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Ten-year-old Sasha stands in a bomb shelter in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.
Ten-year-old Sasha stands in a bomb shelter in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.
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Live Blog: Ukraine In Crisis (Archive)

Follow all of the latest developments as they happen.

Final News Summary For September 29

-- We have started a new Ukraine Live Blog. Find it here.

-- Ukraine is marking 75 years since the World War II massacre of 33,771 Jews on the outskirts of Nazi-occupied Kyiv.

-- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to stabilize a fragile cease-fire in Ukraine and do all he could to improve what Merkel called a "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Syria.

-- Russia's Supreme Court has upheld a decision by a Moscow-backed Crimean court to ban the Mejlis, the self-governing body of Crimean Tatars in the occupied Ukrainian territory.

* NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Kyiv (GMT/UTC +3)

11:37 13.4.2016

10:56 13.4.2016

09:27 13.4.2016
The Last Days Of A Ukrainian Soldier
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The Last Days Of A Ukrainian Soldier
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The Last Days Of A Ukrainian Soldier

Description: Dmytro Hodzenko was killed one day before he was due to be discharged from service in the Ukrainian army. He was on the front line to the very end. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and 24 Channel)

09:26 13.4.2016

Avdiyivka: Eastern Ukraine's Latest Flash Point

Damage from artillery shells in Avdiyivka. An elderly woman was reportedly killed outside this house while she tended her vegetable patch. April 9, 2016
1/14 Damage from artillery shells in Avdiyivka. An elderly woman was reportedly killed outside this house while she tended her vegetable patch. April 9, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
A Ukrainian sergeant shows rounds from a high-powered sniper rifle that were pulled out of the buildings and sandbags around his squad's position. April 9, 2016
2/14 A Ukrainian sergeant shows rounds from a high-powered sniper rifle that were pulled out of the buildings and sandbags around his squad's position. April 9, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
A Ukrainian antiaircraft gun on its way to reinforce Ukrainian troops on the front line in Avdiyivka's old town. April 9, 2016
3/14 A Ukrainian antiaircraft gun on its way to reinforce Ukrainian troops on the front line in Avdiyivka's old town. April 9, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Smoke plumes rise after an artillery strike on Ukrainian positions in Avdiyivka's industrial area, known as the "Promzona." Photographer Maxim Tucker says Russia-backed separatist forces are seeking to drive Kyiv's troops from positions overlooking a strategic crossroads. Ukraine says seven of its soldiers have been killed in the fighting in the past month. It claimed to have killed nine separatists encroaching on its positions on April 2. April 7, 2016
4/14 Smoke plumes rise after an artillery strike on Ukrainian positions in Avdiyivka's industrial area, known as the "Promzona." Photographer Maxim Tucker says Russia-backed separatist forces are seeking to drive Kyiv's troops from positions overlooking a strategic crossroads. Ukraine says seven of its soldiers have been killed in the fighting in the past month. It claimed to have killed nine separatists encroaching on its positions on April 2. April 7, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Lieutenant Naumov of Ukraine's 58th Mechanized Brigade enters the wreckage of an apartment destroyed by a tank round in Avdiyivka's besieged industrial area. April 7, 2016
5/14 Lieutenant Naumov of Ukraine's 58th Mechanized Brigade enters the wreckage of an apartment destroyed by a tank round in Avdiyivka's besieged industrial area. April 7, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
A damaged apartment block in Avdiyivka. Ukrainian soldiers say a separatist tank fired 40 rounds into this residential building. April 7, 2016
6/14 A damaged apartment block in Avdiyivka. Ukrainian soldiers say a separatist tank fired 40 rounds into this residential building. April 7, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Luda, a 27-year-old midwife, now finds herself removing shrapnel from soldiers' bloodied limbs instead of delivering babies. “How many wounded have I treated? Enough not to be able to count,” she said during a break from tending to casualties. “I feel bad for the boys, of course, but there’s no time to think, really. When I see a wounded soldier, I do my job.” April 7, 2016
7/14 Luda, a 27-year-old midwife, now finds herself removing shrapnel from soldiers' bloodied limbs instead of delivering babies. “How many wounded have I treated? Enough not to be able to count,” she said during a break from tending to casualties. “I feel bad for the boys, of course, but there’s no time to think, really. When I see a wounded soldier, I do my job.” April 7, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Ukrainian soldiers prepare to board an army truck heading for the front lines in Avdiyivka’s industrial area, where the heaviest fighting is taking place. The Ukrainian Army has imposed a lockdown on the area, preventing all civilian access. April 7, 2016
8/14 Ukrainian soldiers prepare to board an army truck heading for the front lines in Avdiyivka’s industrial area, where the heaviest fighting is taking place. The Ukrainian Army has imposed a lockdown on the area, preventing all civilian access. April 7, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
 A view of separatist positions from a heavy machine-gun emplacement in the town of Mariyinka, 27 kilometers south of Avdiyivka. Tucker says advances by the two sides have brought them as close as 300 meters to each other. Ukraine's 14th Mechanized Brigade, stationed in Mariyinka, comes under nightly fire from rocket-propelled grenades, snipers, and machine guns. April 4, 2016
9/14  A view of separatist positions from a heavy machine-gun emplacement in the town of Mariyinka, 27 kilometers south of Avdiyivka. Tucker says advances by the two sides have brought them as close as 300 meters to each other. Ukraine's 14th Mechanized Brigade, stationed in Mariyinka, comes under nightly fire from rocket-propelled grenades, snipers, and machine guns. April 4, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Viktor (left) and Vova take a break from the fighting at a command post in Pisky. Viktor has been fighting for less than a month, while Vova is expecting demobilization after serving a 14-month tour.  April 3, 2016
10/14 Viktor (left) and Vova take a break from the fighting at a command post in Pisky. Viktor has been fighting for less than a month, while Vova is expecting demobilization after serving a 14-month tour.  April 3, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Ukrainian troops watch shells land on Avdiyivka from a machine-gun emplacement in Pisky, on the battle's southern flank. April 3, 2016
11/14 Ukrainian troops watch shells land on Avdiyivka from a machine-gun emplacement in Pisky, on the battle's southern flank. April 3, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
A child's toy lies amid the ruins of Pisky, a village overlooking both Avdiyivka and the shattered remains of Donetsk airport. Ukrainian positions here come under fire on a regular basis, but the fighting has escalated as the battle for Avdiyivka intensifies. April 3, 2016
12/14 A child's toy lies amid the ruins of Pisky, a village overlooking both Avdiyivka and the shattered remains of Donetsk airport. Ukrainian positions here come under fire on a regular basis, but the fighting has escalated as the battle for Avdiyivka intensifies. April 3, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
A woman collects possessions from an abandoned apartment block half destroyed by artillery fire in Pisky. April 3, 2016
13/14 A woman collects possessions from an abandoned apartment block half destroyed by artillery fire in Pisky. April 3, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Officers get an update on clashes and enemy activity during a briefing at a command post in Pisky, eight kilometers from Avdiyivka on the southern flank of the battle. April 2, 2016
14/14 Officers get an update on clashes and enemy activity during a briefing at a command post in Pisky, eight kilometers from Avdiyivka on the southern flank of the battle. April 2, 2016
The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
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Avdiyivka: Eastern Ukraine's Latest Flashpoint

The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict which is now entering its third year.

09:26 13.4.2016

Good morning. Still no word on the cabinet reshuffle.

21:12 12.4.2016

Barring any major developments, that ends the live blogging for tonight.

20:59 12.4.2016

From our Brussels correspondent on visa liberalization:

BRUSSELS -- EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn says the European Commission plans to go ahead with its proposal for visa liberalization for Ukraine -- despite a Dutch referendum last week that rejected Ukraine’s Association Agreement with Kyiv.

Hahn told RFE/RL on April 12 that it would be “unfair” not to go ahead with visa liberalization for Ukraine because Brussels has “always asked certain conditions” from Kyiv.

Hahn told RFE/RL: “We have worked on this issue for some years. We have always argued that we are following a certain methodology. They have accepted it. They have delivered. Now I think it is a question of fairness to fulfill what we have promised.”

Sources in Brussels say the visa liberalization proposal for Ukraine is likely to come by the end of April and will allay fears in Kyiv that the nonbinding Dutch referendum will slow down the establishment of visa-free rules for Ukrainian citizens.

But it remains unclear when EU member states and the European Parliament would vote on the proposal.

The EU's 27 other members have ratified Ukraine’s EU Association Agreement and it went into effect in January.

20:35 12.4.2016

Doesn't look like they'll be a vote on the coalition or government today. From Reuters:

Oleksiy Goncharenko, a deputy in Poroshenko's BPP faction, told journalists there was still no agreement on who would fill the ministerial posts of economy, energy, culture and health. The vote on the coalition and government would "hopefully" take place on Wednesday or Thursday, he said.

But MPs said the new cabinet would not include Yaresko and some other foreign-born technocrats brought in late in 2014 in the hope that their outsider status and international experience would help Ukraine root out corruption.

Her departure could be a disappointment for some of Ukraine's Western allies, who have praised her stewardship of the country's finances amid economic meltdown and a separatist conflict.

20:24 12.4.2016

16:38 12.4.2016

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