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A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard in the city of Schastye in the Luhansk region late last month.
A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard in the city of Schastye in the Luhansk region late last month.

Live Blog: Ukraine In Crisis (Archive)

Final News Summary For September 1, 2017

-- EDITOR'S NOTE: We have started a new Ukraine Live Blog as of September 2, 2017. Find it here.

-- Ukraine says it will introduce new border-crossing rules from next year, affecting citizens of “countries that pose risks for Ukraine.”

-- The Association Agreement strengthening ties between Ukraine and the European Union entered into force on September 1, marking an end to four years of political drama surrounding the accord.

-- The trial of Crimean journalist Mykola Semena will resume later this month after the first hearing in weeks produced little progress toward a resolution of the politically charged case.

*NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Kyiv (GMT +3)

14:51 20.2.2017

And here's another video, this time from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, which takes a look back at one of the bloodiest days of the Euromaidan:

Remembering Ukraine's Euromaidan Protests

Three years ago Ukraine's Euromaidan protesters took the streets of Kyiv to demand the resignation of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. February 20, 2014 was a particularly deadly day as government forces fought brutal battles with antigovernment demonstrators. RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service has returned to several locations in Kyiv which saw some of the worst fighting. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)

Remembering Ukraine's Euromaidan Protests
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14:48 20.2.2017

Crimean journalist Mykola Semena ,who is facing separatism charges, has been talking to RFE/RL about his plight:

RFE/RL Contributor Denies Russian 'Separatism' Charges

Journalist Mykola Semena is an RFE/RL contributor accused of "separatism" by the Russian authorities because of an article he wrote that criticized Moscow's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. In an interview with RFE/RL's Russian Service on February 17, Semena stated that his personal opinions did not constitute a crime.

RFE/RL Contributor Denies Russian 'Separatism' Charges
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14:31 20.2.2017

Here is today's map of the latest situation in the Donbas conflict zone, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry:

14:01 20.2.2017

Another Ukraine item from our news desk, courtesy of RFE/RL's Russian Service:

Crimean Journalist Asking For Separatism Charges To Be Dropped

Crimean journalist Mykola Semena (file photo)
Crimean journalist Mykola Semena (file photo)

Mykola Semena, an RFE/RL contributing reporter who faces separatist charges alleged by the Moscow-installed authorities in Ukraine’s Crimea region, has said he will file an appeal for all of the charges to be dropped when his trial begins.

A preliminary hearing into Semena’s case was postponed on February 17 and rescheduled for February 28 by a court in the Crimean capital of Simferopol.

Speaking to RFE/RL’s Russian Service on February 17, Semena said his appeal will be based on both the norms of international law and Russian legislation.

He said he will argue that there is no evidence a crime was committed.

"The appeal will argue that the status of Crimea is not clear, even within the framework of the Russian Federation, and that this is a disputed territory which is the subject of an animated discussion all over the world," Semena said.

"Since this is the case, I have the right to participate in this discussion and express my point of view," Semena said.

Semena was detained in April and then released, but was ordered not to leave Crimea.

He faces up to five years in prison if convicted of the separatism charges, which are based on an article he wrote on his blog that was critical of Moscow's 2014 seizure of Crimea from Ukraine.

The United States, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and international media watchdogs have expressed concern over Semena's case.

Rights activists say the charges and trial are part of a Russian clampdown on independent media and dissent in Crimea.

Nina Ognianova, the Europe and Central Asia program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said on February 16 that "criticizing authorities is not a crime."

Ognianova called on the region's Russia-backed authorities to "stop harassing journalists in Crimea."

RFE/RL President Thomas Kent has described the charges against Semena as "part of a concerted effort by Russian and Russian-backed authorities to obstruct RFE/RL's journalistic mission to provide an independent press to residents of Crimea."

13:46 20.2.2017

13:46 20.2.2017

Here's a link to The New York Times exclusive we reported on earlier:

13:45 20.2.2017

13:44 20.2.2017

13:43 20.2.2017

More on the separatist passports imbroglio:

13:41 20.2.2017

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