Ukraine's Poroshenko says tougher to secure Western support:
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says it has become increasingly difficult for Ukraine to secure Western support in its fight against "Russian aggression."
Speaking in Kyiv on September 6, Poroshenko said Europe's internal strength was being tested by external issues such as the migration crisis and militant attacks, and warned that elections in 2017 could see political forces more willing to compromise with the Kremlin take power.
"Ukraine will continue to need strong international support in the fight against Russian aggression," and a full-scale invasion from Russia cannot be ruled out, he said at the opening of the September parliament session. (Reuters)
U.S., European officials denounce Inter TV attack:
By RFE/RL
The United States and European authorities have denounced an arson attack on a pro-Russian Ukrainian television station, calling such violence "unacceptable."
"Any physical attack on the media is unacceptable," the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv tweeted on September 5 after five people were hurt in a fire at the Inter TV headquarters on September 4.
"We support efforts to investigate the torching of Inter, and are carefully watching its consequences," the U.S. consul said.
Ukrainian authorities said they arrested six people in connection with the fire, which apparently was set off by a smoke bomb thrown into the building.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's media-freedom representative also strongly condemned the attack.
"Violence is never an acceptable response to disagreements with editorial policy, even if the reporting is seen as provocative and controversial," Dunja Mijatovic said.
Mijatovic said she was "encouraged" by the swift law enforcement response and the condemnation of the attack by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Ukraine's journalism union.
But she noted that other Kyiv officials and groups have accused the broadcaster of disloyalty to Ukraine and are seeking to suppress its reporters. (w/AFP)
This ends our live blogging for September 5. Be sure to check back tomorrow for our continuing coverage.
'Arson' At TV Station Underscores Threat To Free Speech In Ukraine
An apparent arson attack against a popular television news channel is underscoring fears that jingoism-fueled hostility toward journalists could extinguish free speech in Ukraine. read more