Video: Amid Food Sanctions, Russia Promotes Home-Grown Potatoes (RFE/RL)
In the Russian district of Beryozovsky, officials have given residents free access to farmland to help them weather the effects of sanctions on Western food imports. Part-time farmers and the district mayor celebrated the new initiative with a day of singing, socializing, and planting potatoes, all in the name of Russian self-sufficiency. (RFE/RL's Current Time TV)
Statement by the EU Spokesperson on the fighting around Mariyinka in Eastern Ukraine
The heavy fighting around Mariyinka, near Donetsk, yesterday in Eastern Ukraine constitutes the most serious violation of the ceasefire under the Minsk agreements since February. This escalation followed the movement of a large amount of heavy weapons towards the contact line by the Russia-backed separatists, as reported by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission. Renewed intense fighting risks unleashing a new spiral of violence and human suffering.
The ceasefire must be fully respected and all heavy weapons withdrawn and kept in storage sites open to regular verification by OSCE monitors. The implementation of the Minsk agreements, to which all sides have declared their commitment, can only succeed on the basis of such a ceasefire, permanent withdrawal of heavy weapons and regular monitoring and verification.
WATCH: The Tekstilshik District on the outskirts of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine appears to have come under artillery fire. Emergency workers rushed to the market in the territory held by Russian-backed rebels. Separatists and government forces blamed each other for the attack. (RFE/RL's Current Time)
West Concerned Over Escalation Of Ukraine Violence, Warn Russia
The West has expressed alarm over an escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine and called on Russia to act to reduce tension.
The European Union expressed concern that clashes between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists near the town of Maryinka on June 3 could lead to a "new spiral of violence and suffering."
European Commission spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic also warned Moscow on June 4 that the future of sanctions imposed on Russia would depend on implementation of the peace deal reached in Minsk.
The U.S. State Department warned Russia that any attempts by rebel forces to seize additional Ukrainian territory "will be met with increased costs."
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned of the threat of military escalation, saying, "We must urgently aim to bring the situation under control."
France's Foreign Ministry called for an "unconditional" implementation of the peace agreement.