

Three residents Sloviansk, including a school bus driver and another citizen, were killed and two injured 

"They kill our people. They don't talk to us but just kill," Ponomaryov said at an emergency press conference in the wake of last night's armed clashes on the outskirts of Slavyansk. "The town has actually been besieged by the Right Sector," he said. Only Russia can protect civilians from the Right Sector, Ponomaryov said, that's why he decided to ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to send peacekeepers to the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions, the RIA Novosti news agency reports.

Moscow is outraged by the armed incident that occurred Saturday night in Slavyansk in which innocent civilians died as a result of an attack by Right Sector militants, the Russian Foreign Ministry says. "The Russian side is enraged by the militant provocation which is an indication of the reluctance of the authorities in Kiev to bridle and disarm nationalists and extremists," a ministry statement says.

"It is surprising that the tragedy occurred after the signing on April 17 in Geneva of the final statement of the four-sided meeting of representatives of Russia, the USA, EU and Ukraine which calls for refraining from any violent actions, intimidation or provocations. The Russian side insists on the strict fulfillment by the Ukrainian side of its commitments concerning the de-escalation the situation in southeast Ukraine," the ministry says, Interfax reports.

"The Eastern ceasefire was violated in Slavyansk on April 20. As a result of an armed attack by the so-called Right Sector innocent civilians died. Local residents seized the vehicles of the attackers in which they discovered arms, aerial maps of the area and Right Sector paraphernalia," the statement says.

Crimea - Ukraine- Russia Crisis - Live Updates.

Ukraine - Crimea Crisis Live updates from MFS Twitter   , Interpreter , Kyevpost and RT RT Russian - Euromaidan in English. ITAR TASS.Voice of Russia. Svoboda Rferl Guardian Censornet BBC

A fact-check site created to control disinformation in #Russian media due to the massive Russian propaganda -http://stopfake.org/

Continuously updated :

Video - Right Sector March in Odessa this week in support of Ukraine,Calls out to all right sector in Europe to join.

The Communist party in #Ukraine stopped legislation that would stabilize the situation in the East and effectively joined forces with #Putin
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 18, 2014

U.S. Warns Money Managers of More Russia Sanctions http://t.co/8mn6earzFI
— Russia Update (@RussiaUpdate) April 18, 2014

Multiple reports that #Putin tourists/troops are heading to #Zaporozhye eastern #Ukraine. Separatist activity is expected there this weekend
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 18, 2014

Ukraine Liveblog: NATO Commander Says Russian Troops Are In East Ukraine and Lead the Separatist Militias http://t.co/MeVkph4mWR
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) April 18, 2014

#Transnistria, has asked #Russia to recognize it's independence from Moldova. The timing is likely not a coincidence. http://t.co/WVBmgrYHRM
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 18, 2014

Tymoshenko and volunteer forces. Picture of the day? pic.twitter.com/LKmYFgFs7K
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) April 18, 2014

Why The West's Financial Warfare Against Russia May Lead To The Real Thing.

A mix of military reluctance and willingness to use financial weapons was evident before the First World War, as it is now in Ukraine. Countries' efforts to protect their financial systems often centred on increased banking supervision and, in many cases, enlarging the central bank's authority to include the provision of emergency liquidity to domestic institutions. But this belief fuelled excessive confidence among those responsible for the reforms, preventing them from anticipating that military measures would soon be needed to protect the economy. Instead of being an alternative to war, the financial arms race made war more likely – as it may well be doing with Russia today.

