| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Communication |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Memo |
| Series Details | MEMO/14/133 (25.02.14) |
| Publication Date | 25/02/2014 |
| Content Type | News, Overview |
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On the 25 February 2014, the European Union High Representative / Vice President Catherine Ashton, after her fourth visit to Ukraine in less than three months, delivered a message to the people of Ukraine following the tumultuous events of the previous weekend. She told them that they needed to work together. She also said, among other issues, that the EU wanted to support and help Ukraine to stay strong, to go forward in the way that it chose and to offer support in achieving that. The High Representative had two days of meetings with the country’s politicians including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Ukraine’s parliament approved a measure on the 25 February 2014 to send deposed president Viktor Yanukovich to the International Criminal Court for trial. Secession risks were kept high in the Autonomous Region of Crimea, with pro-Kiev and pro-Moscow protesters scuffling as a result of the previous week's events. The country's new pro-Western leadership disbanded on the 26 February 2014 the feared riot police blamed for killing protesters. The Maidan council named Arseniy Yatsenyuk to become prime minister. The cabinet includes leading activists. Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov an Mr. Yatsenyuk warned of the need for "unpopular" steps to help restore the country's economy and politics. In a sign of tension with the West, Russia ordered a military drill to test the country's combat readiness. However, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Ukraine was not caught in a battle between East and West. Mr. Turchynov warned Russia against any "military aggression" in Crimea. NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels issued a statement on the situation in Ukraine on the 26 February 2014 '...NATO stands ready to continue to engage with Ukraine and assist with the implementation of reforms...'. On the 27 February 2014, armed men seized Crimea parliament and hoisted the Russian flag. Mr. Yanukovych said on the same day that he still considered himself to be Ukraine's legitimate leader, while asking Russia to ensure his personal security. |
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| Source Link | http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-133_en.htm |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Russia, Ukraine |
