Another item from RFE/RL's news desk:
Ukraine Backs More Sanctions Against Russia In Passport Spat
Ukraine's president has called for new sanctions against Russia over its decision to recognize passports issued by separatist authorities in eastern Ukraine.
The Kremlin said its decision is a "humanitarian" move to help residents of separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine who are suffering from a blockade by Ukrainian nationalists, and says that doesn't amount to recognizing the breakaway regions.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on February 21 denounced Moscow's recognition of the documents, which he says contradicts the 2015 Minsk peace deal. Speaking at a meeting with an EU aid commissioner, Poroshenko called for "resolute action" that could include "strengthening sanctions."
The United States and the European Union have both placed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea and its support for pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April 2014, a conflict that has killed more than 9,750 people.
The 2015 Minsk agreement on resolving the conflict has been widely disregarded by both sides.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov argued February 21 that the decision to recognize passports and other documents issued by separatist authorities in the east was aimed to protect the rights of residents.
Based on reporting by AP and Interfax
Another story doing the rounds today that has ramifications for Ukraine (from RFE/RL's news desk):
Washington Committed To Europe Alliances, Says U.S. Envoy To UN
NATO is the "strongest alliance in history" and the United States is committed to its alliances in Europe, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on February 21.
Washington is working to make the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) "even more effective," Haley said, and policy differences with European allies should not be seen as anything less than "total commitment to [U.S.] alliances in Europe."
Speaking to the UN Security Council during a debate on conflicts in Europe, Haley said the United States is ready to improve ties with Russia but will not compromise on its support for NATO and the European Union.
Haley said "Russia's attempts to destabilize Ukraine" were among the most serious challenges facing the continent.
"The United States thinks it's possible to have a better relationship with Russia -- after all, we confront many of the same threats," Haley said.
"But greater cooperation with Russia cannot come at the expense of the security of our European friends and allies."
Haley said the United States was committed to "the institutions that keep Europe safe" and that it "will not waver" in its support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Russia has strongly opposed the expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe, a move which it sees as a policy of containment directed against Moscow.
The United States wants to deepen cooperation within NATO while "keeping the door open to new allies," she said.
Haley's remarks came as European governments are seeking reassurance after U.S. President Donald Trump praised Britain's decision to leave the European Union, and criticized NATO members for failing to spend more on defense.