Ukraine crisis. News in brief. Saturday 18 February. [Ukrainian sources]

SUNDAY

Please scroll to view news items added during the day.

NEWS:
Trump said of the responsibility of Russia for the situation in Ukraine. Pence: U.S. Will Hold Russia Accountable For Interference In Ukraine. Poroshenko at Munich Security Conference: "Putin hates Ukraine sincerely".  Kasparov told how Trump could affect the policies of Putin.  EU sanctions against Putin's Kremlin is blackmailing the West to war in the Donbas.  Russia has reacted to the words of Pence on the situation in the Donbas.  Ukrainian interest. Munich call, Trump’s U-turn on Russia, and Moldova prospects.  Russia kills the Ukrainian administration to test Trump - McCain.  

WEATHER:
Kyiv, Ukraine
-2c / 36f HI | RealFeel® -32c / 20f
Precipitation 55%
Cloudy

US President Donald Trump will not get Russian President Vladimir Putin to give annexed Crimea Ukraine.

This opinion was expressed Russian opposition leader Garry Kasparov.

According to him, "delivery Crimea for Putin is suicide." However, he believes that the American leader will affect the policy of the Russian President in other matters.

Kasparov said that sanctions against Russia are not as serious as could be. However, even in this form, they have a major impact on the Russian economy.

"It is clear that Putin has set himself the task at any cost to cancel these sanctions. And, judging by everything, he failed. This means that sanctions will be saved," - said the opposition.

He predicts serious problems for Putin and his entourage in the case in Washington decide that Russia represents for them a serious threat.

"Можливості Америки вплинути на долю Путіна дуже великі", каже Гаррі Каспаров pic.twitter.com/lf84qpI8Cm

— Голоc Амepики (@chastime) February 17, 2017

apostrophe.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The European Union is not going to give too much importance format of negotiations, preferring to focus on specific issues resolving the situation in the Donbas.

This was reported by the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, answering a question about possible US accession negotiations, "Norman format", the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN.

"I know that often it is something that we spend time. I think that time does not allow us to determine a priority", - said Moheryny.

According to her, the main issue now is the implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties to the conflict.

As reported, "Apostrophe" earlier in Russia reacted to the words of US Vice President on the need to draw the RF accountable for the situation in the Donbas.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Negotiations in "Norman format" which currently include representatives of Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia will not be advanced by the United States.

This was announced by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel after negotiations "Norman Quartet" at the ministerial level.

"We talked about it with Tillerson (US Secretary of approx. -" Apostrophe "), we clearly agreed that there should be close contact with the US, but we think that the format that we have, be maintained. And the United States this agreed "- said Gabriel.

As reported, "Apostrophe", previously Vice President Mike Pence at the Munich conference, said the need for prosecution of the Russian Federation on the situation in the Donbas.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia will not remove it imposed sanctions against EU until Minsk made an agreement to resolve the armed conflict in the Donbas.

He said at the Munich Security Conference, reports "Medusa."

"We also want to Minsk agreement executed, we not remove their sanctions from the European Union, while the Minsk agreement are not met. It is also necessary to understand" - said Lavrov.

In addition, in his speech Putin diplomat said that NATO allegedly responsible for increased tensions in Europe over the past 30 years.

In social networks statement Lavrov sanctions ridiculed.

"1939., Ribbentrop: We will not remove sanctions against England as it does not stop the war in Poland," "And the Americans by Russian law will compensate for all the damage the sanctions inflicted," "All right, now Europe die of hunger" - written by people.

As reported, "Apostrophe" Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Moheryny after a meeting with US Secretary of State Tyllersonom Rex and other senior officials of the administration of US President said that the US and the European Union agreed on sanctions against conservation .

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The position of Vice President Mike Pence on bringing Russia to account for the situation in the Donbass disappointed Russian authorities.

Told the head of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Konstantin Kosachev, Russian news agency "Interfax".

"Disappointed in this sense reproduced in speech that sounded just Mike Pence position, under which sole responsibility for the implementation of the Minsk agreements on Ukraine continues to be Russia," - said Kosachev.

Earlier, US Vice President Mike Pence said the need of bringing to responsibility for the situation in Ukraine.

As reported, "Apostrophe", formerly President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has scheduled a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence , held as part of the Munich conference.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

US Vice President Michael Pence urged Russia to bring to responsibility for the situation in Ukraine.

He said this during a speech at the Munich security conference, the official Twitter-account activities.

"As for Ukraine, we have to bring Russia to account" - said Michael Pence.

