Protesters Demand Stronger Ties with Russia

World Today

As pro-Russia militants stand their ground -cities across eastern Ukraine brace for renewed rallies.  CCTV’s Roee Ruttenberg reports from the city of Kharkiv.

Thousands of Anti-government activists – mostly Russian speakers – are scheduled to converge in the main square in central Kharkiv in the coming 24 hours. Many of them want a stronger alliance with Moscow. The square was the sight of violent clashes both last month and last week. That’s when protesters stormed the administrative building on the edge of the Square, at one point raising a Russian flag. Meanwhile, men from the SBU – Ukraine’s Security Service – are now patrolling some checkpoints on the city’s outskirts. They told us they arrived on Friday morning, but didn’t say what – or whom – they’re specifically looking for.

The Russian border is only 40 km away, and Ukrainian officials are worried “strong able-bodied” men from Russia will descend upon the city. Many they fear will provoke the crowds.

Protesters Demand Stronger Ties with Russia

As pro-Russia militants stand their ground -cities across eastern Ukraine brace for renewed rallies. CCTV's Roee Ruttenberg reports from the city of Kharkiv.

Lilit Gevorgyan, a London-based analyst with IHS Global Insight, and a specialist on Russia and the former USSR. She shares her reaction to the diplomatic agreement that was supposed to diminish tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Reactions to Russia and Ukraine Deal to Reduce Tensions

Lilit Gevorgyan, a London-based analyst with IHS Global Insight, and a specialist on Russia and the former USSR. She shares her reaction to the diplomatic agreement that was supposed to diminish tensions between Ukraine and Russia.