17:11
27.2.2014
BREAKING: Russian news agencies are reporting that Yanukovych is planning to hold a news conference Friday in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.
The reports cite people described as closed to Yanukovych. It would be Yanukovych's first public appearance since he fled Ukraine in the face of mass protests against his authority.
The reports cite people described as closed to Yanukovych. It would be Yanukovych's first public appearance since he fled Ukraine in the face of mass protests against his authority.
17:04
27.2.2014
According to the wires, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is calling for the implementation of the -- apparently now defunct -- agreement signed last week by ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and former opposition leaders.
The Foreign Ministry noted the February 21 agreement was signed in the presence of the French, German, and Polish foreign ministers, and was supported by the United States.
The agreement called for an early presidential election and the formation of a unity government, with Yanukovych remaining as president.
It was apparently cancelled a short time later when Yanukovych fled Kyiv in the face of further mass protests, and his authority was overthrown by parliament.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow is ready to cooperate with foreign partners to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but said the rights of all Ukrainians must be respected.
The agreement called for an early presidential election and the formation of a unity government, with Yanukovych remaining as president.
It was apparently cancelled a short time later when Yanukovych fled Kyiv in the face of further mass protests, and his authority was overthrown by parliament.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow is ready to cooperate with foreign partners to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but said the rights of all Ukrainians must be respected.
16:59
27.2.2014
WTF RT @RT_com: BREAKING: Yanukovich to hold press-conference in Russia’s Roston-on-Don Friday - source http://t.co/Wu2H6zvpfB #Ukraine
— Miriam Elder (@MiriamElder) February 27, 2014
16:40
27.2.2014
Ukrainians create homage to Flappy Bird game featuring Yanukovych - Flappy Victor http://t.co/EayJ3iRlKY via @ain_ua
— Tanya Lokot (@tanyalokot) February 27, 2014
16:11
27.2.2014
From the wires. The IMF is sending a mission to Ukraine:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it's sending a mission to Ukraine following a request for billions of dollars of support from the country's new authorities.
IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a written statement that the IMF team will make an assessment of Ukraine's economic situation and launch talks on what policy reforms are needed.
She added the IMF will coordinate Ukrainian aid with other international institutions.
Oleksander Shlapak, who has been confirmed as Ukraine's new finance minister, said Ukraine is seeking "at least $15 billion" from the IMF.
New Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said securing an IMF deal is a top priority.
Russia suggested after the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych that it might not disburse the remaining $12 billion of a $15 billion aid package it has promised Kyiv.
IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in a written statement that the IMF team will make an assessment of Ukraine's economic situation and launch talks on what policy reforms are needed.
She added the IMF will coordinate Ukrainian aid with other international institutions.
Oleksander Shlapak, who has been confirmed as Ukraine's new finance minister, said Ukraine is seeking "at least $15 billion" from the IMF.
New Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said securing an IMF deal is a top priority.
Russia suggested after the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych that it might not disburse the remaining $12 billion of a $15 billion aid package it has promised Kyiv.
15:51
27.2.2014
VIDEO: Bird's eye view of yesterday's dual rallies in Crimea http://t.co/O2wQtfzkPn
— RFE/RL (@RFERL) February 27, 2014
15:41
27.2.2014
Ukr analyst on Crimea: "It's a classic conflict in which both sides feel they are defending themselves." http://t.co/8e37LCNm9S
— Robert Coalson (@CoalsonR) February 27, 2014
15:34
27.2.2014
Ukrainian nationalist paramilitary group Pravyi Sektor says it doesn't plan to intervene in the Crimea. http://t.co/Ul2F4skUzu
— Kevin Rothrock (@KevinRothrock) February 27, 2014
15:28
27.2.2014
Interesting that Interfax news agency (@interfaxua, @interfax_news) writes "President Viktor Yanukovych" without "ex" or "former."
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) February 27, 2014