"With regard to Ukraine, we must hold Russia accountable." @VP Pence at #MSC2017 #MSC17

— Security Conference (@MunSecConf) February 18, 2017

Also vice-president said that Russia should start the implementation of the Minsk agreements with the de-escalation of the situation in the Donbas.

"We must bring Russia to account and demand that they respect the Minsk agreement, since de-escalation of violence in the east of Ukraine", - stated in the official Twitter-account of Michael pensions.

We must hold Russia accountable and demand that they honor the Minsk Agreements, beginning by de-escalating the violence in eastern Ukraine.

— Vice President Pence (@VP) February 18, 2017

As reported, "Apostrophe", was previously scheduled to meet President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko with US Vice President Michael pensions under the Munich conference.

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Petro Poroshenko at the Munich security conference quoted Neville Chamberlain and emphasized that it would be useless to hold talks about Ukraine without Ukraine. Donald Trump is rapidly disappointing Russian leadership. Prime Minister of Moldova was welcomed at the highest level in Kyiv.

Munich security conference has for more than half a century been a springboard for discussion of the pressing issues of international relations. Is is no wonder that a meeting of G20 and, separately, Normandy Four foreign ministers are linked to this event. Petro Poroshenko took the opportunity to highlight the fact that "Putin hates Ukraine sincerely" and to define clearly the country’s main position: resolution of Ukrainian issues without Ukraine’s participation is unacceptable. The president’s confidence is reinforced by resilience of Ukrainian troops in Donbas as well as the calls by Rex Tillerson and Sigmar Gabriel to Sergey Lavrov to fulfill Minsk agreements and influence the separatists.

Pavlo Klimkin does not expect any diplomatic breakthrough from a meeting with his Normandy Four colleagues. It will rather be a trial of skills for the new chief of German diplomacy, Sigmar Gabriel. Although Russia seems to favor him, Germany’s new top diplomat is not likely to determine the country’s foreign policy without Angela Merkel’s guidance. Gabriel’s predecessor Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who has become President of Germany was earlier called by Putin’s adviser Sergei Glazyev "an accomplice of the Nazi putsch in Kyiv." That was a very bold statement, especially given the fact it was addressed to a German social-democrat.

A gradual adjustment of the U.S. position is observed in Washington. Michael Flynn, national security advisor to the U.S. president, was forced to leave his post over allegations of compromising Russian ties. Parting with one of the key members of his administration in the first month in office made the U.S. leader maneuver. Donald Trump stressed that Crimea was seized by Russia because of the softness of Barack Obama. Blaming a predecessor is not a panacea; however, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis has also issued a statement against closer cooperation with Russia.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would not discuss the issue of Crimea return with Moscow’s western partners. The Kremlin is seeking to keep a good face on a bad game in a situation when hopes for Trump’s constructive approach find no reflection in real life. Vladimir Putin in his speech at an FCB meeting accused Western intelligence services in boosting their operations against Russian citizens and accused Ukraine of trying to disrupt Minsk Agreements...................

Access complete text of the editorial:  unian.info/politics In English

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has announced at the 53rd Munich Security Conference that Russian President Vladimir Putin hates Ukraine and denies Ukrainian identity.

"Putin hates Ukraine deeply and sincerely. He denies distinctive features and unique identity of the Ukrainian people. I know that personally. He states in public that Ukrainian identity is part of Russian dominant identity," he said in Munich on Friday, February 17. The Ukrainian president states that his Russian counterpart sees no place for Ukraine on the political map of Europe, and "he wants to draw a place for Ukraine in Russian colors.".

"But, it would be a mistake to think that the Russia's appetites are limited to Ukraine alone," Poroshenko warned.........

unian.info/politics

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has told European leaders that the United States "is now and will always be your greatest ally," seeking to assuage concerns about Washington's commitment to transatlantic ties under President Donald Trump. Speaking on February 18 at the Munich Security Conference, Pence said the United States will "hold Russia accountable" for interference in Ukraine even as it seeks "common ground" with Moscow, which he said Trump believes can be found.



rferl.org

Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko has warned against any "appeasement" of Russia. He told the Munich Security Conference on February 17 that he is hearing some calls among Western allies to ease up on Moscow, but "to move in that direction would be naive, wrong and dangerous." The United States and Western allies have maintained sanctions against Russia after its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014, and Moscow's backing for separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.



rferl.org

At the Munich Security Conference, the U.S. vice-president Mike Pence declared that his country would demand that Russia honor a 2015 peace deal agreed upon in Minsk, aimed at ending violence in eastern Ukraine.

Censor.NET reports citing CNN.

