Parties Say They Will Remain In Ukraine's Governing Coalition
Two parties in Ukraine's governing coalition say that they won't abandon the grouping despite a major dispute over a proposal to give more power to Ukraine's regions, including the rebel-held east.
The two parties said their opposition to the proposal to change Ukraine's constitution remains firm, however, highlighting the steep battle President Petro Poroshenko faces to push it through parliament.
Oleg Berezyuk, head of the Samopomich faction, said the group will "remain in the coalition in the role of opposition within the parliamentary majority."
A member of Poroshenko's faction, Igor Kononeko, said the faction of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko would also remain in the coalition, the Interfax news agency reported.
Lawmakers gave preliminary approval to the decentralization measure on August 31, with 265 votes in favor. That was well short of the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution in a final vote expected later this year.
The vote prompted the Radical Party to withdraw from the governing coalition, raising concerns about whether other factions that oppose the constitutional change might follow suit.
Based on reporting by AP and Interfax
Ukraine Officially Declares Russia The Enemy, Vows To Join NATO
Ukraine's National Security Council has approved a new military doctrine that declares Russia to be a military opponent and calls for the country to pursue NATO membership.
There was no immediate official reaction from Russia, which denies claims that it has sent troops and equipment to separatist rebels in Ukraine's east, and which opposes Ukraine joining NATO.
The move came amid strong political tensions over President Petro Poroshenko's efforts to get approval of a constitutional change that would devolve some powers to the regions, including the eastern regions held by the rebels.
Opponents say the change would effectively be capitulation to Russia.
It was unclear if the military doctrine's stance against Russia could dilute opposition to the decentralization effort.
The doctrine now goes to Poroshenko for his signature.
At the Security Council meeting, Poroshenko said the doctrine "not only officially establishes the Russian Federation as Ukraine's military opponent, but states the task of relocating military units and creating the necessary military infrastructure in the eastern and southern regions."
He said Ukraine's army must strive to achieve NATO standards to attain membership by 2020.
Based on reporting by AP and Interfax
This ends our live blogging for September 2. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our continuing coverage.