US assessments of four-party meeting on Ukraine highly disappointing http://t.co/zdFhFlBkGK @RusEmbUSA
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 18, 2014

Russian EU envoy says Kiev misinterpreted Geneva agreement http://t.co/OlpFsuT8Kz
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 18, 2014

Moscow describes European Parliament resolution on #Ukraine as insulting http://t.co/ZLrC2cdfA9
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 18, 2014

Lavrov tweets that Transdniester parliament asks Russia to declare it as an independent republic. The Russians never stop.
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 18, 2014

#Ukraine PM Yatsenyuk is Easter message promises to restore 'special status' of Russian language. http://t.co/W5Ry3mjqJ8
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 18, 2014

#Donetsk response to Geneva agreement: #Ukraine authorities occupy government buildings illegally. We vacate administrations only after them
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 18, 2014

Константинов: Киевскую хунту ожидает будущее более печальное, чем у Януковича: «Новоросс.info» - Председатель ... http://t.co/nyuD3qf4UE
— Новоросс ИНФО (@novorossinfo) April 18, 2014

Tweet below: Lvov canceled Nazis march, fearing "Russian provocations"

Львовские нацисты отменили марш, испугавшись «российских провокаций» http://t.co/3CumKbVsTu
— Антимайдан (@anti_maydan) April 18, 2014

Picture from December 2013 

Crimea - Ukraine- Russia Crisis - Live Updates.

Ukraine - Crimea Crisis Live updates from MFS Twitter   , Interpreter , Kyevpost and RT RT Russian - Euromaidan in English. ITAR TASS.Voice of Russia. Svoboda Rferl Guardian Censornet BBC

A fact-check site created to control disinformation in #Russian media due to the massive Russian propaganda -http://stopfake.org/

Continuously updated :

NATO Sending 5 Ships to Baltic Sea Due to Ukraine Crisis http://t.co/8gsovc8IRq

— MFS - The Other News (@MFS001) April 17, 2014

Earlier today, #Putin left open the possibility that he would send troops into #Ukraine if needed. This partly contradicts Geneva statements
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

Ship VMSU "Donbass" returned to Ukraine: the Russians stole pieces of equipment and "gave" the leftovers.(Dumskaja)[GoogleTranslate]. (photo) 

The commander added that the life support system of the ship through the electromechanical warhead, as well as radar and remain in the ranks. However, he said, etogonelzya say about the state of communications and rescue assets. They disappeared from the board. One member of the team refines the scale of what happened with the "Donbass" in Russian captivity: "Part of the boiler is removed, cut hoses, whitecaps on the ports are removed, the door brutally knocked out, ripped off the taps in the latrine, Horns no, mate devices are incapacitated, no galley utensils. The apogee was just stuck on the porthole rat in one of the cabins. "

Ukraine Liveblog: New Statements from Separatist Leader in Donetsk confirm authenticity of anti-Jewish leaflets http://t.co/TRWjXpkAZM
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) April 17, 2014

BREAKING: Military operation in #Ukraine southeast to go on despite Geneva agreement - #Kiev http://t.co/Xlor9M0Fp1
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Three guys post leaflets purporting to be signed by Donetsk separatist leader. He denies. Jewish community accepts denial. Kerry doesn't.
— Leonid Ragozin (@leonidragozin) April 17, 2014

#Lavrov: diplomats making strides in #Geneva; Police prevent attack by armed separatists n #Kramatorsk (LIVE UPDATES) http://t.co/2rMUkICynd
— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) April 17, 2014

Geneva Statement of April 17, 2014 agreed by the ministers of foreign affaires of Russia, USA, Ukraine and the EU http://t.co/rXKAkMriq6
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 17, 2014

The ICC has just accepted jurisdiction over crimes committed in Ukraine, following a request from Kiev.
— Mark Leon Goldberg (@MarkLGoldberg) April 17, 2014

Ukraine Liveblog: John Kerry References Anti-Jewish Leaflet in Donetsk - our analysis of the document http://t.co/wEZQPfCGXP
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) April 17, 2014

Details of anti-terrorist operation in Kramatorsk https://t.co/Kw3e59rn0F |DefenceUA #UnitedForUkraine pic.twitter.com/Bns8XCFoz3
— Defence Ministry UA (@DefenceUA) April 17, 2014

Geneva Statement of April 17, 2014 pic.twitter.com/hKeW2qOGJ1
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 17, 2014

Secret Report: Pro-Russian Militias 'Supervised and Guided' By Russian Intelligence http://t.co/OVXVSh6vzD /via @Interpreter_Mag #Ukraine
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

#Erdogan talked to #Putin on phone. He told Putin that #Turkey attributes great attention-importance to wellbeing of #Crimean #Tatars.
— Abdullah Ayasun (@abyasun) April 17, 2014

The Geneva joint statement on #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/X9OTkzfPFr via @obk | Liveblog → http://t.co/B2Q83wMlbu
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

Canada also sending approximately 20 military officers to NATO headquarters in Brussels for planning. #Ukraine http://t.co/kYvEiLYQWl
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

.@pmharper: Canada "always prepared to work with our allies in NATO & elsewhere to try & bring whatever stability we can to the situation."
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

The six CF-18 fighter jets Canada is deploying 2 Europe will be based at Lask Poland. #Ukraine http://t.co/GDg31HywcJ pic.twitter.com/40lxXIuEhp
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Canada @pmharper: CF-18s a response to "expansionism & militarism on the part of Russia under presidency of Mr Putin" http://t.co/GDg31HywcJ
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

KERRY: If we do not see progress [in #Ukraine], we will have no choice but to impose greater costs on Russia http://t.co/JgbHrouCDf
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

#Lavrov on what #Russia wants fr #Ukraine: 'First of all,it's decentralization'+'decent role for the #Russian lang' pic.twitter.com/zKITTfiYe6
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) April 17, 2014

Lavrov's press conference seems to be nothing to get excited about. Basic diplomatic blah blah
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 17, 2014

Canada's @pmharper: Russia's militarism in Ukraine crisis is "a long-term serious threat to global peace & security" http://t.co/GDg31HywcJ
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Deal reached on calming Ukraine tensions (from @AP) http://t.co/PPbt42hjNu
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) April 17, 2014

I think very little happened at 4 party talks today. Question is will Putin send his thugs out over Easter weekend and risk new sanctions.
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 17, 2014

KERRY: Concrete steps needed, not just words in order to defuse the situation in #Ukraine http://t.co/200Vx0Kh8d
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Canada Sending Six Fighter Jets for NATO Operation in Eastern Europe http://t.co/GDg31HywcJ pic.twitter.com/LPXorN2wHr
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Lavrov re federalization: we aren't stuck on terms; there are unitary states where regions have wider power than in federalized states.
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) April 17, 2014

#LAVROV: Russia outraged by travel restrictions imposed by #Ukraine, very concerned by such discriminatory attitudes http://t.co/JgbHrouCDf
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

#LAVROV: No intention to send troops to #Ukraine, it's contrary to Russia's fundamental interests http://t.co/JgbHrouCDf
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

#Russia urges protestors to leave seized buildings in #Ukraine & return them to rightful owners, we'll have to see if that means #Yanukovych
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

Kerry speaking now. Seems that he may have attended a meeting other than the one Lavrov attended
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 17, 2014

Russian Anti-Americanism Today Very Different and Much Worse than Soviet-Era Variant, Mirsky Says http://t.co/AZdI8SsfLF
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) April 17, 2014

Live stream from pro-#Ukraine rally in #Donetsk http://t.co/3V1MtiYnxI
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

At pro Ukrainian meeting in #Donetsk now. Lots of police. Some riding horses. 2-3 thousand protesters.
— Petr Shelomovskiy (@stopnarcotics) April 17, 2014

Ukraine Restarts Gas Imports From Poland, Maxes Out Pipeline

RT @johnrayitv Some satisfaction here of surprise progress on #Ukraine talks. Agreement will include measures to calm tensions.
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

Base attack, referendum plans overshadow Russia, Ukraine talks http://t.co/8Icx0l38EA
— Russia Update (@RussiaUpdate) April 17, 2014

what we know about the "closing"/closing of the Ukrainian border for Russian men: http://t.co/csZFBXHGAS
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) April 17, 2014

Just arrived to Donetsk airport to find five Seperatists giving life news' camera team a hard time.
— Roland Oliphant (@RolandOliphant) April 17, 2014