"Know this: the United States will continue to hold Russia accountable, even as we search for new common group, which as you know, President Trump believes can be found... We must hold Russia accountable and demand that they honor the Minsk Agreements, beginning by de-escalating the violence in eastern Ukraine," Pence said.

Moreover, the official added that the U.S. would "stand with Europe today and every day". At the same time, Pence did not offer any detailed policy proposals during his remarks, expressing in broad terms the U.S. commitment to fighting radical Islamic terrorism and to the NATO alliance, which Trump lambasted as "obsolete" during last year's presidential campaign.

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

Russia advocates the resumption of military cooperation with NATO.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov at the Munich Security Conference, reports Tsenzor.NET referring to "Interfax".

"In order to remove fear and suspicion, to restore military cooperation (between Russia and NATO. - Ed.)" - Said Lavrov.

He added that in March could happen expert meeting between NATO and Russia to discuss aviation security over the Baltic, in particular for the transponders.

"Yesterday Jens Stoltenberg (Secretary General of NATO. - Ed.) Told me that there is hope that the experts finally meet in March," - said Lavrov.

The Minister also said that the proposal by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss cybersecurity in the framework of the NATO - Russia (NRC) shows interest in Berlin in restoring full operation this format.

"Today Chancellor Merkel, when we talk about cyber security, expressed a very interesting idea that Russia Council - NATO had to have this problem ... If the current Chancellor of Germany - one of the leading members of NATO - in favor of the fact that NATO was engaged in cyber security I assume that, at least, Berlin wants the NRC resumed full operation, not just limited to discussions, "- said the head of the Foreign Ministry in Munich.

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

British General Richard Shirreff, who served for several years one of the highest posts in the NATO command structure, said that the West must be ready for war with Russia.

In 2011-2014 Shirreff was deputy supreme commander of the combined forces of NATO in Europe. In May 2016 he published the book "2017: War with Russia", which modeled the potential military conflict countries of NATO with Russia, reports Tsenzor.NET with reference to the BBC .

In an interview Shirreff said that "we must be very concerned about the situation in the east of Ukraine."

"We can see that, despite the Minsk agreement, the fighting there continues. This has led to a large number of victims among the civilian population and the military. I believe that the West in general and the international community must recognize the full brunt of the current situatsii.Ya concerned . the fact that media attention has shifted from the Ukraine to other subjects this situation continues to pose a real threat to the security of Europe and Ukraine continues to bear the burden, "-. the general said.

Answering the question of whether the West should continue to provide assistance to Ukraine, Shirreff said, "Yes, absolutely."

"Ukraine is on the front line. When the authoritarian leaders get away with aggressive steps need to resist them, to avoid further aggression. History very clearly shows us that. I think that the West and the international community must continue to support Ukraine. This financial assistance and education, and civil society, and military support. ultimately, military power is important. We should not forget about diplomacy. But I believe that it is important to provide military assistance to Ukraine that it can deter and prevent new attacks from the east " - said the British general.

, "I should note that I did not see the situation in the east of Ukraine with my own eyes I'll talk about this from the position. which I do not feel very comfortable - sitting in a chair I would prefer to be there and assess the situation personally, but history teaches us that the weakness only encourages authoritarian rulers and aggression But when you meet them by force, shows that we can reach only... so far and no farther -. it is, on the contrary, an effective way to put an end to their activities I think we've seen enough what else escalation we have seen we have seen was shot down a civilian airliner MN17 we have seen how the Russian army is involved.?. overwhelming power, led a massive rocket and artillery fire There is no hint that they will deter such activity Therefore, I think our response was adequate, "-.. said Shirreff.




Asked about the prospect of Ukraine's accession to NATO, the British general said that "this complex issue."

"I think we have to recognize that in the Donbas is a war, there are fighting Russian troops and separatists, acting with the support of Moscow. I have no doubt that participate, and high-ranking Russian military in the campaign. In such circumstances, it is unrealistic to promise Ukraine unconditional implementation of the fifth article of the NATO treaty [the fifth article of the North Atlantic treaty guarantees the collective defense of any NATO member in the event of an attack on him any aggressor]. We have to admit it. at the moment is not the time to talk about Ukraine's membership in NATO. But NATO should definitely not give Putin veto on who will and will not join the North Atlantic alliance. and some NATO countries, of course, have to continue to assist Ukraine. This is particularly true of those countries adopted which is compatible with the arms of Ukraine. We are, first and foremost, about the former countries . Warsaw Pact they have preserved a lot of equipment and armament of the Soviet type "- Shirreff said.

