Live Blog: Ukraine In Crisis (Archive)

Kremlin ideologue and former United Russia Duma Deputy Sergei Markov wrote in a Facebook post this morning that the "peak of the crisis" in Ukraine is near. He claims that the Ukrainian Army is moving from both the south and the north to seal the country's border with Russia, after which will come "a massive attack on the key objects in the rebellious Donbas." This supposed plan, Markov argues, will lead to "thousands of civilian deaths and the deaths of hundreds of armed antfascists." The rest of the plan entails mass arrests, purges, and forced de-Russification."

If Russian President Vladimir Putin is unable to negotiate a deal with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko or Western leaders, "Russi will have to either significantly increase its participation in the conflict by a massive injection of equipment and volunteers or by the use of the Russian Army in the conflict" or "it will have to agree to the military victory of ultra-anti-Russian forces after which, at the direction of foreign commanders, will begin preparations for aggression against Russia."

Here are a couple of sound bites from Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who spoke to reporters about the cease-fire in the Kharkiv region on the evening of June 20:

"We hope very much that this order [for a cease-fire] will be heard and supported by all sides of the conflict, by all those who have weapons. And I hope that this historic chance to restore peace in Donbas will be used."

"We will invite an OSCE observer to every checkpoint to record any possible attacks or use of weapon against Ukrainian soldiers -- in that case, Ukrainian soldiers have the right to fire back."

"I gave orders that in case of attempts to break through to Ukrainian territory by either heavy [military] equipment or vehicles with armed mercenaries, Ukrainian armed forces are able to defend the state border."

Russian news agencies are reporting that President Vladimir Putin has ordered forces in the Central Military District (which includes the Urals Region and is headquartered in Yakterinburg) to conduct emergency readiness drills. Forces are reportedly on full combat alert, Russian agencies quoted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying. Agencies also reported paratroop units in the region are conducting exercises. The readiness test will continue until June 28.

Here is AP's report on the exercises.

Good morning. RFE/RL's Ukraine Live Blog is beginning activity for June 21. Here is the latest from our News Desk:

The leaders of the United States, France, and Germany say Russia faces the risk of new sanctions from the West if it fails to defuse tensions on the Ukraine border.

The White House said U.S. President Barack Obama had spoken separately with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The leaders spoke amid fresh concerns about Russian activity along Ukraine's border.

The U.S. State Department said it had information that Russia had gathered tanks and artillery at deployment sites that may be provided to separatist fighters in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on seven pro-Russian separatist leaders, including self-proclaimed separatist mayors, governors, and commanders.

On June 20, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered a seven-day cease-fire in the fight against pro-Russian separatists, but also warned them they could face death if they did not use the time to put down their guns.

In Moscow, the Kremlin denounced the cease-fire as an ultimatum rather than a peace offering.

Barring major developments, that ends the live blogging for today. See you again tomorrow.

Expected...

This is just bizarre. In Upworthy style, You Won't Believe What Happened When A Journalist Interviewed To Be A Tank Driver For The Separatists In Ukraine.

But will it hold?

BREAKING: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that a weeklong unilateral cease-fire by Ukrainian forces will begin on June 20.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry said earlier that Poroshenko will sign a decree announcing a temporary cease-fire soon.

In a statement posted on its website June 20, the Interior Ministry said under the cease-fire "terrorists can lay down their arms and those who will not do this will be killed."

Poroshenko visited a National Guard counterterrorism center on June 20.

He had been expected earlier to announce a 14-point peace plan.

According to an unofficial copy published by the media, the plan calls for the creation of a 10-kilometer buffer zone on the border with Russia.

From our Washington bureau: