Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Friday 24 March. [Ukrainian sources]

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NEWS:
Murder of Voronenkov is act of Russian state terrorism, - Senator McCain.  Putin Meets Le Pen, Says Not Seeking To Influence French Vote.  It is old Russian strategy to attack when world is looking elsewhere.  London police name Westminster attacker.  Russia’s former MP Ponomarev believes FSB Gen. Feoktistov could be involved in Voronenkov murder.  NATO’s supreme allied commander in Europe says US must strengthen Ukraine’s defense capability as much as possible.  Woman's Body Found In Debris At Blazing Ukrainian Munitions Depot.

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U.S. Republican Senator John McCain said the murder of former Russia State Duma member Denys Voronenkov was "yet another brazen act of Russian state terrorism."

McCain issued a statement on his website, Censor.NET reports.

"Today, in yet another brazen act of Russian state terrorism, former Russia parliamentarian Denis Voronenkov was assassinated in broad daylight on the streets of Kiev. This horrific crime marks the continuation of a campaign of KGB-style brutality designed to intimidate anyone who dares to oppose the tyranny of Vladimir Putin.

"Denis Voronenkov spoke out against Putin's reign of terror and his illegal invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. He was also assisting Ukrainian prosecutors with the treason case against former Ukrainian president and Putin stooge, Viktor Yanukovych. Sadly, Denis Voronenkov has joined others like Sergei Magnitsky and Boris Nemtsov who have paid with their lives for speaking the truth, for in Putin's Russia, there is no greater crime.

"My thoughts are with Denis's wife, Maria, and their children. In the difficult days ahead, I pray they find solace in his loving memory and the pride of his courageous example," McCain said.

Denys Voronenkov was shot dead in downtown Kyiv March 23. The killer also managed to injure Voronenkov's bodyguard. The incident took place outside Kyiv's Premier Palace Hotel.

Voronenkov was a witness in the treason case against fugitive Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. In his recent interview with Censor.NET Voronenkov said that Yanukovych was a traitor "who was involved in mass slaughter, who had fled to the foreign country and urged foreign troops to slay his people. I believe this person should have received not asylum but a fair trial in Russia."

Voronenkov moved to Ukraine with his wife, former Duma member, singer Maria Maksakova, and their infant child in late 2016. He became a citizen of Ukraine and abandoned Russian passport in December 2016. On Feb. 15, 2017 he was put on federal wanted list in the Russian Federation. Voronenkov said the reason behind his migration was persecution by FSB in Russia.

censor.net.ua, Original in Russian / На русском

President Vladimir Putin has met with French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in the Kremlin and told her that Moscow reserves the right to meet any French politician it wanted.

At the unannounced meeting on March 24, Putin also said that Russia is not seeking to influence the upcoming French election.

"We by no means want to influence the current events, but we reserve the right to communicate with all representatives of all political forces of the country," the Interfax news agency quoted Putin as saying.

He said "our partners in Europe and the United States" have the same right.

At a meeting with Russian lawmakers ealier in the day, Le Pen called for closer ties between the two countries and the removal of sanctions Western governments have imposed on Moscow over its interference in Ukraine.

"It is absolutely inconceivable that because of the sanctions, Russian and French lawmakers are not able even to meet to discuss issues that are of the great importance for protecting peace and lives of our citizens," Le Pen told the foreign affairs committee of the State Duma, Russia's lower parliament house.

Le Pen called for "strategic and economic cooperation" between France and Russia, saying: "This new world taking shape right before our eyes now is already facing two gigantic, monumental challenges, namely globalism and Islamic fundamentalism."

The European Union, the United States, and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia over its seizure of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in March 2014 and its support for separatists whose war against government forces has killed more than 9,900 people in eastern Ukraine.

Le Pen, leader of France’s National Front (FN) party, has repeatedly called for closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said she does not consider Moscow's annexation of Crimea illegal.

