Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Saturday 11 February. [Ukrainian sources]

SUNDAY

Please scroll to view news items added during the day.

NEWS:
Trump Expresses Support For Ukraine In Letter To Lithuanian Leader.  Moscow ordered the terrorists in Donbas increase pressure on members of the OSCE.  Snowden's lawyer doubts that Russia will give his client the US.  FSB arranged to Donetsk telephone survey of people's attitudes to Zakharchenko.  Russia has stepped up recruitment of "volunteers" in the Donbas.  The expert pointed out the threat to the West because of Trump attempts to make peace with Putin.  In Russia told about the dangers of Trump policy towards the Kremlin.  In first meeting, top EU, U.S. diplomats discuss Russia, Iran, Ukraine.

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Analyst Hudson Institute in Washington Laurinyavichus Marius said that the US President Administration attempt to Donald Trump to improve relations with Russia is a threat to the US and EU.

This Laurinyavichus said in an interview with "apostrophe".

He noted that the criminal mafia kleptocratic regime, which controls Russia is a threat to the whole of the West, as the Kremlin can not establish a dialogue, as well as the mafia.

The analyst said that the basis of the Russian KGB regime is, who always had only one enemy - the United States. Laurinyavichus believes that Russia will do everything to weaken and defeat the Western world.

Also, the expert called the short-term objective to destroy the main institutions of the European civilization - the EU and NATO.

Read the full interview with Marius Laurinyavichusom to "apostrophe".

apostrophe.ua/ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

U.S. President Donald Trump has congratulated Lithuania on the upcoming independence anniversary, expressed gratitude for its assistance to Ukraine and commended the country for increased defense funding.

In a letter to Lithuania's President Dalia Grybauskaite, Trump defined Lithuania as "a leader in promoting democracy and strengthening the trans-Atlantic community." "Your support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as your efforts to increase energy diversification, advance our shared goal of enhancing European and regional security," the U.S. president said, Censor.NET reports citing The Baltic Times.

In his message, forwarded a few days before Lithuania's Independence Day, Trump commends Lithuania for increased defense funding.

"Lithuania is a valued NATO ally that leads by example through your commitment to our shared defense, as evidenced by increasing your defense spending to achieve NATO's agreed benchmark," he said.

In his letter, Trump also applauded Lithuania's support in Afghanistan and efforts against the Islamic State group.

"Lithuania's contribution to joint efforts in Afghanistan and to countering ISIS further demonstrate its commitment to advancing global security," the U.S. president stressed.

On Feb. 16, Lithuania will celebrate the 99th anniversary of the State.

ua.censor.net.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

That means Givi murder , and when all the leaders of Russia will destroy the militants DNR, LNR, to try to "cram" Donbass in Ukraine - the blog of Alexei Golobutskogo on ONLINE.UA Judging by the rhetoric of the Kremlin and the pro-Kremlin speakers, minimum objective of the Russian Federation in the 2017 th year - to prepare the Donbass vpihivaniyu back to Ukraine. Accordingly, it will be one by one eliminated all FSB anyway The illuminated criminals "L-DNR" to the end of the year: "commanders", "chiefs", "leaders"... will be removed from the board all the figures, it is absolutely unacceptable for Ukraine and completely , in any form does not fall under the amnesty.

[i]"Among other things, high-profile trials of terrorists (and they will be loud - will take care of soldiers and volunteers, even if the refrain politicians and power) - is broadcast all over the world direct evidence of financing Moscow war crimes, supplying weapons to terrorists and ammunition, the direct involvement of the murders of Ukrainian military and the civilian population of regular and irregular armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Naturally, the Kremlin can not allow this to happen - therefore conduct a preliminary cleaning for them.  There is an important point. All active question raised in any way legitimate representatives "of Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine." Speech and the admissibility of the Ukrainian side, and on the potential support of the local population of the occupied territories. That is, the fugitive Regionals do not fit in any case, even if they do not sit in Ukraine, they still hated and considered traitors in the occupied territories. Marginal criminals like the same Givi and Motorola well heroize somewhere warm apartments in Moscow or St. Petersburg. But local delegate them some powers do not want to.

In ORDLO formed request "business executives" - those who will decide purely domestic problems of the population, not shot on the spot (or send "on the basement"), the mood of any dissatisfied or satisfied enough. Yes, they are three years of war, tired of insecurity and constant danger of being - and already quite ready to receive Ukrainian legal salaries and pensions. Well, free to go to rallies against the same Ukraine. That this is not necessary in such a Ukraine, does not affect the situation. FSB still will remove all known terrorists, it will put many a "business executives without negative past" and will try to cram it all to us............

blogs.online.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The Kremlin assures the tanks did not come from Russia.

