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A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard in the city of Schastye in the Luhansk region late last month.
A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard in the city of Schastye in the Luhansk region late last month.
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Live Blog: Ukraine In Crisis (Archive)

Final News Summary For September 1, 2017

-- EDITOR'S NOTE: We have started a new Ukraine Live Blog as of September 2, 2017. Find it here.

-- Ukraine says it will introduce new border-crossing rules from next year, affecting citizens of “countries that pose risks for Ukraine.”

-- The Association Agreement strengthening ties between Ukraine and the European Union entered into force on September 1, marking an end to four years of political drama surrounding the accord.

-- The trial of Crimean journalist Mykola Semena will resume later this month after the first hearing in weeks produced little progress toward a resolution of the politically charged case.

*NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Kyiv (GMT +3)

12:18 15.8.2017

12:16 15.8.2017

12:12 15.8.2017

12:09 15.8.2017

11:45 15.8.2017

Recent images from the Kerch Strait show work moving apace to connect Russia with the annexed Crimean Peninsula. (click image for photo gallery)

Putin Officially Opens Massive Bridge Linking Crimea To Russia

People near the Russian town of Taman look out in July 2016 over the construction of the Kerch bridge, snaking 19 kilometers toward Crimea. A crew of around 5,000 people are working around the clock on the project, which began in May 2015. 
1/20 People near the Russian town of Taman look out in July 2016 over the construction of the Kerch bridge, snaking 19 kilometers toward Crimea. A crew of around 5,000 people are working around the clock on the project, which began in May 2015. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
Arkady Rotenberg (center) visits the construction site. The construction magnate won the multibillion-dollar contract to build the bridge in 2015. Rotenberg is a childhood friend of Vladimir Putin and has amassed enormous personal wealth, mostly through construction contracts awarded by the Russian state. He was sanctioned by the European Union and the United States for his role in the Ukraine crisis.
2/20 Arkady Rotenberg (center) visits the construction site. The construction magnate won the multibillion-dollar contract to build the bridge in 2015. Rotenberg is a childhood friend of Vladimir Putin and has amassed enormous personal wealth, mostly through construction contracts awarded by the Russian state. He was sanctioned by the European Union and the United States for his role in the Ukraine crisis.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
A photo from July 31, 2017, shows the main archways of the bridge near completion. 
3/20 A photo from July 31, 2017, shows the main archways of the bridge near completion. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
The twin 227-meter-long arches are prepared for placement. The arch on the left will support two railway lines, while the other will carry four lanes of automobile traffic. 
4/20 The twin 227-meter-long arches are prepared for placement. The arch on the left will support two railway lines, while the other will carry four lanes of automobile traffic. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
An engineer watches a scale model of the bridge being towed through a wind tunnel.
5/20 An engineer watches a scale model of the bridge being towed through a wind tunnel.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
The arches straddle this gap in the bridge, designed to allow ships to pass beneath. Critics of the project say the planned 35-meter clearance under the bridge <strong><a href="https://focus.ua/world/348338/" target="_blank">will be dangerously tight</a></strong> during stormy weather. Previous, stalled plans for a bridge across the strait called for clearance of at least 50 meters.&nbsp;
6/20 The arches straddle this gap in the bridge, designed to allow ships to pass beneath. Critics of the project say the planned 35-meter clearance under the bridge will be dangerously tight during stormy weather. Previous, stalled plans for a bridge across the strait called for clearance of at least 50 meters. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
In May 2017, divers tasked with scouring the seabed for explosives that could endanger the bridge discovered a&nbsp;Curtiss P-40 Warhawk downed during World War II. In 1945, a bridge connecting Crimea and the Russian mainland was completed but collapsed after an ice floe crunched into the hastily made structure.&nbsp;
7/20 In May 2017, divers tasked with scouring the seabed for explosives that could endanger the bridge discovered a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk downed during World War II. In 1945, a bridge connecting Crimea and the Russian mainland was completed but collapsed after an ice floe crunched into the hastily made structure. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
In a shopping mall in central Moscow, an exhibition tells the story of the Kerch bridge&#39;s construction. Russia&#39;s 2014 annexation of Crimea won the country international condemnation but caused a wave of patriotic fervor inside Russia that carried President Vladimir Putin to approval ratings of 83 percent.
8/20 In a shopping mall in central Moscow, an exhibition tells the story of the Kerch bridge's construction. Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea won the country international condemnation but caused a wave of patriotic fervor inside Russia that carried President Vladimir Putin to approval ratings of 83 percent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
A mockup of a section of the bridge is seen in a wind tunnel. The Kerch Strait is a notoriously difficult place to build, with undersea mud volcanoes, seismic activity, and drifting ice floes in winter.
9/20 A mockup of a section of the bridge is seen in a wind tunnel. The Kerch Strait is a notoriously difficult place to build, with undersea mud volcanoes, seismic activity, and drifting ice floes in winter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
An aerial view by photographer <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/zaburdaev" target="_blank">Stanislav Zaburdayev</a>&nbsp;</strong>made with a drone in July 2017.
10/20 An aerial view by photographer Stanislav Zaburdayev made with a drone in July 2017.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
An engineer works as waves slap a pontoon. With the stakes high, Russian resources poured into the project. According to a&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/05/29/putins-shadow-cabinet-and-the-bridge-to-crimea" target="_blank">New Yorker report</a></strong>, the building of new automobile roads in Russia was &quot;practically suspended&quot; while the Kerch bridge construction went ahead.&nbsp;
11/20 An engineer works as waves slap a pontoon. With the stakes high, Russian resources poured into the project. According to a New Yorker report, the building of new automobile roads in Russia was "practically suspended" while the Kerch bridge construction went ahead. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
Newlyweds perch on a freshly installed bench overlooking the Crimean end of the bridge.
12/20 Newlyweds perch on a freshly installed bench overlooking the Crimean end of the bridge.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
Views of the bridge taken in April and May 2018
13/20 Views of the bridge taken in April and May 2018
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
14/20
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
15/20
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
16/20
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
17/20
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
A test of the bridge&#39;s lighting
18/20 A test of the bridge's lighting
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
A lone vehicle drives down the Crimean Bridge prior to the opening ceremonies on May 15.
19/20 A lone vehicle drives down the Crimean Bridge prior to the opening ceremonies on May 15.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a Kamaz truck across the bridge on May 15 to officially open the span.
20/20 Russian President Vladimir Putin drove a Kamaz truck across the bridge on May 15 to officially open the span.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 15 officially unveiled a 19-kilometer-long road bridge linking the annexed Crimean Peninsula with Russian territories across the Kerch Strait. Construction of the bridge, which can carry up to 40,000 cars a day, started in 2016. It was originally expected to open in December but was finished ahead of schedule. A railway bridge is due to be completed by the end of 2019.
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09:58 15.8.2017

