Section: Australia&NZ
Ukraine, rebels say cease-fire violations persist
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) ” Ukraine’s military and Russia-backed separatist rebels are accusing each other of continuing to mount attacks a week after a cease-fire was called.Ukrainian security spokesman Col. Andriy Lysenko said Saturday… …read more Source: The New Zealand...
Ukraine lost ‘179 troops’ in battle for Debaltseve: aide (AFP)
Kiev (AFP) – Ukraine lost 179 troops in the one-month battle with pro-Russian rebels that ended in defeat over the key eastern town of Debaltseve, Yuri Biryukov, an advisor to Ukraine’s president said on his Facebook page. …read more Source: The West...
International investigators begin examination of MH17 wreckage
Dutch officials say the international investigators looking into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine last July have met for their first joint consultation, examining cracks and impact patterns on the jet’s fuselage. …read more Source: ABC...
Ukraine town of Debaltseve eases into life after deadly fighting
While the Ukrainian government accused Russia of sending more tanks and troops, the few residents who remained in Debaltseve emerged to a scene of destruction and gloom. …read more Source: The Sydney Morning...
Moody’s downgrades credit rating on Russia
NEW YORK (AP) ” Moody’s Investors Service says it has cut Russia’s credit rating to junk grade, citing the crisis in Ukraine and a slide in oil prices and the ruble.The credit rating agency said late Friday that it expects those… …read more Source: The New Zealand...
Hollande, Merkel back Ukraine ceasefire
French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel say the ceasefire deal in Ukraine must be “fully respected”. …read more Source:...
A year on: Thousands gather to remember fallen activists
More than 100 activists were killed during protests in Kiev last February. …read more Source: Television New...
Rebels celebrate as civilians await food in Debaltseve (AFP)
Debaltseve (Ukraine) (AFP) – Burnt-out armoured vehicles and crater-pocked plazas serve as grim reminders of the fierce battle for Debaltseve that ended with Ukrainian forces abandoning the strategic rail hub to pro-Russian troops this week. …read more Source: The West...
Biden: Russia can’t claim separatists alone behind attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) ” Vice President Joe Biden says Russia can’t keep hiding behind the “false claim” that separatists are solely responsible for recent military operations in eastern Ukraine.Biden spoke by phone Friday with Ukrainian… …read more Source: The New Zealand...
US senators urge Kerry to tighten sanctions on Russia
WASHINGTON (AP) ” A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to tighten sanctions on Russia and provide weapons to Ukraine after rebels breached this month’s cease-fire agreement and seized the… …read more Source: The New Zealand...
