- Increasing tension between the Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces has raised the death toll of the soldiers to 17 and the injured to more than 30.
- The rebels however accused that the Ultra-nationalists,who part of the army of a Ukranian elite, were behind the attack and that they punished the soldiers for refusing to fight against the rebels.
- In some regions, the rebels also declared Martial Law and began mobilizing male volunteers to fight against the advancing Ukrainian army.
- The stepped up military operations by Ukraine may be to maintain peace in the rebel region during the upcoming Presidential elections.
- Russia alleged Ukrainian govt of sidetracking the efforts of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) by stepping up the military efforts.
- Russia also reacted angrily over Britain’s Prince Charles’s remark comparing President Vladimir Putin to Hitler and demanded an explanation of the same.
- Read at:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/17-soldiers-killed-in-kiev-offensive/article6038899.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
- Ukraine Crisis
- Martial Law