Her one-day visit comes a month before the April 23 first round of the French election, one of a series of votes in EU countries this year that are seen as a test of Russia's influence in the West. After U.S. intelligence agencies released a report in January saying they assessed that Putin ordered an "influence campaign" to interfere in the presidential election, there are fears that the Kremlin has been seeking to sway elections in France, Germany, and other countries.

'Courageous' Visit......................

Access complete text of the editorial: rferl.org In English

The Kremlin uses military campaigns in Ukraine and Syria for testing new types of weapons and methods of warfare.

As reported by Censor.NET citing Voice of America, U.S. Army General, Supreme Allied Commander Europe Curtis M. Scaparrotti said at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. He also advocated granting lethal weapons to Ukraine.

According to the alliance's top commander, the Ukrainian Army is opposed by the so-called separatists who are actually backed by the Russian Federation which supplies them with lethal weapons and also tests some new methods of warfare. In this regard, Gen. Skaparotti said the U.S. had to strengthen defense capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as much as possible.

The NATO's commander said the Russians did the same things in Ukraine as they had done in Syria: they used the Ukrainian conflict as a testing ground for their latest methods of warfare that included reduction of time gap between the target acquisition and destruction, in particular with the use of drones.

Skaparotti said this issue was also of concern to the U.S. as other terrorists also started using these methods to a certain extent. He said the U.S. is also upgrading these techniques since cooperation with Ukraine's government also provides the opportunity to test some inventions.

The alliance's top commander believes that Ukraine must be provided with early warning systems to be able to oppose the actions of Russia's accomplices.

As reported, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the allocation of $150 million in defense aid to Ukraine which includes training, equipment, lethal weapons of a defensive nature, logistics support, supplies and services, sustainment, and intelligence support to the military and national security forces of Ukraine.

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Former member of the Russian State Duma Ilya Ponomarev believes that FSB General Oleg Feoksistov has to do with assassination of Denys Voronenkov in Kyiv.

He said at a joint briefing with Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yurii Lutsenko, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrainski Novyny.

"My main version is that the same people are behind this: former and acting General Oleg Feoktistov. There are several generals in the Russian Federation who have the right to give a direct call to President Vladimir Putin. Feoktistov is one of these generals," Ponomarev said.

"Unfortunately, Denys was on his way to see me. I was in Premier Palace. The murder took place at 11:25 a.m. I ran to the hotel a few minutes later and found him lying on the pavement. I believe that he was a great asset for Ukraine as he really knew a lot. He knew a lot about most vulnerable points for the whole of Putin's regime, namely, all about the cash flows they controlled," Russia's former lawmaker said.

Ponomarev noted that Voronenkov earlier survived an attempt on his life in Russia.

"He was also fired at. He was pulled through in France then. He was treated in a NATO hospital. He lived a quiet life for a while and managed to get reelected to the State Duma. There were three attempts to strip him of immunity. This actually pushed him to make up his mind to move to Ukraine. The last election in 2016 was seriously rigged. They did not let him to be reelected, although he most likely would have won," Ponomarev said.

Former Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Denys Voronenkov was shot dead in downtown Kyiv. The hitman also managed to injure Voronenkov's bodyguard. The incident took place outside Kyiv's Premier Palace Hotel.

Voronenkov was a witness in the treason case against fugitive Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. In his recent interview with Censor.NET Voronenkov said that Yanukovych was a traitor "who was involved in mass slaughter, who had fled to the foreign country and urged foreign troops to slay his people. I believe this person should have received not asylum but a fair trial in Russia."

ua.censor.net.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Ukrainian officials say a woman's body has been found under debris at the site of a massive munitions-depot fire near the eastern city of Kharkiv.

The chief of Ukraine's Emergency Service, Mykola Chechotkin, said on March 24 that the body of a woman born in 1951 had been found in a damaged building late the previous evening.

Explosions and fires that broke out at the munitions depot in Balakliya early on March 23 prompted the evacuation of some 20,000 people.

