16:43
2.6.2014
Pro-Kyiv military "Information Resistance" blogger Dmitry Tymchuk says via Facebook that "Ukrainian security forces [have begun] an all-out operation to neutralize terrorist groups in the city" of Luhansk.
"Air and armored forces" are involved, he says.
The operation is aimed at militia groups in the Luhansk regional-administration building, national security service facilities, the Border-Guard detachment, and other parts of the city.
"Air and armored forces" are involved, he says.
The operation is aimed at militia groups in the Luhansk regional-administration building, national security service facilities, the Border-Guard detachment, and other parts of the city.
16:46
2.6.2014
Here's RFE/RL Ukrainian Service video in the aftermath of the explosion that struck the separatist-held regional administration building in Luhansk today. It was still unclear if there were casualties.
16:50
2.6.2014
16:56
2.6.2014
From our newsroom:
Russia's envoy to NATO has accused the alliance of encouraging the use of force by the Ukrainian government in eastern Ukraine and of hampering efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis.
Aleksandr Grushko met ambassadors of NATO member states in Brussels on June 2.
Russian news agencies quoted Grushko as saying unprecedented activity by the alliance near Russia's borders was adding to tension and could undermine existing security arrangements.
A NATO spokeswoman, meanwhile, said NATO's and Russia's views on the crisis in Ukraine remain "fundamentally different."
The meeting was the first time NATO's ambassadors met with the Russian envoy since March.
Based on reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and dpa
Aleksandr Grushko met ambassadors of NATO member states in Brussels on June 2.
Russian news agencies quoted Grushko as saying unprecedented activity by the alliance near Russia's borders was adding to tension and could undermine existing security arrangements.
A NATO spokeswoman, meanwhile, said NATO's and Russia's views on the crisis in Ukraine remain "fundamentally different."
The meeting was the first time NATO's ambassadors met with the Russian envoy since March.
Based on reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and dpa
17:09
2.6.2014
RT has issued extremely graphic video of what appear to be very serious casualties in the Luhansk explosion at the regional administration building. Discretion is advised, but here's the link.
17:16
2.6.2014
Ukrainian election authorities have officially announced that Petro Poroshenko was elected president in the voting on May 25.
With all votes counted, Poroshenko won 54.7 percent of the vote, according to the Central Election Commission.
His closest rival, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, had 12.81 percent.
The CEC says more than 18 million of the 35.5 million registered voters cast ballots.
Poroshenko is expected to be sworn in on June 7.
17:29
2.6.2014
NATO ambassadors have called on Russia to engage constructively with Ukraine's newly elected president, Petro Poroshenko, and to "stop supporting armed separatists" in Ukraine.
18:00
2.6.2014
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has accused Russia of continuing to support rebels in Ukraine, saying in a Washington speech: "There is evidence that Russia continues to allow the free flow of weapons, funds, and fighters across its borders, and President Putin's next steps are still not clear."
Lew's comments, carried by AFP and other agencies, come after U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that Russia has removed thousands of troops from Ukraine's border.
Lew also said the Treasury's coordinated and precise approach with economic sanctions had put "enormous pressure" on Russia.
Lew's comments, carried by AFP and other agencies, come after U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said that Russia has removed thousands of troops from Ukraine's border.
Lew also said the Treasury's coordinated and precise approach with economic sanctions had put "enormous pressure" on Russia.
18:17
2.6.2014
Reuters video shows the moment of the blast at the Luhansk regional-administration building and its aftermath. Clearly there were casualties.
18:29
2.6.2014
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has purchased 10,000 new sets of body-armor, our Ukrainian Service reports, quoting a public-procurement website. Half are deliverable by the end of this month and the other half by the end of July.