VIDEO: Kyiv Protesters Call On Dutch To Reject Russian Propaganda
Ukrainian activists protested in front of the embassy of the Netherlands in Kyiv with banners warning: "Don't listen to Russian propaganda." The protesters displayed a famous self-portrait of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh with one bandaged ear, repurposing the image to warn against listening to misinformation. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)
EU Warns Kyiv That Russia Sanctions Could Hinge On Reforms
Denmark's foreign minister has said that if Ukraine does not implement modernization reforms it risks undermining European Union support for maintaining sanctions against Russia.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters on February 5, Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen said Ukraine must fully carry out the reforms outlined by the Minsk process for regulating the conflict between Kyiv and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Otherwise, "it will be very difficult for Europe to continue united in support of sanctions against Russia."
The European Union is concerned about political infighting in Kyiv and its failure to implement serious reforms, a failure that was highlighted by the resignation this week of Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavicius.
The European Union imposed targeted sanctions against Russia's energy, banking, and defense sectors in July 2014. The sanctions are scheduled to expire in July, but could be extended.
Under the Minsk process, Kyiv has agreed to adopt constitutional amendments to decentralize power.
Based on reporting by Reuters
VIDEO: Ukrainian Military, Separatists Both Hold Drills As Tensions Rise
Ukrainian government forces and Russia-backed separatists each held military exercises in the country's east amid reports of renewed fighting. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)
From our news desk:
Ukrainian Prime Minister Threatens To Quit
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has threatened to quit along with his entire cabinet, the latest move in a growing political crisis in the former Soviet state.
"We all came in as one team and we will continue working in the future as one team," the 41-year-old leader told a televised session of parliament on February 5.
"And if it is decided that this team should be changed, then we will all leave together."
Yatsenyuk's comments came two days after the shock resignation of Ukraine's reformist Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavicius.
Abromavicius said his resignation was borne out of frustration over the “sharp escalation in efforts to block systemic and important reforms.”
His resignation sparked concern among Ukraine's Western allies and prompted Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to hold a meeting with ambassadors from the G7 group of leading industrialized nations in a bid to allay their concerns.