Russia declares war on Ukraine. Live updates from inside Ukraine

the state department is finally getting around to Simon being held by russian terrorists.

“We condemn any such actions, and all recent hostage-takings in eastern Ukraine, which directly violate commitments made in the Geneva joint statement,” said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki in response to the abduction. “We call on Russia to use its influence with these groups to secure the immediate and safe release of all hostages in eastern Ukraine.”

I dont think those russians relize this could blow up in there face. Nothing gets the American public into a frenzy quicker than some tyrant putting Americans in jeopardy.They very easily could end up with special forces entering the building if this catches traction.

originally posted by: cosmonova

originally posted by: Xcathdra
a reply to: cosmonova

That reaction by Slovakia just undermined a main point you, Russia and others have argued regarding NATO. As has been stated time and again, NATO members have control over what is deployed to their countries. Just as Ukraine would be able to do if they ever opted to join.

With that said, why is NATO a threat to Russia again?

it was all about the last sentence:
'Slovakia is ready to help Ukraine as far as its possibilities allow, in order not to harm its own economy.'

That said a lot and that is how most of EU countries feel. And that is why, apart from rhetoric and barking,we do not see any real support from EU. No one is ready to jeopardize their economy for Ukraine.

Which is why Germany has been leading the EU effort there.

With Germany having the most to lose, aside from Ukraine, when it comes to its economy. However, my point was the fact that the expansion of NATO and what it stands for is not what Russia or others in this thread have claimed. Membership in NATO does not require that nation to have bases or be required to host them.

The only requirement is a pledge to defend another members if they are under attack. Even the charter restricts the defense mechanism to Europe and north America only, preventing it from being applied in areas like Asia.

a reply to: asen_y2k

Thanks for the response.. I was not sure if it was merely a change in terminology or an effort to consolidate "sides".

originally posted by: dragonridr
the state department is finally getting around to Simon being held by russian terrorists.

“We condemn any such actions, and all recent hostage-takings in eastern Ukraine, which directly violate commitments made in the Geneva joint statement,” said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki in response to the abduction. “We call on Russia to use its influence with these groups to secure the immediate and safe release of all hostages in eastern Ukraine.”

I dont think those russians relize this could blow up in there face. Nothing gets the American public into a frenzy quicker than some tyrant putting Americans in jeopardy.They very easily could end up with special forces entering the building if this catches traction.

Which could in turn blow up in our face.

Our justifications for involvement are not the same as Russia's. Even a minor action to protect a US citizen can be spun by Russia. Based on the actions of our Commander in chief......

originally posted by: asen_y2k

originally posted by: Xcathdra
a reply to: asen_y2k

Question you might be able to answer -

I have noticed a change in reference when it comes to Pro Russian forces. Is there any reason they changed from Pro Russian to Pro Kremlin?

I ask because it gives the impression that only the Russian government and not necessarily her people support these actions.

Has there been more open resistance inside Russia to Moscow's actions or just one of those word changes with no meaning behind it?

On TV, they are called separatists, as before, same in Ukrainian language as in English, I have seen pro Kremlin in English language media. Pro Russian is used in Ukrainian. I think these terms are mixed my translators thus appears to be changing.

But lately in Ukraine the terms extremist and terrorists are gaining favor.

Now that there taking hostages something tells be terrorist is the right call. As i said they are way underestimating what they did im seeing it start look here

www.yousign.org...

It would be nothing to send in US special forces to clear the building and i bet Ukraine gets the credit all we would hear is Ukrainian forces took the building. They opened up something they may regret.

originally posted by: Xcathdra

originally posted by: dragonridr
the state department is finally getting around to Simon being held by russian terrorists.

“We condemn any such actions, and all recent hostage-takings in eastern Ukraine, which directly violate commitments made in the Geneva joint statement,” said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki in response to the abduction. “We call on Russia to use its influence with these groups to secure the immediate and safe release of all hostages in eastern Ukraine.”

I dont think those russians relize this could blow up in there face. Nothing gets the American public into a frenzy quicker than some tyrant putting Americans in jeopardy.They very easily could end up with special forces entering the building if this catches traction.

Which could in turn blow up in our face.

Our justifications for involvement are not the same as Russia's. Even a minor action to protect a US citizen can be spun by Russia. Based on the actions of our Commander in chief......