As reported by Censor.NET, this was said by Russian president's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov to UNIAN. The news agency asked Peskov to comment on Rossiya-1 TV channel's report about 700 tanks in the occupied areas of the Donbas, which is three times more than the Ukraine's Armed Forces possess.

"To receive an answer to the question on where did theyget the tanks there, you might equally ask Moscow and Kyiv where from the tanks are. I have no information," Peskov said.

"I might tell you that certainly they are not from Russia," he said.

Asked about the possible deliveries of tanks to the Donbas given that this territory only borders the Russian Federation and Ukraine, Peskov said: "This is Ukraine, these areas are not controlled by Kyiv, but still it's Ukraine, despite Kyiv's rejection of these areas."

He said the Ukraine's government should be asked why this situation arose and why the Minsk agreements are stalled.

Peskov said that no Russian volunteers are sent to the Donbas officially.

"At the same time, certainly there are Russian citizens who voluntarily go to protect the people from Ukraine's Army aggressive actions," the spokesperson said.

ua.censor.net.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko paid a working visit to the Ivano-Frankivsk region and took part in the opening of a newly built outpatient clinic of the central district hospital of Kolomyia.

As reported by Censor.NET citing 112 Ukraine TV channel, the president expressed confidence that "when Ukraine is united, it can defend itself from any aggressor, even from the Russian Federation that has the biggest and strongest army on the continent."

According to him, morale allowed Ukrainians to stop the enemy, liberate two thirds of the Donbas, ensure restoration of infrastructure and implementation of powerful reforms.

ua.censor.net.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russia is suspected by Italian officials of being behind a sustained hacking attack against the Italian foreign ministry last year that compromised email communications and lasted for many months before it was detected, according to people familiar with the matter.

An Italian government official confirmed that the attack took place last spring and lasted for more than four months but did not infiltrate an encrypted system used for classified communications.

Paolo Gentiloni, the Italian prime minister who was serving as foreign minister at the time, was not affected by the hack, according to the official, who said Gentiloni avoided using email while he was foreign minister.

The foreign ministry's "field offices", including embassies and staff members who report back to Rome about meetings with foreign officials, were affected by the malware attack. But the government official said sensitive information had not been compromised because it would also have been encrypted.
The official did not confirm that Moscow was behind the attack. But two other people with knowledge of the attack said the Russian state was believed to have been behind it. The hacking is now the subject of an inquiry by the chief prosecutor in Rome.

"There were no attacks on the encrypted level. So the information - delicate, sensitive information - that is usually shared in this net, which is restricted by code, has never been attacked or part of this attack," the government official said.

The person said that after the attack was discovered, the foreign ministry modified its online "architecture" and introduced new instruments to enhance internal security. The official declined to comment on how the intrusion was detected.

ua.censor.net.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

On Sunday, Feb. 26, Kyiv will host a march of solidarity with the Crimean Tatar people, Ukrainians and people of other nationalities who became hostages of Russian invaders on their native land.

Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov wrote on Facebook, Censor.NET reports.

"On Feb. 26, 2017, on the day of the Crimean Tatar's resistance to Russian invaders, the March of Solidarity with the Crimean Tatar people, Ukrainians and people of other nationalities who became hostages of Russian invaders on their native land will take place in Kyiv. The main slogan of the event reads 'Down with the Russian invader of Ukrainian Crimea!'," Chubarov said.

According to him, the march is organized by the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people in partnership with a number of Ukrainian public and youth organizations.

Participants of the march will gather on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes in front of Hotel Ukraine between 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

The march will start on the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and proceed along Instytutska Street, Shovkovychna Street, Hrushevskoho Street, European Square, Khreshchatyk Street, Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square. The march will end with a rally that will take place on Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square between 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) officers have detained the ‘DPR’ sniper in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area.

Censor.NET reports citing the press center of the SBU.

The law enforcement officers apprehended a woman at the front line. According to preliminary information, she was trying to get to the government-controlled territory to renew her personal papers.

The SBU officers found that she served as a sniper and radio-telegraphist in one of the 'DPR' platoons.

According to the detainee, she was trained for about four months in a military training camp in the vicinity of Taganrog city in the Rostov region of the Russian Federation. Her supervisors were the servicemen of the special forces of the Russian Federation.

Criminal proceedings have been opened under article 258-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The investigation continues.



ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russia does not have substantial differences with the United States over the Iran nuclear deal, Sergei Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to Washington, was quoted as saying by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency.

Kislyak told RIA Novosti on February 10 that Moscow intended to conduct a dialogue with Washington over the Iran deal and that those differences that did exist were of emphasis rather than substance.

Russia's envoy also said the new U.S. administration's position toward the situation in Ukraine is "more measured" than that of the previous U.S. government.

