Another of the Russian agitprop shirts says "We have our own fun without your Coca-Cola." Rhymes in Russian. pic.twitter.com/UmywHizwxc
— Paul Sonne (@PaulSonne) September 28, 2014
And here's an update from our news desk:
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow has no desire to continue a war of sanctions with the West.
Speaking on September 28 in an interview with the St. Petersburg television broadcaster Channel 5, he said, "We're not interested in the current period to stay on indefinitely."
He also said, "I don't think it [the situation] would persist for long but it will take some period of time.
The West started to impose sanctions on Russia in March 2014 over Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.
In retaliation, Russia has imposed a one-year ban on food and raw material imports from the countries that had imposed their sanctions against Moscow.
(Interfax)
More intense fighting during the cease-fire -- RFE/RL's multimedia unit has just issued this footage of Ukraine's 11th Territorial Defense Battalion clashing with Russia-backed separatists at a checkpoint in the village of Nikishino, near Debaltseve, in the Donetsk region. Video of the fighting was recorded on September 25-26 by RFE/RL correspondent Levko Stek. (Contains graphic images)
And here is footage that is said to be of fighting in the same area that was given to Levko Stek by a Ukrainian soldier. RFE/RL cannot independently verify the circumstances under which the following video was recorded.
This report by @tsnua from inside #Donetsk airport 2 days ago. Today pitched battle being fought there. https://t.co/FZmcPtnNri
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 28, 2014
As far as we know, a cease-fire is still supposed to be in place...
Fights raging in #Yasynuvata (pic 1) & at #Donetsk airport (pic 2). Indiscriminate shelling, gun battles, the works. pic.twitter.com/jD3Ei52JLm
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 28, 2014
Outgoing NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has written an op-ed for "The Independent" in London today. Needless to say, Russia and the Ukraine crisis figure prominently:
In our eastern neighbourhood, Russia has shown utter disregard for international law and a brutal determination to redraw borders by force. The pattern is clear. From Moldova to Georgia, and now in Ukraine, Russia uses a mix of economic, political, propaganda and military pressure, to produce instability and manufacture hot conflicts which it can freeze at will. Moscow's masterplan is to prevent its neighbours from choosing their own path so that it can rebuild a sphere of influence.
Russia's behaviour is my deepest disappointment of the past five years. My very first speech as Nato Secretary General, in September 2009, focused on seeking a strategic partnership with Russia. I saw this as a historic opportunity which my generation could not miss.
But while we did expand our practical co-operation in the common fight against terrorism, narcotics and piracy, we never agreed on missile defence. Russia's aggression against Ukraine has challenged our vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace. Despite our efforts since the collapse of communism, Russia clearly views Nato not as a partner, but as an adversary.
Unless Russia changes course, there can be no business as usual, and I expect that engagement with Moscow will remain a considerable challenge for the foreseeable future.
Read the entire article here
Six months after referendum I revisited #Crimea for @dw_english - engl version https://t.co/oVif32CS7N
— MareikeAden (@MareikeAden) September 28, 2014
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has been tweeting its take on the situation in the east of the country today:
This morning terrorists performed another unsuccessful attack on Donetsk airport, and shelled Avdiivka with artillery
— NSDC of Ukraine (@NSDC_ua) September 28, 2014
Terrorists continue violation of ceasefire, shelling positions and residential areas. Most active in Donetsk airport, Debaltsevo, Shchastya
— NSDC of Ukraine (@NSDC_ua) September 28, 2014
RF continue reconnaissance activity both on the border and from air, extension of military units in occupied Crimea and on Kherson border
— NSDC of Ukraine (@NSDC_ua) September 28, 2014
Video for Secretary @PennyPritzker opening comments with President @poroshenko. We will stand with Ukraine every step http://t.co/wsYy6GY9Mm
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) September 28, 2014
This NYT report on Putin's coterie of billionaires has been setting the blogosphere alight over the past few hours:
The New York Times: It pays to be Putin’s friend http://t.co/TWVTmQqPeW pic.twitter.com/meGW1jCDHa
— Kyiv Post (@KyivPost) September 28, 2014
How to become a billionaire? Make friends with Putin http://t.co/YmlN6dVEDk
— Anne Applebaum (@anneapplebaum) September 28, 2014
This is the story on #Russia you must read today. Terrific reporting by @nytimes crew. It Pays to Be Putin’s Friend http://t.co/1WbHysr3SC
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) September 28, 2014