18:55
27.3.2014
Here's a bit more detail from our newsdesk on the IMF and U.S. aid packages for Ukraine:
The U.S. Congress has overwhelmingly passed legislation to give aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea.
The U.S. Senate approved the legislation by voice vote today, while the House of Representatives passed a different version on a 399-19 vote.
A final bill will have to be worked out before President Barack Obama signs it into law.
Each bill would provide $1 billion in loan guarantees to cash-strapped Ukraine.
It would also sanction those responsible for human rights abuses against antigovernment protesters in Ukraine as well as Russian officials responsible for corruption in Ukraine.
Earlier today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) promised to loan up between $14 and $18 billion to cash-strapped Ukraine.
The loan hinges on structural reforms that Kyiv has pledged to undertake.
It will help prop up Ukraine's struggling economy following three months of antigovernment protests and Russia's annexation of Crimea.
U.S. President Barack Obama has described the IMF's multibillion-dollar pledge as a "major step forward."
During a visit to Rome, Obama said the IMF support package will "help stabilize the economy and meet the needs of Ukrainian people over the long term." (Reuters, AP, AFP)
The U.S. Congress has overwhelmingly passed legislation to give aid to Ukraine and impose sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea.
The U.S. Senate approved the legislation by voice vote today, while the House of Representatives passed a different version on a 399-19 vote.
A final bill will have to be worked out before President Barack Obama signs it into law.
Each bill would provide $1 billion in loan guarantees to cash-strapped Ukraine.
It would also sanction those responsible for human rights abuses against antigovernment protesters in Ukraine as well as Russian officials responsible for corruption in Ukraine.
Earlier today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) promised to loan up between $14 and $18 billion to cash-strapped Ukraine.
The loan hinges on structural reforms that Kyiv has pledged to undertake.
It will help prop up Ukraine's struggling economy following three months of antigovernment protests and Russia's annexation of Crimea.
U.S. President Barack Obama has described the IMF's multibillion-dollar pledge as a "major step forward."
During a visit to Rome, Obama said the IMF support package will "help stabilize the economy and meet the needs of Ukrainian people over the long term." (Reuters, AP, AFP)
20:08
27.3.2014
There seems to be a pretty big rally in Kyiv right now in response to the killing of prominent Right Sector member Oleksandr Muzychko:
Better look at crowd outside Rada chanting "Tribunal!" over recent police killing of Right Sector leader Muzychko pic.twitter.com/ne38h2ro9I
— max seddon (@maxseddon) March 27, 2014
20:28
27.3.2014
Russian TV is sure to have a field day with this Right Sector action outside parliament. Plays right into Putin's hands.
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 27, 2014
20:52
27.3.2014
Time for politics to happen inside #Ukraine's democratic institutions. Foto Via @ukrpravda_news: Дмитрий Чигрин pic.twitter.com/qrBVGQZh0a
— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) March 27, 2014
21:22
27.3.2014
Barring any dramatic developments, we're now shutting down the live blog for March 27. Before we go, we'll leave you with a brief item from RFE/RL's newsdesk on the Right Sector demonstration in Kyiv:
Members of the Right Sector movement have been holding a demonstration outside the Ukrainian parliament building.
The group gathered to vent their anger at the killing of prominent Right Sector member Oleksander Muzychko earlier in the week.
The protesters were reportedly chanting "Tribunal!" and demanding the resignation of the Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.
Muzychko was killed in unclear circumstances as police commandos were attempting to detain him.
Estimates of the crowd size range from several hundred to more than 1,000. (ITAR-TASS)
Members of the Right Sector movement have been holding a demonstration outside the Ukrainian parliament building.
The group gathered to vent their anger at the killing of prominent Right Sector member Oleksander Muzychko earlier in the week.
The protesters were reportedly chanting "Tribunal!" and demanding the resignation of the Interior Minister Arsen Avakov.
Muzychko was killed in unclear circumstances as police commandos were attempting to detain him.
Estimates of the crowd size range from several hundred to more than 1,000. (ITAR-TASS)