#Putin: Crimean 'little green men' were Russian servicemen, helped ensure true referendum http://t.co/QxJtuaezqS #Ukraine
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Separatists say Donetsk Berkut troops join protesters trying to take control of the local airport. http://t.co/dV4G5lQFqD
— Leonid Ragozin (@leonidragozin) April 17, 2014

.@NOVORUSSIA2014 reports pro-Russian protestors have seized Donetsk airport in response to Kiev's travel ban & reopened it to Russian men
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 17, 2014

Putin feels obligation to protect ethnic Russians in other countries. "We must do everything to help these people" http://t.co/fG8YqnMwVn
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Putin describes Ukrainian cities Kharkiv, Lugansk, Donetsk, & Odessa as "new Russia" http://t.co/fG8YqnMwVn pic.twitter.com/sCgFnUmwdR
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Putin Asserts Right to Use Force in Eastern Ukraine http://t.co/fG8YqnMwVn pic.twitter.com/lvlQ2oJ0jG
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Putin: "I really hope that I do not have to exercise this right & that by political & diplomatic means we will be able to solve... problems"
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

Putin: "I remind you that the Federation Council has given the president the right to use armed forces in Ukraine" http://t.co/fG8YqnMwVn
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

#Slavyansk : pro-#Russians seized local TV station and turned off all #Ukrainian channels and started streaming #Russian channels
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

#Stakhanovo: about 100 pro-#Russins are about to storm police dept, man organized seizure in #Lugansk with megaphone https://t.co/MTs0AEEIcK
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

@leonidragozin i talked to the border guard service and they're denying it. So far Aeroflot is the only source on that.
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) April 17, 2014

Inside Ukraine's 'Donetsk People's Republic' http://t.co/JZyH1VrjFe
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 17, 2014

Crimean tatar leader Dzemilev says "almost 5k crimean tatars have been forced to leave their homeland. Most have settled in western oblasts"
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 17, 2014

SACEUR: Several NATO Members Have Offered to Deploy Ground Troops in Eastern Allies. #Ukraine http://t.co/iUeui5GXkK pic.twitter.com/ALtDh3faRc
— NATOSource (@NATOSource) April 17, 2014

RT @LukeReuters: Geneva talks on #Ukraine aiming for "written solution", diplomats saying. Is it something #Russia will avoid signing again?
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

Activists "antimaydana" picketed the Consulate General of Poland in Odessa (photos)(Dumskaja).[GoogleTranslate]

report separatists readying to take militia HQ in Stahanov Donetsk oblast
— bruce springnote (@BSpringnote) April 17, 2014

Mariupol city council: the first to open fire on separatists.(photos and Video)(Dumskaja).[GoogleTranslate]

Ukraine's border guards spox just told me he is not aware of the restrictions Aeroflot talks about but admitted checks are more stringent.
— Nataliya Vasilyeva (@NatVasilyevaAP) April 17, 2014

Typo or a sign on the wall?- "President of Ukraine Vladimir Putin"

Ukraine Liveblog: Ukraine Severely Restricts Russians and Crimeans From Entering the Country http://t.co/tDCJFiT7EY
— The Interpreter (@Interpreter_Mag) April 17, 2014

#Ukraine closed border: Ukraine notified #Aeroflot that henceforth entry will be denied to all #Russian citizens men aged 16 to 60 years
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

100+ anti-Kiev protestors with Donetsk flags are reportedly headed to airport, their number growing all the time http://t.co/HV1jcUBjsb
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 17, 2014

#Ukraine #Mariupol: Security Service of #Ukraine asks residents to leave city center, anti-terrorist operation is about to start.
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) April 17, 2014

ANALYSIS: Putin Hints Dialogue Possible Between Moscow, Kiev.

