An excerpt:
THERE’S BEEN much speculation in diplomatic circles that Vladimir Putin is ready to strike a deal ending the conflict he initiated in Ukraine, so as to free the stricken Russian economy from Western sanctions. Mr. Putin raised eyebrows last month by appointing two close associates to negotiate the implementation of a stalled peace settlement, including one dedicated to a new U.S.-Russia channel. However, it is not clear whether the Kremlin is genuinely ready to compromise or merely trying to split Western governments and shift blame for the diplomatic impasse to Ukraine. Mr. Putin needs to be tested, but, so far, European governments and the Obama administration are not doing what is needed to put him on the spot.
Here is today's map of the security situation in eastern Ukraine, according to the National Security and Defense Council (CLICK TO ENLARGE):
IMF chief Lagarde warns Ukraine over rescue program
Washington, Feb 10, 2016 (AFP) -- An IMF program helping to prop up cash-strapped Ukraine's stricken economy cannot continue without reform by the authorities in Kiev, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde warned Wednesday.
"Without a substantial new effort to invigorate governance reforms and fight corruption, it is hard to see how the IMF-supported program can continue and be successful," Lagarde said in a statement.
The IMF is the main source of rescue financing for Ukraine as the hard-up country battles with crises ranging from falling commodity prices to a new trade embargo by Russia.
The Fund has a $17.5 billion rescue program for Ukraine on condition the government enacts economic reforms and fights corruption.
"I am concerned about Ukraine's slow progress in improving governance and fighting corruption, and reducing the influence of vested interests in policymaking," said Lagarde.
"Ukraine risks a return to the pattern of failed economic policies that has plagued its recent history," she added.
"It is vital that Ukraine's leadership acts now to put the country back on a promising path of reform."
Caspian Flotilla Ships Join Huge Russian Military Exercises
Russia says more than 20 warships and support vessels have departed from their bases in the Caspian Sea and begun training as part of massive combat readiness exercises across the country's southwest.
The military says the snap drill, which kicked off on February 8, will involve up to 8,500 troops and 200 aircraft.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the maneuvers are intended to check the troops' ability to respond to extremist threats and other challenges.
They involve forces stationed in the Southern Military District, which includes southwestern regions near the border with Crimea -- the Ukrainian peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014 -- the North Caucasus, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.
The exercises are the latest in a series of major drills conducted in the past two years amid an increase of tension between Russia and the West.