A woman carries a baby as she passes destroyed houses following what locals say was overnight shelling by Ukrainian forces in the eastern town of Slovyansk on June 9.
-- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that Moscow and Kyiv have reached a "mutual understanding" on key parts of a plan proposed by President Petro Poroshenko for ending violence in separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine.
-- Reports say up to 20 armed gunmen were trying to seize property from a factory (Topaz) that makes communications and electronic-warfare equipment in the Donetsk region.
-- A deputy foreign minister says Russia will consider any expansion of NATO forces near its borders a "demonstration of hostile intentions" and "take the necessary political and military-technological measures to support our security."
-- A two-man crew for Russian Zvezda TV arrived in Moscow after being released from detention in Ukraine.
-- Serbian officials say their own work on the Russian-backed South Stream gas pipeline will have to be suspended after Bulgaria stopped construction of its portion based on EU and U.S. concerns.
-- Ukrainian security forces are reportedly still battling pro-Russian separatists in the east near Slovyansk and Donetsk.
*NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Kyiv
Here's a rundown of what front-runner Petro Poroshenko said today at a news conference in Kyiv:
On the antiterrorist operation:
"I support its continuation but I demand to change its format. It should be shorter in time and more effective. Units [of the security forces] should be better equipped and should have the best arms and the best ammunition. A Ukrainian soldier will never be naked, barefoot and hungry any more. And then, we'll see, and very soon, a sharp rise in effectiveness of the antiterrorist operation. The antiterrorist operation cannot, and will not, last for two or three months. It should and will last hours."
On Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yetsenyuk:
"According to the constitution of Ukraine, the presidential elections do not require the resignation of the prime minister. I think the way Arseniy Petrovych does his job as a prime minister is rather successful at this stage. I think the cooperation, first of all in economic matters, with the head of Ukrainian government Arseniy Yatsenyuk can be very effective. I hope for that, and so I have no plans to change the leadership of the government."
On armed pro-Russian fighters in eastern Ukraine and an amnesty:
"They are just murderers; they are just bandits; they are just killers; they are terrorists. That's the case. If you expect that I will find the support of these people -- no way, no chance. In no civilized country of the world anybody negotiates with terrorists. We are a civilized country and we will fight for the trust of the people of Donbas. We will propose amnesty for those who can accept disarmament and [who have] not been directly involved in killings of people."
On dialogue with Donbas:
"The dialogue we will launch with all residents of Donbas will be effective. There are things we can offer them, from security guarantees, protection of their personal rights, up to the right to use Russian language without limitations, including on an official level."
On relations with Russia:
"Russia is our biggest neighbor and because stopping the war and bringing peace to all Ukraine -- bringing stability in the eastern part of Ukraine -- would be impossible without the participation of Russia, most probably the meeting with Russian leadership will take place in the first half of June."
On Russia's annexation of Crimea:
"There is no international basis for the annexation of Crimea. You must understand that with the annexation of Crimea the entire postwar system of global security has been destroyed."
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RT has video of the fighting around Donetsk airport.
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Two interesting reads from Jamestown Foundation:
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Scenes from Donetsk, where the Ukrainian security forces' battle to retake an international airport from militants continues.
Photo Gallery:
Gunfire, Blasts As Donetsk Airport Becomes Scene Of Heavy Fighting
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
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Joao Soares, special coordinator of the OSCE observer mission in Kyiv, speaking today at a news conference in Kyiv:
"The remarkable efforts that authorities and voters went to in [eastern and southern] regions, is a clear message to the separatist rebels: 'You cannot win by breaking the laws.' This is a very comprehensive statement."
"Yesterday was [a] critical [day], but so it is tomorrow and the next day. Dialogue, dialogue between all forces whatever their position in the country, must continue and must improve. Dialogue is the only solution in a democratic state."
"This election has provided the stability needed for a clear and forward looking discussion on Ukraine's future."
