Ukraine Renews Dialogue Offer as Russia Holds Army Drills
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Ukraine’s leaders said they’re ready for a dialogue with peaceful representatives of the eastern regions, where pro-Russian separatists said they’ll push ahead with a vote on autonomy after Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a delay.
Putin yesterday presided over nationwide army drills, a day after he softened his tone by promising to withdraw troops from the border, voicing support for Ukraine’s presidential election, and saying it’s not the right time for a referendum on secession in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Ukrainian premier Arseniy Yatsenyuk said he’s concerned that Russia is “planning provocations” today, when the country holds army parades to celebrate victory in World War II.