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April 16, 2014

Ukraine, Pro-Russian Separatists Clash on Eve of Talks 
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Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists are staging rival shows of force
amidst a growing risk of violent escalation. Ukrainian soldiers moved in
to re-take government buildings from the separatists on Tuesday,
sparking at least one clash in a provincial airfield. Meanwhile,
separatists in the town of Kramatorsk seized armored personnel carriers
and a tank from the Ukraine army. Ukraine and Russia will be joined by
the United States and the European Union for talks beginning Thursday in
Geneva. It is the first time Russia and Ukraine's foreign ministers will
meet face to face since the crisis began. At the White House, Press
Secretary Jay Carney said the Obama administration backs Ukraine's
incursions to retake buildings from the separatists.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: "We appreciate the government's
statements that any actions it undertakes will be gradual and
responsible and we agree the use of force not a preferred option. That
said, the Ukrainian government has the responsibility to provide law and
order and these provocations in eastern Ukraine are creating a situation
in which the government has to respond. The best way to de-escalate the
situation is for the armed militants to leave the buildings they have
seized."

 

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