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.