Putin said Thursday he is sure that Russia and Ukraine will be able to find an understanding in their mutual relations.
"We are all under the oppression of certain emotions, but if we love one another and respect each other, then we must find a way to understand each other. I think that within a family it’s easier to do than between governments, but even within government relations, I'm sure that we’ll find a mutual understanding with Ukraine and that we will never part," Putin said.
Nikolai Mironov, General Director of the Institute of Priority Regional Projects, expressed hope that Ukraine and the international community would heed Putin’s call. Yet the expert noted that a number of factors might prevent the West and Kiev from tuning in to what Moscow says.
“First of all, the Kiev authorities are extremely anti-Russian,” Mironov said. “And given their actions, it is highly unlikely that they are hearing Russia’s calls,” he said, adding that Western governments promote their national interests even while their populations feel differently.
Moreover, Moscow tries to differentiate between the notions of “Ukrainian authorities” and a “Ukrainian state,” Makarkin believes.
“The Russian President distinguishes between Ukraine as a country and Ukraine’s authorities,” Makarkin said. “On the one hand, Ukraine is a country with close historical ties with Russia and Putin says he has nothing against it and that Russia still respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and people,” he told RIA Novosti. “On the other hand, there is a strong negative attitude towards the current authorities,” Makarkin added.Hmmm.....Wishful thinking

Mustafa #Jemilev named possible reason for #Russian aggression in E. #Ukraine attempt to derail presidential elections. presser |PR News
— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) April 17, 2014

NATO Reaches New Low in Anti-Russian Rhetoric – Russian Foreign Ministry

RT @KremlinRussia_E Vladimir Putin on relations with the US: We are disappointed by the double standards @rusembusa
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 17, 2014

Now at other entrance to Kramatorsk airfield. Snipers lurk on top of hummock. Soldiers warn not to go further. Helis flying
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 17, 2014

#Putin says oil wars with #Russia will make West bleed http://t.co/0Ob4zR5FL5
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Missed out on #Putin's four-hour phone-in session? No worries, learn the recent upds from VR's detailed report:http://t.co/J7f1iytEv0
— The Voice of Russia (@VoiceofRussia) April 17, 2014

Soon coming up live broadcast of Sergey Lavrov's press conference following quadripartite talks on Ukraine in Geneva http://t.co/C06v5AipD3
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 17, 2014

https://t.co/OZ1kz6iHDL 'He said trespassers will be shot.' #Russians upset attack on mil base was repelled #Mariupol pic.twitter.com/Nxav5nhIRr
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) April 17, 2014

2viewpoints in Tatar community: not to collaborate w/ occupants at all, to take #Russian passports to be able to work, #Jemilev presser |PR
— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) April 17, 2014

https://t.co/LiLA5TUYPM 4 #Russian terrorists dead as #Ukrainians repel attack on mil base in #Mariupol last night #RussianInvasion
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) April 17, 2014

On Monday, pro-Russia protesters stormed a police station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Horlivka. VICE News correspondent Simon Ostrovsky joined them as they seized the building. Inside, the demonstrators attacked a police officer accused of pushing someone off of a ledge while the person was trying to display a Russian flag. Later that day, a video emerged on the internet showing a man purporting to be a Russian army colonel giving orders to officers in eastern Ukraine. This is the first bit of evidence that there might already be Russian boots on the ground in the country.

Kramatorsk mayor is visiting with Ukrainian forces at airfield for second time today. Locals don't like him much, we saw the other day
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 17, 2014

Putin says annexation of Crimea partly response to NATO enlargement

From tmw #Crimea citizens will automatically become #Russian ones, Tatars will keep both passports. Mustafa Jemilev, #Crimean Tatars leader.
— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) April 17, 2014

3 pro-#Russian assailants killed during an operation against military base in #Mariupol http://t.co/aFXqweMM7a | EMPR pic.twitter.com/PqTV0jiJ8Z
— Euromaidan PR (@EuromaidanPR) April 17, 2014

President: Russia does not fear the West's sanctions or NATO's expansion #DirectLine
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) April 17, 2014

Путин: Россия может не признать результаты президентских выборов на Украине: «Новоросс.info» - Сегодняшняя вла... http://t.co/0mz0NuU3IZ
— Новоросс ИНФО (@novorossinfo) April 17, 2014