Trust me wouldnt be any proof when its all said and done Russias not the only one that pretend not to be military. The only proof i can think of is we would all know Ukrainian military doesnt have the experience but thats not really proof they did take the other town.

The Moscow Times ‏@MoscowTimes · 4m
Our former colleague, @vicenews reporter @SimonOstrovsky, is being held in Ukraine as a "bargaining chip" ow.ly... (please RT)

Sky News ‏@SkyNews · 9m
Ukraine: Obama Accuses Putin Of Defying Accord news.sky.com... …

KyivPost ‏@KyivPost · 22m
Associated Press: New sanctions against #Russia are "teed up," #Obama says www.kyivpost.com... … #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/lfFnVpQa0Q

Retweeted by The Moscow Times
Gabrielle T-F ‏@gabrielletf · 10h
The war of words over #Ukraine has transformed itself into a war against words. Ostrovsky and others remain captive.

Lithuania MFA ‏@LithuaniaMFA · 34m
FM @LinkeviciusL off to the #US.On agenda: the situation in #Ukraine, #energysecurity, bilateral/transatlantic issues http://(link tracking not allowed)/1tF8taw

MFA Russia ‏@mfa_russia · 1h
#OSCE media freedom representative’s remarks on Ukraine distort reality en.itar-tass.com... @RF_OSCE @OSCE_RFoM

US Mission to NATO ‏@USNATO · 2m
Sanctions on those responsible for violating #Ukraine's sovereignty: Understanding the steps | Video: goo.gl...

US Mission to NATO ‏@USNATO · 56s
Meeting of the Visegrad Four and US Political Directors: Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and United States: goo.gl...

Direct link to the OSCE - Ukraine observation / update / report page

OSCE - Ukraine, a developing story

John Baird @HonJohnBaird · 10h
Canada is sending 500 election observers to monitor #Ukraine's elections. @pmharper announcement: http://(link tracking not allowed)/1lG7gKL

vgolos.com.ua...,+%23Lvov&u tm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Info on Artemivsk:

On the night of 23 on April 24, about 100 unidentified persons made ​​an armed attack on a military unit in the city of Donetsk, Donetsk region.

As the press service of the Defense Ministry, the attackers fired with automatic weapons, grenades and actively used hand grenade. During the reflection attack wounded soldier contractual military service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, no threat to life.

"Thanks to the able command of actions defined forces to repel the attack raised the alarm and personnel, which has a circular perimeter defense of the military unit and the backup battle group's immediate response, real military unit under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine", - said in the message.

Leadership of the Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine once again "strongly encourages citizens to get involved in provocative and illegal actions to support the activities of armed separatists in the eastern regions of Ukraine."

The leadership of the Defense Ministry considers it necessary to recall that during the execution of the tasks under the anti-terrorist operations, military personnel are entitled to use weapons in cases provided by law and the statutes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine..

Mariupol city council separatist free:
www.pravda.com.ua...

In Mariupol city council released from the separatists, but then they said they reflected the "storm".

As the site of Mariupol 0629.com.ua, "between 3-4 in the morning a group of unknown broke into the building captured the mayor's office."

"About 20 people started to beat those who conquered the city council. Those, in turn, called the police. Arrived police officers who took part in the police department people," - said the publication.

"We know of five victims zahopnykiv by the mayor's office. Them with various injuries were taken to local hospitals. One of the journalists broke the camera" - adds 0629.

Referring to the figures released by the so-called "People's Republic of Donetsk" in social networks, publications wrote that morning internal troops liberated Ukraine City Hall from invaders that kept the City Council on April 13.

"City Council took. Took tough is injured. Barricaded themselves in a building unknown people. Along the perimeter exposed environment. Seen people in the police in police uniform even with a machine gun" - quoted by representatives of the DNR website.

According to information published in social networks, separatists "lost" city council building scheme Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk: that in their ranks were introduced by people who declared themselves as leaders, then yielded positions.

By 8 am to barricade the city council and staff have come to the protesters, and at 8.16 "circle around the perimeter of the city council took off," the mayor's office began to let all comers.

"With the building of the City Council took the soldiers of internal troops when protesters shouting" Shame, shame. "Women cry that Hotlubeyu not get City Hall and are now offering more time to talk with local channels that they supported their policies," - said the publication.

On the territory of the city council is the brother of "popular action" Denis Kuz'menko.

On the 8th of City Hall in the leader of "Homeland" in Mariupol Alexander Yaroshenko.