Read also "Tsenzor.NET": If Putin is stepping up its aggression and try to solve the problem by military means, the consequences will be catastrophic - Avakov

"We need to be strong and tough Russian line must show, on which she should not go We will.. to support Ukraine. we are ready to fight to the death to the last soldier defending NATO countries. And we will deter Russia. But this does not mean that we want to encounter. we want to keep the peace. 70 years Western Europe has lived in the world. And we do not want war with Russia in any form, so along with the demonstration of power need a dialogue. But this dialogue should take place under certain conditions. the Russian leadership must recognize international law, to recognize that it is unacceptable in the XXI century to annex the territory of the neighboring country. We do not want to return to the blood policy and steel nationalism sample XIX century we need to find a way to build relationships and build bridges ", -. British general concluded.

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

US Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain headquarters explains the deterioration in the Donbass that Russia is testing the administration of US President Donald Trump.

"The Russians killed Ukrainian daily. They kill them. I think the situation is getting worse because this time for test administration Trump" - McCain said Feb. 17 during a speech at the annual Munich Security Conference, reports Tsenzor.NET citing Radio Liberty.

"We won the Cold War through significant defensive capabilities. NATO was the basis of this. We were also able to win thanks to Radio Free Europe and the" Voice of America "- said John McCain.

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

President Petro Poroshenko believes that the suspension of diplomatic pressure on Russia or easing sanctions on its withdrawal from the Donbas and return it annexed Crimea will encourage further aggression.

As the Tsenzor.NET with reference to Ukrainian News, He said this during a speech at a panel discussion of the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

"The suspension of diplomatic pressure on Russia or mitigation of penalties before Russia out of the Donbass and the Crimea - all of which have encouraged further aggression," - he said.

He added that easing of sanctions would be a sign of weakness.

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

Iran is rapidly expanding its influence in the Middle East, why the US can not prevent.

About this in his column on the website "apostrophe" wrote the director of Middle East Studies Ihor Semyvolos.

He said the realization of the idea of ​​US President Donald Trump on the dissolution of the "nuclear deal" with Iran at this point is unlikely.

Therefore, likely to deter Iran's expansion of the US attempt to push Saudi Arabia to increase its activity in the region.

"And maybe he really will push saudytiv for more action in Syria. But do not think it will, because they have made a big problem with Yemen, where their success is limited. Even to say that they're actually losing war "- wrote Semyvolos.

Read more about the possible development of relations between Iran and the United States at "Apostrophe".

apostrophe.ua , In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree "on the recognition of documents issued to Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons residing in the territories of certain areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine."

Reported Tsenzor.NET with reference to the site of Kremlin.

Also read: "We gently but intrusive form guilt to remain under the occupation of the people", - Syroid

According to the decree of the Russian president agreed that "temporarily, for the period until a political settlement of the situation in some regions of Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine on the basis of Minsk agreements: a) in the Russian Federation recognized as valid identity documents, documents on education and (or) on the qualifications, birth certificate, marriage (termination) of marriage, change of name, death, the certificate of registration of vehicles, registration plates of vehicles issued by the appropriate bodies (organizations) actually acting on the territory of these areas, the citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons permanently residing in these territories."

Read the "Tsenzor.NET": statement Zakharchenko of a military solution to the conflict in the Donbas contradicts the Minsk agreements, - Peskov

also presidential decree established that "the citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons permanently residing in the territories of certain areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine, may carry out the entry into the Russian Federation and exit from the Russian Federation without a visa on the basis of identity documents (minors under the age of 16 years - based on the birth certificate) issued by the relevant authorities, in fact applicable in the territories of these areas. "

RF Government has been instructed to take the necessary measures to implement the presidential decree. It shall enter into force on the day of its signing.

The fact that Russia has actually recognized passports of Ukrainian citizens residing in the temporarily occupied territory of Donbas that the owners of such documents may use the services of Russian railways, airlines and hotels, in early February, wrote RBC.

Commenting on the report, a spokesman for the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, said that Russia does not officially recognize the passports of persons residing in the territory of the unrecognized republics of Donbass.

See the "Tsenzor.NET: Terrorists" LC "began to issue its own" passport "photo.

It's not a formal recognition of passports, we are talking about specific decisions that could be taken by municipal, local authorities, as well as a variety of companies, based on humanitarian" reasons, guided by the need to do humanitarian aid to these people, who live in areas of Donbas", -. Sands said

he explained that such persons are deteriorating current Ukrainian passport, and they have no opportunity to get any other documents.

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

The Kremlin ordered state media to cut back on their fawning coverage of President Donald Trump, reflecting a growing concern among senior Russian officials that the new U.S. administration will be less friendly than first thought, three people familiar with the matter said.

