And the representatives of Ukraine, Russia, the OSCE, and separatist-held regions of eastern Ukraine have started their meeting in Minsk of the so-called Contact Group.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini speaking today at the European Parliament in Strasbourg about the situation in Ukraine:
"I would say, if this would not be leading us to a discussion that is much broader -- about our kind of world; our kind order or disorder; to preserve some sort of global balance, global order in our times -- this is really what is at stake."
"My message to the parties would be -- first of all, obviously, to Russia, but to those that will meet tomorrow night in Minsk -- to take this opportunity and finally -- finally -- get to agree on the implementation measures of the Minsk agreement. This is what it is all about. This is the only way in which we can start finding the way out of the crisis."
Something the Kremlin is no doubt aware of.
Remarkable story. Must-read.
"Another conference-goer from Moscow, not exactly a Kremlin apologist, said he wished a tank would run over British journalist Edward Lucas, one of Putin’s most vocal critics at the conference."
British Minister for Europe David Lidington had loads to say at a discussion today at Carnegie Europe think tank in Brussels about the Ukrainian conflict and Russia's global stance:
"The blunt truth is that Ukrainian army could not beat the Russian army in battle even if you supply a lot of weapons. I do not think that the European and American positions are far apart [on that]. There a nuances in the approach."
"Our position in Britain is that we will continue to supply nonlethal equipment, including things like body armor to the Ukrainians. We have not taken any decision to supply lethal materials. Clearly, if the situation on the ground warrants it, then we might need to review that, but we aren't at that stage now. But I think we would not want to stand by and let the Ukrainian forces completely collapse. We just have to keep watching that."
"Let's face it -- Russia has employed multiple, well-honed tactics of disinformation in the last few years: tightening control of the domestic media, new aggressive channels to confuse and disorient the international public, armies of online trolls whose sole jobs seems to be to use fake evidence to litter social media, even -- even -- at the time of MH-17," a reference to a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet shot down over pro-Russian separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. He added: "We need to counter this disinformation campaign -- not with propaganda but with the truth. To that end, I propose four elements that should govern the EU's response. I have termed them 'the four As.'"
"First is awareness. We need to make our own population aware of the scale of the Russian disinformation and that means greater cooperation between the EU and NATO and exposing disinformation when it occurs. Second -- assertiveness. We must define a proactive, positive narrative for populations in the region -- not just in Ukraine, but in the neighborhood as a whole. As [EU] member states we should support and amplify one another's messages."
"Third -- alternative. The Kremlin has successfully limited free debate in Russia's media space. We need to support independent and alternative voices. A key element of this is actually to help Ukraine's own government to communicate more effectively with its own people and with the international media. Ukraine's voice need to be heard clearly abroad. And, finally -- accountability. Where Russia's propaganda outlets break our laws they should be made accountable and regulators throughout the EU need to keep a watchful eye, always mindful, of course, of the importance of protecting free speech."
From our newsroom:
Russia's finance minister says Ukraine has asked his country to restructure its $3 billion bailout bond, a request Moscow isn’t ready to meet.
Speaking on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in Istanbul on February 10, Anton Siluanov said Moscow is "expecting and awaiting fulfilment of all obligations by Ukraine to Russia this December."
Repayment for the bonds purchased by Russia in December 2013 is due in December 2015.
Siluanov said Moscow is not in the position to defer repayment, particularly in a foreign currency, referring to Russia's own budget crippled by the falling ruble and plunge of oil prices.
Ukraine is in talks with the International Monetary Fund to expand a $17 billion bailout and avert a default, as its military continues to battle separatists in the country’s east.
Based on reporting by AFP and Interfax
The Kramatorsk death toll has risen to at least 15, according to the Ukrainian government. Dozens more are wounded, some of them seriously.