However, Kislyak told RIA Novosti that the Trump administration "had yet to formulate its approach" toward Ukraine.

Kislyak was also quoted as saying Moscow would seek the restoration of access to recreational facilities in the United States that were used by Russian diplomats......

rferl.org

Defender Anatoly Kucherena denied the right to issuance of Edward Snowden

The representative of the interests of fellow former US intelligence Edward Snowden's lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena called speculation to some Western media that Moscow is considering the extradition of Mr Snowden Washington "as a gift to Trump."

"Russia has no legitimate legal basis for the issue of Snowden. All this talk - the usual speculation. Someone gives desirable for reality, "- he said the agency " Interfax " .

He stressed that Russia is not the slightest reason to transfer Mr Snowden to the US.

Earlier, an American TV channel NBC reported that US intelligence allegedly received information that the intelligence services of Russia are considering the idea of ​​issuing US government ex- employee of the CIA.

Sam Edward Snowden, commenting on this information, called the probable expulsion from Russia indisputable proof that he had "never worked for the Russian intelligence," said the BBC Ukraine .

"No country will issue its spies, because the rest will fear that they will be next," - he wrote on Twitter.

2013 Snowden gave the press NSA secret documents, which contained information on secret surveillance of US intelligence. This led to an international scandal.

In the US, Snowden is accused of stealing public property, illegal use of the information on national defense, as well as deliberate disclosure of confidential data.

In 2013 he received temporary asylum in Russia, and then a three-year residence permit.

This year the Financial Times interview Snowden said that still "continues to serve the US" and going to "leave sooner or later" to. He also criticized the Russian government for restricting the rights of citizens.

On the eve of US President Barack Obama softened the sentence informant WikiLeaks Chelsea Manning, which should come out of prison in May this year.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

According to intelligence, the FSB under the guise of representatives of the local media made an anonymous telephone survey

FSB under the guise of representatives of the local media made an anonymous telephone survey population temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region on the personal attitude to the leader of the "DNR" Alexander Zakharchenko.

This at a Facebook page reported by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

"FSB under the guise of representatives of the local media made an anonymous telephone survey population temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region on a personal relationship to the head of the so-called "DNR" Alexander Zakharchenko and his methods of management, "- said in a statement.

Earlier, intelligence reported that about elimination battalion commander "Somalia" Mikhail Tolstoy had a major impact on reducing the moral and mental condition of the personnel of the Russian occupation troops.

Moreover, according to intelligence, connections and parts militants' 2nd AK Armed Forces "will delay the payment of salaries due to limited financial support of.


glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

At the time of the Maidan Gennady Vorobyev commander of the Army

In your office, died Chief National Defence University of Ukraine Colonel-General Gennady Vorobyev, who refused to withdraw its troops against members of Maidan.

This in Facebook said presidential adviser Yuri Biryukov.

"Today he met. He returned to the office. In his cabinet - Chancellor of the University of Defense of Ukraine. Died. Heart. Colonel-General Gennady Vorobyev, call sign freestyle "- Biryukov wrote.

He confirmed, in response to user questions that Vorobyov refused to withdraw the army against the Maidan.

"Talented. Clever. Wise. It is not always easy. He held in ATO much more than many, "- said Biryukov.

At the time of the Maidan Gennady Vorobyev commander of ground forces. Resigned after taking dictatorial laws of January 16, 2014. On February 16, 2014 was the first deputy head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Since May 2015 led the National University of Defense of Ukraine.

glavcom.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

OSCE prevent militants visiting settlements allegedly fired power ATO

OSCE hinder visiting settlements allegedly fired power ATO Russian command has instructed the militants to increase pressure on members of the OSCE. This was reported by the Defense Intelligence on Facebook.

"Russian occupation command instructed the leadership of AK 1 (Donetsk) Armed Forces to increase pressure on members of the OSCE and to mislead the members of the Special Monitoring Mission by the number of attacks and the areas along the boundary," - said in a statement.

In addition, observers hinder visiting settlements allegedly fired power ATO, and monitoring of potential places importation of military equipment from Russia.

"Observers are not granted permission to visit settlements were allegedly fired by the ATO, and created potential obstacles include monitoring the importation of military equipment from the Russian Federation", - said in a statement.

Earlier it was reported that the FSB held in Donetsk telephone survey on people's attitudes to Zakharchenko.

glavcom.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

A spokesman for the White House said Sean Spicer on information that US intelligence agencies have confirmed compromising Donald Trump in Russian colleagues.

"We still disgusting false news CNN", - said Spicer commented one of the channels.