The order comes amid a growing chorus of anti-Russian sentiment in Washington, where U.S. spy and law-enforcement agencies are conducting multiple investigations to determine the full extent of contacts Trump’s advisers had with Russia during and after the 2016 election campaign.

Vladimir Putin’s administration justified the decision to curb coverage of Trump by saying that Russian viewers no longer find details of his transition to power interesting, according to one of the people. In reality, some of the most popular TV segments on Trump touched on ideas the Kremlin would rather not promote, such as his pledge to “drain the swamp,” the person said.

“They won’t pour buckets of criticism on Trump, they just won’t talk about him much,” Konstantin von Eggert, a political commentator for TV Rain, Russia’s only independent channel, said by phone. “The fate of Russia-American relations is much less predictable than it was just a few weeks ago.”

Trumping Putin

The order marks a stark turnaround from just a few weeks ago. Trump’s unexpected triumph over Hillary Clinton in November has been widely hailed in Russia as the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the former Cold War foes. Trump’s campaign was watched with rapture as news anchors gushed over the novelty of hearing an American presidential candidate praise Putin.

But the wall-to-wall coverage went too far for the Kremlin’s liking. In January, Trump received more mentions in the media than Putin, relegating the Russian leader to the No. 2 spot for the first time since he returned to the Kremlin in 2012 after four years as premier, according to Interfax data.

Russian media “determine their editorial policies absolutely independently” and it’s “complete nonsense” that they were ordered to reduce coverage of Trump, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call Friday.

The decision to temper the public’s expectations for better relations follows the resignation of Trump’s national security adviser, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, who sat with Putin at a media event in Moscow in 2015 and is widely reported in Russia to be a sympathetic voice in Washington.

Other Trump associates whose activities the FBI and other agencies are examining include former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who worked for a Putin ally in Ukraine for years, and energy consultant Carter Page, who used to live in Moscow and gave a speech here last summer. Manafort said in a statement he never had “any connection” to Putin or the Russian government.......

Crimea Tweet.........

Access complete text of the editorial:  bloomberg.com/politics In English

In the "2nd Army Corps" (Luhansk) Armed Forces there are cases of desertion.

As Tsenzor.NET referring to the Department of Defense Intelligence Ukraine , February 17, two servicemen (citizens of Russia, members of Russian Cossack NGOs) "7-th separate motorized rifle brigade" (Bryanka) willfully left the place of service.

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

The head of the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on February 18 at the Munich security conference, said ONLINE.UA with reference to "Interfax".

"We also want to Minsk arrangements were made, and we are its sanctions without removing from the European Union, while Minsk agreement were not met. It must also be understood. Regarding the sanctions, I have already spoken to the account of how, in general, it is illogical and formula sounds artificial Minsk agreement must be carried out by Russia and then the European Union will lift sanctions, "- Lavrov said.

"It is said that wars begin in the minds of the people there, they, logically, should come to an end. However, with the" cold war "that has not yet happened, to judge, in particular, for some performances of politicians in Europe and the US" - he added the politician and noted that NATO "has remained the Institute of the cold war.

" Note that the words Russian Foreign Minister on the sanctions have caused a debate in the network. Thus, the user Bob Baumann asked: "And the Russians take off?".

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

The leaders of the groups DNI-LC Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Carpenter thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for signing a decree on recognition of Russia's "documents" issued in the occupied territories of Donbas.

Reported ONLINE.UA referring to the statement of terrorists released by the separatist publications. "This is another indication that Russia has supported and will support the right of their compatriots to fight for their lives, their culture, their language and, in the end, for their honor and dignity", - said in a statement Zakharchenko, published by DAN.

"This is recognition for each inhabitant of the" Donetsk People's Republic ". Therefore, I want once again to express gratitude and appreciation to Russia, the Russian people and its president, and at the same time I want to bow my compatriots for their courage, fortitude, diligence and patriotism", - He added a terrorist.

At the same time, the publication of militants LC PERSONS published Plotnitsky treatment. "This is another proof that the" republic "as a state Today is one step closer." Republic "to the global recognition of our sovereignty to Vladimir Putin's decision -. A clear illustration of who is for us is a brotherly nation," - said in a message.

"Residents of Donbas for 3 years tired of the horrors of war, from the continuous attacks that carry blood, the pain, the loss and destruction ... The Ukrainian side, not only did not make any steps towards reconciliation with the Lugansk and Donetsk, so also tries to make life difficult for the people "republics" on my own behalf and on behalf of all citizens, "Luhansk People's Republic" I express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation for the recognition of "documents" of our "state" -. said the leader of the LC.

"We believe that our future is inextricably linked with Russia, we are - an integral part of the Russian world and the signing of the document - proof" - added Carpenter.