The depot stores some 138,000 tons of ammunition and is used to supply Ukrainian forces fighting Russia-backed separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Ukrainian authorities blamed "sabotage" and President Petro Poroshenko pointed the finger at Russia........................



rferl.org

The terrorist attack in London and the continuing quagmire in the White House offered the Kremlin an excellent occasion for its destabilizing actions.

Marcel Van Herpen, director of the Cicero Foundation, a Dutch think tank, told The Daily Signal, Censor.NET reports.

"It is an old Russian strategy to plan and conduct its attacks when the world is looking elsewhere," Van Herpen said commenting on Ukraine events that include the explosions at ammunition depot in the Kharkiv region and the assassination of former Russian State Duma member Denys Voronenkov in Kyiv on Thursday.

"The terrorist attack in London and the continuing quagmire in the White House offer the Kremlin an excellent occasion for its destabilizing actions."

Van Herpen also mentioned SBU's detention of members of a Russian spy ring in Odesa on Tuesday. Van Herpen said the SBU's Odesa bust was probably a "lucky hit," the timing of which was only coincidental with the other incidents on Thursday.

However, "it makes clear that the Kremlin has not given up its aggressive plans to reconquer Novorossiya," Van Herpen added, referring to Russia's historic empire north of the Black Sea, which is in present-day Ukraine.

Van Herpen described the Balaklia explosion as "highly destabilizing."

"It is one of the largest depots in Ukraine and it is a sign to the Ukrainian government that Russia can hit Ukraine where it chooses to do so," Van Herpen said.

On Thursday, President Petro Poroshenko said he believes that the murder committed on the same day with explosions in Balakliia was no coincidence.

ua.censor.net.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that the US president's criticism of Donald Trump in relation to the EU is dangerous and could lead to war in the Balkans.

As the Tsenzor.NET, about it he said in an interview with the Financial the Times .

According to Juncker, Trump exit from the EU support for the UK says that the US leader does not understand the difficult European history.

"I told the vice president (Michael pensions):" Do not call upon other countries to leave the EU, as if the European Union falls apart, you get a new war in the western Balkans, "- he said.

According to Juncker, if left without intervention Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania - they will once again return to war.

censor.net.ua, Original in Russian / На русском

Trip leader of the "National Front" candidate for president of France Marine Le Pen in Russia caused a stormy discussion among users of social networks.

The main topic for jokes was the meeting of Marine Le Pen with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite the official rebuttal from spokesman Dmitry Peskov President, users of social networks are convinced that Le Pen Putin discussed the financing of election campaigns and party.

"Peskov: Putin and Le Pen have not discussed the financing of the party" National Front. "Ah, the handle got hold out!" - Ironically on Twitter Jenny Shaden.

Earlier, the leader of "National Front" presidential candidate Marine Le Pen of France made a speech to the State Duma deputy, stating that its position on Ukraine coincides with the policy of Russia.

apostrophe.ua/ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Militants of the terrorist organization "Islamic State" have indicated their involvement in the attack on the Russian military in Chechnya .

Reported SITE.

The report said that "six militants IDIL committed suicide at the Roshvardiyi in Chechnya, killing at least six security forces and wounding three more."

Recall that on the night of March 24 on the territory of a military unit in the village Roshvardiyi Naurska tried to penetrate the unknown with weapons. There was a clash between the attackers and military attire, which killed six soldiers and as many attackers, three more soldiers were wounded.

As reported, "Apostrophe", the network got the first photos and video from space attack the military unit in Chechnya Roshvardiyi .

apostrophe.ua/ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Today, March 23, at 11:25 in the center of Kyiv, near the hotel "Premier Palace", was killed by former State Duma deputy Denis Voronenkova. Former deputy was a witness in the case derzhzrady Yanukovych, which is now investigating the Prosecutor General. Voronenkov moved to Ukraine in November 2016 with his wife - an opera diva Maria Maksakova, who was also a deputy of the Duma penultimate convocation of the party "United Russia". In December Voronenkov received citizenship of Ukraine. According to the victim, it was 50% Ukrainian. His grandfather How Dudnychenko led monarchist Union of Ukraine, and his childhood former deputy spent in Kherson, Mariupol, Nikolaev and Yalta.

