A number of outlets cite a report by "Ukrayinska pravda" quoting the Ukrainian army as saying pro-Russian forces shelled evacuees from two towns in Luhansk with rockets and mortar fire this morning, causing many casualties.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov tells reporters in Berlin that there was progress last night on the humanitarian convoy (story below and to follow) and says Russia is "fully responsible for what happens on our side [of the border], and for ensuring that no illegal border crossings take place." He insists on an "unconditional cease-fire" and accuses Kyiv of "unfocused" proposals.
More clues following Lavrov's claims of a deal on the humanitarian convoy. This from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
From Interfax:
Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Oleksandr Turchynov said he believes Ukraine can conduct European integration reforms over a period of five years.
"We have a five-year European integration plan," the Ukrainian parliamentary press service quoted Turchynov as saying in an interview with the Baltic information agency BNS on Monday.
"Ukraine should become a member of the European Union and NATO," Turchynov said, adding that he believes it will be a guarantee against Russia's "aggressive ambitions."
Turchynov said most Ukrainians now understand that Ukraine needs to enter NATO because "it is a way to protect Ukraine."
Dpa quoting Lavrov via Russian news agencies: "As long as Kiev seeks a forceful solution, international efforts...won't have success."
Our Ukrainian Service reports that a smattering of pro-Kyiv activists erected three tents on Prague's Wenceslas Square last night in a demonstration to urge Czech officials to back Ukraine in its ongoing dispute with Russia. Their signs warned of a "Third World War," urged officials to "Stop Putin," and warned, "Crimea today, tomorrow Karlovy Vary?" in reference to the storied Czech spa town and cultural center where many wealthy Russians own property.