-- EDITOR'S NOTE: We have started a new Ukraine Live Blog as of September 2, 2017. Find it here.
-- Ukraine says it will introduce new border-crossing rules from next year, affecting citizens of “countries that pose risks for Ukraine.”
-- The Association Agreement strengthening ties between Ukraine and the European Union entered into force on September 1, marking an end to four years of political drama surrounding the accord.
-- The trial of Crimean journalist Mykola Semena will resume later this month after the first hearing in weeks produced little progress toward a resolution of the politically charged case.
*NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Kyiv(GMT +3)
Here is today's map of the latest situation in the Donbas conflict zone, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry:
13:1015.3.2017
Things are getting restive in Kyiv, as this photo gallery from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service illustrates:
Ukrainian Oligarch's Offices And Russian Bank Attacked In Kyiv
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January.
Ukrainian Oligarch's Offices And Russian Bank Attacked In Kyiv
1/11Protesters approach the offices of a company belonging to oligarch Rinat Akhmetov in Kyiv.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
2/11A cordon of security forces prevented the protesters reaching the offices.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
3/11Protesters threw stones and flares at the office building, over the heads of the security forces.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
4/11Afterwards, the protesters turned their attention to a branch of Alfa Bank, a Russian bank operating in Ukraine.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
5/11Ukrainian police in riot gear were also present at the premises of Alfa Bank.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
6/11A protester and a policemen face off.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
7/11Protesters hurled stones and bottles at the bank, but the police department said its men prevented them entering the premises.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
8/11The protest began in support of blockades of rail links to areas of Ukraine which are controlled by Russia-backed separatists.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
9/11The protests followed an operation by Ukrainian security forces to remove some of the rail blockades. Another Russia bank, Sberbank, was also targeted in recent days.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
10/11Protestors smashed windows and also tore down the Alfa Bank sign on the building.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)
11/11The following day, the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with separatist-held areas.
Nationalists in Kyiv attacked the offices of Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov and a Russian bank on March 14. The crowd was protesting against trade with areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists, where Akhmetov has significant business interests. On March 15 the Ukrainian government announced it was suspending all cargo traffic with these areas. Activists have been blockading rail lines to prevent such traffic since January. (By RFE/RL Ukrainian Service)