These images of dogs and cats in Ukraine's conflict zone illustrate such a wide range of situations and emotions, including many that you might not otherwise associate with war.
Eastern Ukraine: Animals In The Crossfire
Germany's Merkel calls for cease-fire, says won't send weapons:
Chancellor Angela Merkel has said Germany won’t provide weapons to Ukraine and called for the urgent restoration of a cease-fire in the country’s east.
Speaking in Budapest on February 2, Merkel voiced support for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict, which she said "cannot be solved militarily."
She said Germany will not support Kyiv's military forces through deliveries of weapons.
Fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists has killed more than 5,100 people since April..
Hopes of ending fighting that is claiming lives daily faded after peace talks fell apart in Minsk on January 31.
In Beijing, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated Moscow's position has not changed, repeating calls for direct talks between Kyiv and separatist leaders.
Lavrov criticized what he called "unreserved" U.S. support for the Ukrainian government, which he claimed is seeking to resolve the conflict by force. (Reuters, AP, Interfax)
The eastern Ukrainian town of Debaltseve is at the center of the latest clashes between the Ukrainian military and pro-Russian separatists. As shells strike residential areas, some civilians have retreated to their basements for safety. Many have been living without electricity, gas, or water for over a week. Photojournalist Petr Shelomovskiy covered the harsh realities of daily life in Debaltseve for RFE/RL's Current Time TV program.
Debaltseve Residents Seek Shelter Below Ground As Clashes Rage