Three pro-Russian assailants killed during an operation against a military base in Mariupol http://t.co/yJWilIbq8q http://t.co/m6K0ua9Vel
— MaidanOnline (@MaidanOnline) April 17, 2014

Putin on if Obama would save him from drowning: He is brave and courageous, of course he would http://t.co/Ev7mhqO2NN pic.twitter.com/SbaIkqfzO3
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Cooling of relations with U.S. not Russia's fault - Putin

'A Partner for Russia': Europe's Far Right Flirts with Moscow

What are the options for de-escalation in Ukraine?

Why do you need Alaska, Putin asks pensioner

#Putin: We will not rebuild an iron curtain. Will not close our country to anyone else LIVE on YouTube http://t.co/Ev7mhqO2NN
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

#Putin: Neither 'green men' nor 'liberal hamsters' but lets deepen our conversation culture WATCH LIVE http://t.co/QRXWuUMPeq
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Вопрос: Согласны ли Вы оставаться президентом пожизненно? Путин: Нет! (ПРЯМАЯ ТРАНСЛЯЦИЯ) http://t.co/U82KYg1IuE
— RT на русском (@RT_russian) April 17, 2014

'How can I trust him?' #Putin reveals #NATO chief secretly recorded their talk, leaked to media LIVE STREAM http://t.co/Ev7mhqO2NN
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Военные, которые охраняют аэропорт Донецка,ожидают штурм сепаратистов в ближайшее время. Готовятся
— Новости Донбасса (@novostidnua) April 17, 2014

Police helped us out! But I'm afraid the russian passport magic is over. They are looking for us now
— Petr Shelomovskiy (@stopnarcotics) April 17, 2014

#Putin makes an overture to #Hungary's far-right #Jobbik, #France's Le Pen. So what's wrong w/ #Ukraine's right? pic.twitter.com/XSS95dCBah
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) April 17, 2014

Putin: We have a strong legal framework for wiretapping & internet surveillance. It's a decision by court. It's not of a mass character
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

#Snowden: Does #Russia 'intercept, store or analyze' private data? #Putin: 'Not on a mass scale' #NSA #PRISM pic.twitter.com/ujQa7lFqu5
— Ukrainian Updates (@Ukroblogger) April 17, 2014

Russia to switch to advance gas payments for Ukraine, if no money comes - Putin 

Владимир Путин: в марте новое правительство Украины не заплатило ничего за газ #ПрямаяЛиния
— Президент России (@KremlinRussia) April 17, 2014

#Putin: Americans think they can interfere at will all over world (Iraq, Libya) yet Russia can't defend its interests http://t.co/fd7DAXYZvO
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

#Putin on EU partners: It's hard to talk to people who whisper in their homes, fearing that Americans listening http://t.co/fd7DAXYZvO
— RT (@RT_com) April 17, 2014

Slaviansk militia parked the armor they captured yesterday behind SBU barricades pic.twitter.com/6I4lB1Kwwu
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) April 17, 2014

Putin suggests "not to exaggerate" the issue of accession Alaska to #Russia http://t.co/ARORXYLHtU ~Itar-Tass
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

Kiev doesn’t pay even the lowered gas price, not a dollar so far. Russia will wait a month more - #Putin pic.twitter.com/EJFf4J1yeR
— The Voice of Russia (@VoiceofRussia) April 17, 2014

RT @jbaetz #EU's @BarrosoEU warns #Russia's Putin in letter against instrumentalizing Gazprom in #Ukraine crisis http://t.co/tifPTxpPqP
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

RT @PaulSonne Putin says he doesn't want to put Russian troops in #Ukraine but not ruling it out. http://t.co/6d4Jszfi6K
— Yannis Koutsomitis (@YanniKouts) April 17, 2014

Президент: сейчас идет подготовка закона о реабилитации крымских татар #ПрямаяЛиния
— Президент России (@KremlinRussia) April 17, 2014