Ukraine Pushes On With Offensive as Russia Warns on Vote
By Kateryna Choursina, Daria Marchak and Ryan Chilcote May 15, 2014 8:16 AM ET
Ukraine pushed on with an operation to flush separatists from their eastern holdouts a day after Russia warned the violence jeopardizes this month’s elections.
Government troops eliminated two rebel bases near the towns of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov said today in parliament in Kiev. Militants vowed to expel the military from the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that Ukraine is sliding into a civil war, making legitimate voting impossible.
“The anti-terrorist operation can stop after weapons are surrendered and hostages released,” Turchynov said. “We’re conducting dialogue with those who’re prepared for conversation and cooperation. We’re working on changes to the constitution to expand powers to local self-government. At the same time, those who conduct war will receive an adequate answer.”
The Kiev government and its U.S. and European Union allies blame Russia for the unrest in Ukraine’s easternmost regions. Pro-Russian separatists there were excluded from national unity talks that began yesterday in the capital to ease tensions as a May 25 presidential vote looms. U.S. and EU leaders say they’ll tighten sanctions on Russia if the ballot is disrupted. Lavrov said it’s “ridiculous” to hold Russia responsible.
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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-05-15/ukraine-pushes-on-with-offensive-as-russia-warns-on-vote.html
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