Earlier, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said that Putin's new decree on the recognition of "passports" DNR-LC confirms the fact of occupation of Donbas.

As reported Online.ua, NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov also expressed the view that the declaration of the Russian Federation issued the DNI, LC documents is Russia's withdrawal from the Minsk process.

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

The talks Norman Quartet agreed on a ceasefire in the Donbas from 20 February.

According ONLINE.UA citing "European truth ", This February 18 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel.

"All parties agreed to adhere to the agreements of the Minsk Group, which agreed to the ceasefire and that heavy weapons should be removed, as well as to enable the OSCE mission to monitor where the weapon is, as well as control over the silence mode" - he said after meeting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel.

According to Gabriel, it was agreed that the ceasefire will begin on 20 February.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin said that with care refers to the declared ceasefire prior to their actual implementation.

"It is a question of understanding in the framework of the tripartite group Thus, there is an agreement on a truce since February 20, but it should not only be a political call, we have to see that the other party (the Russian Federation and supported by its militants. Adheres to this agreement, "- he stressed.

Klimkin said that all previous agreements on ceasefire eventually were disrupted by militants. "We have offered a truce and agreed on a specific date 37 times, if I'm not mistaken," - he said.

As reported ONLINE.UA, February 18 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the recognition of the Russian Federation "documents" the so-called DNR and LNR . In Ukraine, many regarded this step as the Kremlin's withdrawal from the Minsk agreements.

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

The resignation of the 26 generals and 260 senior officers of the armed forces of Poland in protest against political interference of the government is a real threat to the country's defense, writes The Telegraph .

The reason for the mass release of Polish military in the last 16 months - the obvious connivance of the soldiers are loyal to the ruling party "Law and Justice" and the failure of the Ministry of Defence of Poland to establish contact with the officers on the changes in the military structure.

According to retired Gen. Stanislav Kozeya who also served as chairman of the National Security of Poland, the scale and pace of layoffs represent "a threat to the effective functioning of the army."

"High Command agrees not with the same solution as to how political power is realized: open political interference in the competence of army commanders, civil servants who take the role of political leaders and the politicization of the army on a party basis", - he said.

Among those who have left the higher echelons of the Army - Chief of Staff - General Mieczyslaw Gotsul, who resigned in late January.

Earlier, a private US intelligence and analytical company Stratfor gave a forecast of relations between Ukraine and Poland.

apostrophe.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

The reality of the White House was not so, as it is imagined Donald Trump

One of the few pro-recognized advisors Donald Trump, former General Michael Flynn, was forced in disgrace resigned. This news provoked a flurry of comments and revisions. Some experts even see in this decision a kind of prologue to the future of impeachment (or voluntary resignation) of the US president. And the main issue of this history still remains: whether Flynn gave promises to the Russian authorities in its sole discretion? Is Trump and his associates that "did not know"?

Head ' of political drama

December 29 last year, a few weeks before the newly elected 45 th, the President of the United States, Donald Trump stayed in the White House, its future security adviser, retired general Michael Flynn, called the Russian ambassador in Washington Sergei Kislyak. Called not once, but five. The subject of discussion was comprehensive - US sanctions against Russia. For more accurate understanding should be noted that not all the sanctions, but only those that are current at the time President Barack Obama has just introduced. Flynn on behalf of Trump gave Russian diplomats promise that these sanctions are lifted as soon as its chief will enter the Oval Office.

Later, Michael Flynn, borrowed in Sulphur eyes, said that sanctions do telefonati it is not discussed. But US intelligence agencies and secret services that they recorded those talks and issued a record. All saw the counselor a new president and a roll publicly lied. February 10 CIA Director Mike Pompeo (already appointed Trump) refused one of the Vice Flynn, Robin Townley, access to classified information. Townley, who just like Flynn, considered one of the pro-Russian figures surrounded Trump was forced by the conflict to leave his post.

His head stayed too long. Minister of Justice Jeff Seshnz (former Attorney General also appointed to a ministerial post Trump) admitted that Michael Flynn "not fully informed" (in the language of lawyers - lied) Vice President Mike Pence of the nature of his conversation with the Russian ambassador, but as the evidence published tape recordings of those conversations.

According to the film, Flynn and Kislyak at all about anything other than the lifting of sanctions, did not say.

The trap for the president

After this affront Michael Flynn had no choice but to admit guilt, apologize in writing and to resign without waiting until it vyturyat. Incidentally, this is the fastest dismissal in the history of administrations of all US presidents.

