It’s one of those times where actions may speak louder than words. President Vladimir Putin has said Saturday he supported Ukraine’s cease-fire, while at the same time putting nearby troops on full combat alert.
The separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine have been given a week to lay down their arms. (Via RT)
On Friday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declared a week-long unilateral ceasefire — quickly dismissed by Moscow as an ultimatum to the separatists. (Via Deutsche Welle)
But in a statement Saturday, Putin voiced limited support — calling on both sides to observe the truce. He also said the peace plan would only work if there were "meaningful negotiations and political compromise between the opposing sides in eastern Ukraine.” (Via World Economic Forum)
His word came not long after Russia state media reported Putin's Defense Ministry ordered drills to check the combat readiness of Russian troops — the biggest drills since Moscow annexed Crimea back in March. (Via ITAR-TASS)
That had The New York Times writing Putin "proffered both a carrot and a stick to Ukraine."
The Telegraph explains: “While Russia's Central Military District does not border Ukraine, the move will be seen as another show of force as tensions between Moscow and Kiev continue to mount.”
Meanwhile, the separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine have pretty much ignored the truce. Just hours after the cease-fire was announced Friday, pro-Russian rebels attacked several Ukrainian army posts. (Via Al Jazeera)
The West accuses Russia of escalating the situation — the U.S. confirmed Russia sent a convoy of tanks, rocket launchers and other military vehicles to the rebels fighting across the border. (Via YouTube / 9plus0)
On Friday, the White House issued a new round of sanctions, including asset freezes, against seven pro-Russian separatist leaders.