"Cupola" chose the most interesting quotes from the latter, before death, interviews Voronenkova, published by "Gordon" literally an hour before the assassination policy.

On his appearance in the Ukrainian media space

Following a statement Attorney General (Lutsenko said that the two deputies of the State Duma gave evidence in the case Yanukovich. - "Glaucus") was not difficult to find out who were these two State Duma deputies. Meanwhile, the Russian secret services controlled my every step, my departure from Russia in general was spetszahodu mode. I worked in the organs, have the skills, understand how it's done. While sitting quietly, the Russian special services were silent, but I decided to appear in public.

There were serious concerns that I had in the trunk of vyvezut bring Ukraine and Russia, and consequently, I could never prove that a kidnapping. These incidents have taken place. So the words of Attorney General, I made a policy statement on the website "Tsenzor.NET" and announced that he became a citizen of Ukraine.

On FSB and Ukrainian law enforcement authorities

Where did you get the idea that the FSB is such a powerful organization from which escape is impossible? There are people who make mistakes, too. If you know the system inside, you can quietly do what I do. That is why in Russia climbed hysterical, "As go? Why not arrested? He also became a citizen of Ukraine ?! "To Voronenkova precedent was not.

... The rest of the bodies, including the Interior Ministry and the army destroyed. If the authority Shoigu army began to emerge, which, incidentally, is very costly and long process, but the same Prosecutor General's Office is deprived of all power and control powers. FSB suppressed in all.

... Of course, before the war, almost every second the agent was an agent of the FSB. Special forces of Russia literally coordinated the appointment of new special services Ukraine, starting with the head of department - the lowest managerial positions. But it was not until 2014. Now the Security Service and Prosecutor General's Office purified by agents working efficiently and professionally. In all gaining momentum.

On the evidence of the case Yanukovich

When there was a question of bringing Yanukovych criminally liable for treason (I think correctly) I, as a citizen of Ukraine, considered it his duty to give the evidence and tell you what I know. How valuable is my witness, the court imposes. The Attorney General considered them very important ... Soon will open the trial, my testimony would be announced publicly. And not just mine.

In anticipation of death

I - a citizen of Ukraine, who and how I can now substitute? I do not need any guarantees (of safety. - "Glaucus"). In Ukraine, unlike in other post-Soviet countries are democratic laws. Ironically, my main guarantor was the law. Although the Russian central television channels already crying, saying that it was necessary to exchange Voronenkova Sushchenko, and if not will - kill as Bandera. People in crazy, they are unhealthy.

... I ordered the FSB General Oleg Feoktistov. Until recently he headed the security service "Rosneft", which ran Sechin. My confrontation with Feoktistov began in 2007, while working in the Federal Service for Drug Control.

glavcom.ua, Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові

Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine also calls to impose sanctions for violations of human rights in the occupied Donbas

Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Tsintsadze Joanna Klympush met in Brussels with the head of the Committee on Armed Services, US Senate, John McCain and chairman of the Senate Committee on Internal Security Ron Johnson.

According to the press service of the Cabinet.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister told American colleagues about the worsening situation in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian strengthening of shelling positions and deliberate provocation of militants.

"The Ukrainian side is calling for transatlantic unity in the preservation of Western sanctions against Russia and sanktsiyni possible inclusion in the lists of persons who are responsible for the seizure of Ukrainian enterprises in areas outside the control of government. Also involved in systematic violations of human rights in the occupied territories, "- said in a statement.

Klympush-Tsintsadze thanked John McCain for position during the hearings in the US Senate on 21 March.

They once again he supported the idea of ​​providing Ukraine with lethal weapons. Deputy Prime Minister thanked McCain for personal effort in the context of the situation in the Donbass.

Recall that Klympush-Tsintsadze in Brussels discussed with partners of Ukraine in NATO issue emergency response in Balakleya . Committed to help Ukraine in the US and Slovakia.

glavcom.ua , Original in Ukrainian / на українській мові