Crisis in Ukraine - UCC Briefing for May 14

Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing
14 May 2014 

1. Kremlin-backed "separatism" in Eastern Ukraine

The active phase of the anti-terrorist operation in Donetsk and Luhansk continues. The self-declared “Peoples’ Governor” of the illegal so-called “Peoples’ Republic of Luhansk" V. Bolotov has reportedly left Ukraine and gone to Russia. According to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate, its priests are being threatened in the eastern regions. The bishop of Luhansk and Starobilsk, Afanasiy, has had to go into hiding because of threats. According to the head of the independent professional miners’ union of the Donbas, armed “separatists” have attacked or blocked mines and miners from going to work on several occasions. There are reports in the media that the principal of School No. 42 in Luhansk, O. Shevchenko, was kidnapped by 4 armed men in camouflage. In Atratsyt, Luhansk oblast, the building of District Election Commission No. 111 has been seized by “separatists,” who have reportedly threatened the members of the commission in order to have them to stop preparations for the election. 

2. Lavrov: Russia has no plans to send army to Ukraine

Foreign Affairs Minister S. Lavrov stated on 14 May that the Russian Federation has no plans to send the Russian army into Donetsk or Luhansk in the event that the Russian Federation doesn’t recognize Ukraine’s presidential elections of 25 May. It is worth noting that Russian President Putin denied the presence of Russian troops in Crimea for several days before admitting the presence of Russian troops in Crimea.

3. Ministry of Justice: Occupation of Crimea has cost 1 trillion UAH

According to P. Petrenko, the illegal occupation and annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by the Russian Federation has cost Ukraine over 1 trillion UAH (approx. $100 billion); these costs will continue to rise as the Russian Federation continues to exploit resources in the Crimea, including natural gas in the Black Sea shelf.

4. Roundtable on National Unity held in Kyiv

At 16:30 Ukraine time the first all-Ukrainian roundtable on National Unity began in Kyiv. The roundtable is being attended by acting President Turchynov, heads of oblast and city government in eastern Ukraine, candidates for president, religious and community leaders. The roundtable is chaired by two former presidents of Ukraine, L. Kravchuk, and L. Kuchma. More on the results of the roundtable will follow tomorrow.