Just to confuse you further, Poroshenko says today 1st consultations between Russia & Ukraine army HQs took place, after agreement in Minsk
— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) August 28, 2014
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, protesters gathered today outside the Defense Ministry in Kyiv for a second day, demanding the rescue of Ukrainian forces encircled by pro-Russian separatists in the country's east. The protesters said the troops have not received adequate support, and demanded the resignation of Defense Minister Valeriy Heletey. (Video from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)
Despite the fact that #RussiainvadedUkraine, the situation in a combat zone is taken by control of Ukrainian Army
— NSDC of Ukraine (@NSDC_ua) August 28, 2014
One-person demos are the only kind that don't need prior authorization in Russia:
The Soldier's Mothers Committe makes its presence felt:
“According to our expert analyses,” said Melnikova – and few organizations have better information than hers – “ there are over 10,000 Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine today."
Here is today's situation map of eastern Ukraine from the National Security and Defense Council:
Our Brussels correspondent has quoted a NATO military officer as saying the alliance believes "more than 1,000 Russian troops" are operating inside Ukraine.
"They are supporting separatists [and] fighting with them," the officer, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters in Mons, Belgium.
He said it is conceivable that Moscow could create a land bridge to the Crimea Peninsula, which it annexed in March, via the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol.