- Under the peace plan proposed by Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ukraine launched round table talks on “national unity” and refused to invite representatives of the rebellious eastern provinces, who support federalisation of Ukraine.
- Ukraine turned down Germany’s attempts to organise talk between the govt and the separatists, apparently prodded on by the US.
- Russia underscored that Geneva agreement called for talks inclusive of all parties in Ukraine.
- US strengthened its stand on support to Ukraine and and warned Russia of further sanctions if it disrupts the Presidential elections to be held on May 25.
- Russia, which earlier called for postpone of the elections, has now softened its stand, and also believes that the sidelining of separatists would undermine the legitimacy of these elections.
- Separatists have refused to hold elections in their regions and attacked election commission buildings. After being on the defensive so far, they are now planning an offensive against the troops to drive them out of their lands.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/rebellious-regions-excluded-from-ukraines-unity-talks/article6010359.ece
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