War jets fly into Ukraine as US warns Russia to back down
TENSIONS in Ukraine escalated further last night after the US accused Russia of sending jets into the country’s airspace.
They are denying the rule of the Western-backed government in the capital, Kiev, and fighting for closer ties with Russia.
Meanwhile, a group of international observers is still being held in the eastern city of Slaviansk, accused of being Nato spies.
They are part of a German-led monitoring mission visiting the area as part of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
But separatists claim they removed military ident- ification from them, proving they were sent to snoop.
Ukraine’s state security service said the group was being held “in inhuman conditions in the basement of the terrorists’ headquarters” and that one observer needed medical help.
German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said: “It is critical that we use all diplomatic channels to free this team immediately and unhurt.”
Last month, Russia caused an outcry when it invaded and took over Ukraine’s mainly ethnic-Russian Crimean peninsula.
US officials claimed Russia’s Air Force had made the threatening gesture several times in the past 24 hours.
They called on the Russians to “de-escalate the situation” or face further tough sanctions from the G7 group of countries.
Top brass are uncertain why the aircraft crossed over but fear they may be testing Ukrainian radar or making a show of force.
The move further strengthens fears that Russia may be about to launch a military expedition into Ukraine.
Russia has also increased its military exercises along the border, moving dozens of aircraft, infantry and armed troops.
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel blasted the latest exercises as “dangerously destabilising” and “very provocative”.
The White House is also expected to increase sanctions against Russia, targeting “cronies” of President Vladimir Putin unless he moves to dampen the crisis.
Sanctions could mean fresh visa bans and asset freezes on people and businesses linked with the Kremlin.
Russia says it is not to blame for the crisis in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have taken control of a dozen official buildings.“It is critical that we use all diplomatic channels to free this team immediately and unhurt”German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen
They are denying the rule of the Western-backed government in the capital, Kiev, and fighting for closer ties with Russia.
Meanwhile, a group of international observers is still being held in the eastern city of Slaviansk, accused of being Nato spies.
They are part of a German-led monitoring mission visiting the area as part of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
But separatists claim they removed military ident- ification from them, proving they were sent to snoop.
Ukraine’s state security service said the group was being held “in inhuman conditions in the basement of the terrorists’ headquarters” and that one observer needed medical help.
German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said: “It is critical that we use all diplomatic channels to free this team immediately and unhurt.”
Last month, Russia caused an outcry when it invaded and took over Ukraine’s mainly ethnic-Russian Crimean peninsula.
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