The very next day after the event US media race, in various formulations, began to put just two extremely important questions. First, they are not a little fear that the presidential entourage are "moles". This, in particular, in his article for the newspaper The Observer wrote a former analyst of US national security, counter-intelligence officer John Schindler. According to him, one of the representatives of the Pentagon plain text he said that "on January 20, we believe that the Kremlin might be inside the ear Sitroom (so-called situational room where developing tactical and strategic plans of the US administration)."

Former US National Security Council analyst John Schindler: "Among Trump sits Russian mole".

Secondly, the question: is it even possible that it is even a presidential adviser on security acted on his own, without the consent of the president and his team? In general, the comments can make a sad conclusion: if the president knew about it and did not recognize it fraudster and should also resign. If we knew then who needs a president who sew their own advisors that bamboozled? Meanwhile, the Democratic Party in the Senate was taken submissions on the appointment of the investigation on the matter - whether the president knew about Flynn promises to the Kremlin?

Counselor Trump Communication Kellienn Conway also worked not too professional, on the eve of retirement Flynn is officially declared that "the president has full confidence in his national security adviser," and the next day had to justify the resignation of this adviser because, they say, 'misleading vice president - it was the last drop. " "In the morning I talked with the president - she said - and he asked me to repeat his name, Michael Flynn has to go, and he ( the president. -" Glaucus " ) has decided that this situation is unacceptable for him."

An interesting point: just last month vykonuvachka Acting Minister of Justice Sally Yeats ( was appointed to the post by Obama and Congress for her successor has not yet approved ) warned that Flynn was lying on his talks with the Russian ambassador. She expressed concern that presidential adviser may be sensitive to Moscow's attempts to blackmail him. This warning is expressed during the two weeks before the scandal broke. And last week, Trump, answering a reporter's question, said: "I have not seen. What report? "An excellent display of presidential authority.

Shames, Republicans

Republican politicians now this whole story shows. On the one hand, many of them, and he does not like and Flynn, and its chief Trump. On the other - it still has its own team, the one which went to the polls and won ... So their reaction to the event was, well, moderate. For example, the senator from New York, Chris Collins, a longtime supporter Trump, called on all "look forward", saying that it was - the town red, but we'll have to step up to new victories. Republican senator from South Dakota, John Tyune, in turn, reassures: "These things happen. In any team can someone find a bad egg. "

The president himself does not seem to have anything against the order to "look forward", immediately after the resignation Flynn sounded loud statement by the White House that "Russia must return Crimea to Ukraine" . This political demarche many perceived as an attempt to divert attention from the scandal with Flynn and demonstrate that the American president is not configured to fulfill promises on his behalf (and allegedly without his knowledge) was given to the Russian ambassador. But as soon as the statement was made - it was picked up Republican "hawks", opponents of the Kremlin: Senator John McCain, head of the committee on arms, urged Trump to show greater determination than did Obama, and to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons, and Republican congressmen introduced a bill which not only aims to strengthen sanctions against Russia, but also involves fixing these sanctions law, up until Krym Ukraine will not be returned.



But if Donald Trump was counting his sharp anti-Russian statements switch attention, these calculations are not justified. Journalists and politicians of both parties want to get the government to clear information whether Flynn acted in its sole discretion, rather uzhodzhuvav their actions to someone in the White House? However, some people already have the answer to these questions. Ben Rhodes, a former security adviser to Barack Obama wrote in his microblog: "If both - and the head of election headquarters, and security adviser - resigned because of its ties with Russia, then it is much more. Manafort and Flynn had among themselves nothing more than Russia and Trump."

Political columnist of the magazine The Atlantic, David Frum, who is investigating his new edition of ties between the US government and Russia sees this scandal around Flynn general danger to US foreign policy: "The initiators of this intervention seems to have agreed a reward for - Flynn or myself, and anyone else - it was a promise to lift the sanctions. This impressive. Not only because we have here a case of unauthorized foreign policy, but also because of the content of this policy."

Why Trump experience?

It seems that the American president starts hard times. During the campaign, he said, they say, as an entrepreneur understands how necessary to successfully govern the country. But the reality of the White House, it seems, is not, as he himself wondered secret intrigues and almost complete lack of communication - is what characterized the first weeks of government.

Resignation Flynn, of course, dealt a powerful blow to the president. And before he had time to experience the painful defeat - when the court overturned its ban on entry to US residents seven Muslim countries. It turned out that even the all-powerful presidential decree, the adoption of which so fascinated Trump, the American democratic justice can simply set aside. Certainly, the experience of a top manager of its own was not enough concern, and subordinates are not used to deny boss.

