Ukrainian troops have been deployed to
Ukrainian border with Russia. Their lack of finances and training is a stark
contrast to Russia’s military strength – further, there is a strong sense of
not wanting to fight Russians. The Ukrainian army is tired, underfunded, hungry
and not wanting to fight.
Military troops patrol the bleak terrain
throughout Eastern Ukraine, but they are receiving a constant stream of
visitors bringing food, medical supplies and cigarettes. Pro-Russian families
are also visiting the soldiers and bringing supplies, notwithstanding their
opposition of the Kyiv government. While they do not support the new
government, these families are not flying Russian flags – in fact the only
flags visible are Ukrainian. A common sentiment being observed by journalists
is people saying, ‘we are for peace and friendship, at the end of the day.’
Moreover, the first 100 students from Donetsk
have arrived in Lviv as part of a new programme ‘from East to West’. This
initiate aims to counter stereotypes that tensions and animosity divides
Ukrainians.
On
the political/diplomatic side, European Commission has produced its final
verdict on the Crimean Referendum, stating today that the referendum to join
part of the Russian Federation is unconstitutional.
The Ukrainian movement ‘Stop Censorship’ called
on the new Ukrainian government to create a public broadcasting network and
amend the charter of the National Television Company. They are calling for
immediate action to prevent the situation where public media are the mouthpiece
of the ruling powers.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Prime Minister
Arseniy Yatsenyuk has signed the political association agreement with the EU at
a summit of the bloc's leaders. This is the same agreement that Yanukovych had
backed out of last November in favour of a $15 billion bail-out from Russia.
Voices from the EuroMaidan are divided on how much Europe will be able to
‘help’ Ukraine, but this support as well as the presence of UN and European
observers in the country are welcome.
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