At 8.21 "NPT leaders are at the local government" and state that "attempted assault they reflected" the protesters applauded.

"As soon as 08.37 on the 4th floor of City Hall found some invader. Brought him under the arms, accompanied by representatives of the DNR police., For he had held a" corridor of shame "- the 0629.

originally posted by: Dutzy
Mariupol city council separatist free:
www.pravda.com.ua...

In Mariupol city council released from the separatists, but then they said they reflected the "storm".

As the site of Mariupol 0629.com.ua, "between 3-4 in the morning a group of unknown broke into the building captured the mayor's office."

"About 20 people started to beat those who conquered the city council. Those, in turn, called the police. Arrived police officers who took part in the police department people," - said the publication.

"We know of five victims zahopnykiv by the mayor's office. Them with various injuries were taken to local hospitals. One of the journalists broke the camera" - adds 0629.

Referring to the figures released by the so-called "People's Republic of Donetsk" in social networks, publications wrote that morning internal troops liberated Ukraine City Hall from invaders that kept the City Council on April 13.

"City Council took. Took tough is injured. Barricaded themselves in a building unknown people. Along the perimeter exposed environment. Seen people in the police in police uniform even with a machine gun" - quoted by representatives of the DNR website.

According to information published in social networks, separatists "lost" city council building scheme Odessa and Dnipropetrovsk: that in their ranks were introduced by people who declared themselves as leaders, then yielded positions.

By 8 am to barricade the city council and staff have come to the protesters, and at 8.16 "circle around the perimeter of the city council took off," the mayor's office began to let all comers.

"With the building of the City Council took the soldiers of internal troops when protesters shouting" Shame, shame. "Women cry that Hotlubeyu not get City Hall and are now offering more time to talk with local channels that they supported their policies," - said the publication.

On the territory of the city council is the brother of "popular action" Denis Kuz'menko.

On the 8th of City Hall in the leader of "Homeland" in Mariupol Alexander Yaroshenko.

At 8.21 "NPT leaders are at the local government" and state that "attempted assault they reflected" the protesters applauded.

"As soon as 08.37 on the 4th floor of City Hall found some invader. Brought him under the arms, accompanied by representatives of the DNR police., For he had held a" corridor of shame "- the 0629.

Looks like Ukraine has stopped playing and just actually removing them or is it Ukrainians who are doing it??? see arlier statement lol.

From Jerry Popowicz's twitter page, a video showing Ukrainian forces at Artemivsk weapon depot. The upload date is April 23rd, so it may have been filmed and uploaded in the previous days:

Jerry Popowicz ‏@JerryPopowicz

Video of Ukrainian forces on the ground at Artemivsk army facility - April 24 www.youtube.com... … #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/mVb8s8lHCO

And the video:


Note the difference in equipment, when compared to the videos seen previously, from Kramatorsk, Slavyansk, these may be Ukrainian MIA or MOD spec-ops.

a reply to: dragonridr

Tough to say at the time. Google translate isn't very good at translating phrases, so we can only discern what is being reported in Ukrainian media, not getting an actual, correct translation.
I have read reports that civilians have organized themselves into defense groups and setting up checkpoints along with MIA forces throughout Eastern Ukraine, in order to prevent separatists from gaining control of the cities.
Even in Donetsk, there was a news piece reporting the formation of a group they referred to as "black men", armed with blunt weapons, clubs and others of the sort, that were specifically targeting the "green men", separatists.

UKRNAFTA offices in Feodosia, Crimea, attacked by masked men and 3 people taken away:
zaxid.net...

In the Crimean regional office "UkrNafta" 20 armed militants attacked .

Told the head of the Department of organizational work of PJSC " UkrNafta " Yaroslav Burch informs UNIAN.

"In our office in Feodosia , yesterday around 9 am broke unknown people with weapons, wearing military uniforms . Were about 20 people. They called Him first Self-Defense Crimea , and then - workers ' security Crimea." From the office carried documents and servers and taken to an unknown destination three persons - the chief of the Crimean management KHABAROVA Andrew , his deputy and office worker "- said the representative of the company.

According to grumble , as of today, no stolen office staff did not go to the link : " We do not know their fate. All of them - residents of the Crimea. Currently we are preparing appropriate statements from their relatives in the local police about their disappearance. Currently phone calls to the police respond, they do not know who could attack the office , and kidnap people. "

Representative " Ukrnefti " notes that this situation resembles raider attacks . He added that even Tuesday unidentified armed men blocked the entrance to the office and none of the workers were not allowed inside.