The fact that Michael Flynn had misled even the vice president Mike Pence (if you trust the official version) shows the seriousness of the conflict between individual members of the team tramp. Suffice it to recall that the Minister of Justice Jeff Seshnz with CIA director Mike Pompeo known not only as a long-standing and loyal aides Trump, but also as a strong and consistent anti-Russian politicians who constantly urged his boss to give up flirting with Putin and resist it with all the strength of America . The fact that they are not afraid to "make dirty linen" and his public actions forced to resign two other tramp appointees - pro Townley and Flynn - allows at least some guess what terrible "fight bulldogs under the carpet" (the apt statement Winston Churchill) currently going on within the presidential team ...

"Democracy in ..."

And despite all the dirt that floated to the surface to observe the development of this history useful and instructive. Because you can watch live the glorious American democracy in action. Democracy, which has evolved to such an extent that even the government officials of the highest rank already can not afford to ignore public opinion and general rules. Democracy within which they have anything to answer uncomfortable questions, in addition to answer truthfully. And if not - they have to leave their posts, and well, if that happens "at will" ... Democracy, functioning in a way that presidential adviser who climbed hand out promises of foreign ambassadors without the consent of the President (accept yet official version) is responsible for their actions his position.



For our democracy, unfortunately, still resembles the Russian "suverennuyu" (as defined Putin): no obvious liars or thieves obvious have no reason to worry and no compulsion to answer for their actions. And the fact that they can ask uncomfortable questions? Replies them still wait in vain.

And the owner of the White House, forced to live in conditions the American democratic paradigm, it seems that US presidential candidate Donald Trump was wrong: the experience even huge head, even transnational concern he hardly needed. Perhaps the US president Donald Trump is already realized and it is possible that not. Then the United States and indeed may soon be a new president.

glavcom.ua, In Ukrainian / на українській мові

Kharkiv Mayor Gennadiy Kernes said that Ukraine's national anthem is not worthy of respect, and so do this in the hall during the sessions of the Kharkiv City Council can not. Such was the reaction of the mayor of Kharkiv on anthems activists of the city, who came to the recent session of the City Council.

At the same time throughout the sound Kernes anthem from a place not even risen, which confirms the video appeared on Youtube channel.

The footage shows that the first on the ground quietly sit and Kharkiv deputies, but by the middle of the anthem, many of them rose from their seats and listened to the national anthem standing. Kernes also continued to sit on the podium and calmly smile.

After the anthem, Kernes accused social activists is that they interfere with the deputies to work, and that its activists shouted slogans elsewhere. At the cries of activists, he did not react.

"You can go anywhere and sing the anthem of Ukraine, where it should be, and the deputies work in the session hall," - not appeased Kernes. He also said he was not afraid of the word "Shame", and advised the activists rebelled stand silent and not interfere with the work of the session.

dialog.ua , In Russian / На русском

Associates of President Donald Trump have crafted a plan to lift sanctions that were placed on Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine.

According to The New York Times, Trump’s personal attorney, Michael Cohen, hand-delivered the “peace plan” to the White House, which was being pushed by former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and former Trump campaign manager Paul D. Manafort. Trump business associate Felix H. Sater and Andrii V. Artemenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker, were said to have helped craft the deal.

“A lot of people will call me a Russian agent, a U.S. agent, a C.I.A. agent,” Artemenko told the Times. “But how can you find a good solution between our countries if we do not talk?”

The plan reportedly includes compromising “names of companies, wire transfers” that would lead to the ousting of Ukraine President Petro O. Poroshenko.

It was not immediately clear if Trump was aware of the plan, but Cohen told the Times that he had not discussed it with the president.................

Access complete text of the editorial:   nytimes.com In English

Most critical question was over Washington’s future course with Russia

For five decades, western political leaders have gathered at an annual security conference in Munich to grapple with crises in the unstable, violent world beyond their democracies. This year the focus of their conversations was noticeably different: the challenge for the liberal world order is the most powerful man within it.

The foreign policy of US President Donald Trump dominated the agenda this weekend, inflecting every discussion from those on conflicts in Ukraine, Syria and Yemen, to simmering tensions in the Baltic, Black Sea and Korean peninsula. The most critical question was over Washington’s future course with Russia.

At face value, the message to anxious US allies was one of reassurance.

Michael Pence, US vice-president, pledged the “unwavering” support of the US for Nato in a speech on Saturday that lent heavily on traditional Republican foreign policy values. He promised continuity in Ukraine and asserted that Russia would be “held to account” for its aggression, echoing remarks on Friday by Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state, and Jim Mattis, the secretary of defence.

His speech received a cautious welcome...............

Access complete text of the editorial:  (Financial Times) In English