Russia Claims Ukrainian Reconnaissance Officer Detained In Crimea

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has detained a senior reconnaissance officer of a Ukrainian military unit who was allegedly planning acts of sabotage in Crimea.

The FSB said on August 15 that Hennadiy Lemeshko was detained on August 12 while attempting to disrupt electricity lines on the Crimean Peninsula.

According to the FSB, the suspect had explosive devices in his possession.

There was no immediate response from Ukraine.

The announcement came days after a Russian court sentenced two Ukrainian nationals in separate cases to lengthy prison terms on terrorism charges.

Rights activists say Russia has jailed several Ukrainians on trumped-up, politically motivated charges since Moscow seized Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014.

In March, the European Parliament called on Russia to free more than 30 Ukrainian citizens who are in prison or who have had their freedom of movement restricted in Russia, Crimea, and parts of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by Russia-backed separatists. (RIA Novosti, Interfax)

09:57 15.8.2017

09:28 15.8.2017

09:27 15.8.2017

09:20 15.8.2017

Former Ukrainian President's Treason Trial To Resume

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service

KYIV -- The in-absentia treason trial of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is scheduled to restart on August 15.

It is expected that Ukraine's former ambassador to the United Nations, Yuriy Serheyev, will testify at the hearing.

Yanukovych, who is currently in Russia, announced last month that he would not participate in the trial, claiming that it is politically motivated, and dismissed his lawyers from the case.

The court then decided to hold the trial in absentia and provide Yanukovych with a state-appointed lawyer.

Yanukovych abandoned office in late February 2014 and fled to Russia in the face of protests triggered by his decision to scrap plans for a landmark deal with the European Union and instead improve trade ties with Moscow.

Dozens of people were killed when his government attempted to clamp down on the pro-European protests known as the Euromaidan.

Prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment for Yanukovych, who is accused of treason, violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and abetting Russian aggression.

After he fled, Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and fomented opposition to the central government in eastern Ukraine, where the ensuing war between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014.

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