"Also , according to our employees, these same people yesterday suggested they do not go to work today ' - zaktsentuvav Burch .

Note that "Ukrnafta" associated with the oil business group "Privat" , headed by the governor of Dnipropetrovsk and businessman Igor Kolomoisky.

Guide Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration announced that it will reward anyone who will hold the "green man " and give his patrol ($ 10 thousand), who will hand small arms (from $ 1 to $ 2 thousand ), deliver office building ($ 200 thousand ).

This method proved to be effective. Local separatists have detained eight , for which received $ 10,000 for each.

Translation of the press conference held by Ponomarev in Slavyansk, after Ostrovsky was detained:

pressimus.com...

Reporter: Where is he?

Ponomaryov: He's alive and well, thank God.

Reporter: Where is he?

Ponomaryov: He's with us.

Reporters: Where? Where?

Ponomaryov: [Laughs] In a preliminary detention cell.

Reporter: Why are you holding him?

Ponomaryov: Huh?

Reporter: Why are you holding him?

Ponomaryov: So he wouldn't put out a lot of provocative commentary, so he wouldn't conduct hostile activity on our territory. In the final analysis, he is an undesirable element in our area. Since -- and I repeat again -- we know all the journalists, we are familiar with you all, we talk to you all, we reached a certain agreement about what and how you are to clearly and accurately broadcast information received, not to exaggerate the facts.

Reporter: But... you want to tell us...

Ponomaryov: Wait. And not to distort reality. Therefore, please, continue to work, we're not interfering in any way, we are open to you to the maximum. If you don't violate our agreement and we...will continue to cooperate with you.

Reporter: Do you have some kind of proof of his condition, can we talk to him, can we see him? So that we know...well, somehow...we don't know...

Ponomaryov: You know what, I'll tell you the following. Listen to me carefully. Why do none of you ever pay any attention to the fact that in the isolation cells of the SBU [Ukrainian Security Service] there are a lot of our activists, in particular, Pavel Gubarev, the People's Governor of Donetsk Region. Why don't you focus attention on that? But you have intense attention for some journalist provocateur, intense, giving out all sorts of rumors where he is and so on.I assure you -- I assure you. Nothing bad is happening to him. He is eating normally. He is being held in normal conditions. He's clean, washed, that is, well...

Reporter: He's a journalist.

Ponomaryov: And so what now? But if he conducts himself aggressively, if he is provocative, what now, he's allowed to do anything? Or what?

Reporter: Yesterday, you said he was writing some material, what's going on?

Ponomaryov: Yes, that's correct. He's gathering some material while he's in the KPZ [preliminary detention cell] so that he can share it with you when he gets out.

Reporter: When is he getting out?

Ponomaryov: When it's time, then he'll get out. When we consider it necessary for him to get out, then we'll let him out. I could ask the same question, so to say, of the representatives of the Kiev junta. When are you going to let out our activists? When are they going to stop abusing them? That's it. You understand. We're not discovering anything new, we're not doing anything new.

Reporter: What do you want from him, in order to let him go? You said you'd let him out "when it's time," and "when you're ready." What do you want?

Ponomaryov: Let him be our guest.

Reporter: Is he a hostage?

Ponomaryov: Of course not. He's a walking around. It's just that we defined his place of stay, so to speak.

Reporter: What is his status?

Ponomaryov: Huh?

Reporter: What is his legal status?

Ponomaryov: We said from the beginning that we have one intention. And then it turns out he is nevertheless a citizen of Israel. And then this morning your colleague from Moscow tried to explain that to me that he is a person with dual citizenship, American and Israeli. That is, I myself would like to determine who he is. Either he has American citizenship or he has Israeli citizenship. Or maybe it's Ethiopian. Let them declare about him his rights from Madagascar or somewhere else...

Reporter: What is his status with you?

Ponomaryov: Huh?!

Reporter: Is he detained, arrested, accused?

Ponomaryov: detained.

a reply to: Dutzy

Well im not sure if its good or bad except it does now allow Ukraine to play the same game as the Russians. By saying well it wasn't us just regular citizens standing up for there rights.In truth Russians are a minority in Ukraine so if the people stand up its over. And in fact i bet many Ethnic russians dont want to leave Ukraine they just want to be heard so who knows.

France24 report on East Ukraine, video included:
www.france24.com...