Previously channel CNN, citing its own sources reported that US intelligence services have confirmed the authenticity of the report of the presence of compromising US president. In particular, the reliability of reported information concerning telephone calls Trump related to compromising.

Then the official agency refused comment.

As reported, "Apostrophe" in the January edition of American Buzzfeed published a 35-page report on the collection of the Russian special services to discredit US President Donald Trump.

For material " Znay.ua."

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russian political scientist Stanislav Belkovsky told how Putin Recep Erdogan revenge for the downing autumn 2015 fighter Su-24 .

He told the radio station "Echo of Moscow".

According to Belkovsky, Russian aviation airstrike on positions of the Turkish army was nothing but revenge for the downed Turkish fighter.

"Yes, of course, of course. This is revenge. This is revenge. You know, I had to somehow avenge the downed Su-24 attack aircraft this one here. Of course. And now retaliated, killing the Turks." Killed Negro "- remember this song ? "- said Belkovsky.

Recall that in the autumn of 2015 the Turkish military shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber that without warning invaded the country's airspace. Fighter fell on Syrian territory 4 km from the border with Turkey. One pilot was killed, the second managed to escape. Relations between the countries after the incident severely deteriorated.

As reported, "Apostrophe", February 8, Russian warplane mistakenly struck a blow to the Turkish armed forces near the Syrian city of Al-Bab. Later, the Turkish authorities said that the army knew about the location of Russia Turkish soldiers in Syria.

apostrophe.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

In Russia intensified its efforts on recruiting "volunteers" to send Donbass to participate in the fighting on the side of the militants, "DNR" and "LNR".

This was reported by the Defense Intelligence Agency of Ukraine.

It says that "volunteers" sent to collection points in the Rostov region for the preparation and distribution. Priority is given to those who already have experience in fighting, including in Syria.

It also reported that Russian commanders of illegal armed groups has instructed militants "DNR" to increase pressure on members of the OSCE SMM and misleading attacks on the number and areas along the boundary line. This SMM OSCE employees are not given permission to visit settlements were allegedly fired Ukrainian army, and created obstacles include monitoring potential import of military equipment from Russia.



As reported, "Apostrophe", Ukrainian intelligence recently reported activation advocacy Russia on coverage in the Donbass.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Lithuanian Defense Minister Raimundas Karoblis decided that a few months ago removed from the post of Commander of the Lithuanian Air Force Colonel Audronys Navitskas can not continue to stay in office.

It is reported Delfi .

Navitskasa made a temporary reserve personnel of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Under the law, if within two months it will not be offered a post in the army, Colonel fired in stock.

Lithuanian Defense Ministry in November conducted investigation on the intention to repair in two military helicopters Mi-8T. Navitskas was removed from the beginning of the investigation. This decision Colonel challenged in court.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister said that the repair of helicopters in Russia is contrary to EU sanctions policy toward Russia.

As reported, "Apostrophe" in Lithuania decided to build a wall on the border with the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation.

apostrophe.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke "at length" about terrorism, Russia, the Iran nuclear deal, and Ukraine in their first meeting, the EU said, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

Mogherini visited Washington on February 9-10 for the first time since Donald Trump became president, meeting both with Tillerson and Michael Flynn, Trump's national security adviser, RFE/RL reported. Mogherini said she and Tillerson had an "open exchange on many dossiers," including "transatlantic relations, the common challenge of countering terrorism, the ongoing work to strengthen European defense, relations with Russia, the Iran nuclear deal, and the main crises, from Ukraine to Syria," she said. No details of the discussions were available.........

unian.info/politics

This was told Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Tsintsadze Joanna Klympush broadcast Espresso.TV, reports Tsenzor.NET.

According to her, Ukraine has a variety of partners, and some require pressure on both sides and other partners and explain "with our help, in particular, have a clear understanding of who is the victim and who the aggressor."

"Our northern neighbors are very active with various political forces in the full range - from the extreme left to the extreme right in most EU countries. They promote its policy in all EU countries and their vision of the situation. That is why we pay attention to all countries where the voices in support of", - said Klympush-Tsintsadze.

She also said that last week spoke with MEPs, especially where held hearings on the escalation of the situation in Avdeevka and the Donbas.

The result was that the next plenary week in Europe will debate, followed by statements of politicians. This, according to the official, "provides background and the willingness of society to continue pressure on Russia."

ua.censor.net.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

✅ Ukraine has become a strong topic since the weekend in Russian state media.
✅ A statement that came from the White House (US) regarding finding some resolution with regards to the Russian-Ukrainian border, obviously some observers had to point out that the conflict isn’t actually on the border.
✅ Belarus: The Kremlin released a comment on its website pointing out how much Belarusians benefit from Russian subsidies.



en.hromadske.ua