Latest update : 2014-04-24

The self-proclaimed mayor of Slaviansk in Ukraine’s east remains firm on fighting any Kiev attempt to try to recapture the city, saying that he is prepared to turn the separatist stronghold into a battlefield if necessary.

a reply to: dragonridr

Well, from most polls carried out in E. Ukraine, it seemed that even the majority of the population, even Russian ethnics, seemed to favor a united Ukraine, with supporters of federalization/uniting with Russia being in relatively small numbers.

Info that is right now shared only by RT and Antimaydan Vkontakte profile:
rt.com...

Published time: April 24, 2014 06:36

Unknown gunmen attack check point near Slavyansk in eastern Ukraine. Two people were killed, local self-defense forces spokesperson told RT.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

originally posted by: Dutzy
Translation of the press conference held by Ponomarev in Slavyansk, after Ostrovsky was detained:

pressimus.com...

Reporter: Where is he?

Ponomaryov: He's alive and well, thank God.

Reporter: Where is he?

Ponomaryov: He's with us.

Reporters: Where? Where?

Ponomaryov: [Laughs] In a preliminary detention cell.

Reporter: Why are you holding him?

Ponomaryov: Huh?

Reporter: Why are you holding him?

Ponomaryov: So he wouldn't put out a lot of provocative commentary, so he wouldn't conduct hostile activity on our territory. In the final analysis, he is an undesirable element in our area. Since -- and I repeat again -- we know all the journalists, we are familiar with you all, we talk to you all, we reached a certain agreement about what and how you are to clearly and accurately broadcast information received, not to exaggerate the facts.

Reporter: But... you want to tell us...

Ponomaryov: Wait. And not to distort reality. Therefore, please, continue to work, we're not interfering in any way, we are open to you to the maximum. If you don't violate our agreement and we...will continue to cooperate with you.

Reporter: Do you have some kind of proof of his condition, can we talk to him, can we see him? So that we know...well, somehow...we don't know...

Ponomaryov: You know what, I'll tell you the following. Listen to me carefully. Why do none of you ever pay any attention to the fact that in the isolation cells of the SBU [Ukrainian Security Service] there are a lot of our activists, in particular, Pavel Gubarev, the People's Governor of Donetsk Region. Why don't you focus attention on that? But you have intense attention for some journalist provocateur, intense, giving out all sorts of rumors where he is and so on.I assure you -- I assure you. Nothing bad is happening to him. He is eating normally. He is being held in normal conditions. He's clean, washed, that is, well...

Reporter: He's a journalist.

Ponomaryov: And so what now? But if he conducts himself aggressively, if he is provocative, what now, he's allowed to do anything? Or what?

Reporter: Yesterday, you said he was writing some material, what's going on?

Ponomaryov: Yes, that's correct. He's gathering some material while he's in the KPZ [preliminary detention cell] so that he can share it with you when he gets out.

Reporter: When is he getting out?

Ponomaryov: When it's time, then he'll get out. When we consider it necessary for him to get out, then we'll let him out. I could ask the same question, so to say, of the representatives of the Kiev junta. When are you going to let out our activists? When are they going to stop abusing them? That's it. You understand. We're not discovering anything new, we're not doing anything new.

Reporter: What do you want from him, in order to let him go? You said you'd let him out "when it's time," and "when you're ready." What do you want?

Ponomaryov: Let him be our guest.

Reporter: Is he a hostage?

Ponomaryov: Of course not. He's a walking around. It's just that we defined his place of stay, so to speak.

Reporter: What is his status?

Ponomaryov: Huh?

Reporter: What is his legal status?

Ponomaryov: We said from the beginning that we have one intention. And then it turns out he is nevertheless a citizen of Israel. And then this morning your colleague from Moscow tried to explain that to me that he is a person with dual citizenship, American and Israeli. That is, I myself would like to determine who he is. Either he has American citizenship or he has Israeli citizenship. Or maybe it's Ethiopian. Let them declare about him his rights from Madagascar or somewhere else...

Reporter: What is his status with you?

Ponomaryov: Huh?!

Reporter: Is he detained, arrested, accused?

Ponomaryov: detained.

Yeah this guy isnt very bright he has no idea the trouble hes caused himself oddly Simon had been kind to them trying to stay out of the political side in his coverage. He was dealing with the events and this guy is clueless how dual citizenship works? Who put him in charge was he just the biggest monkey in the zoo or what?