Tension high in Ukraine days before deal with E.U.

World Today

The tension in eastern Ukraine remains high between government troops and the pro-Russian militia despite a week-long ceasefire called by President Petro Poroshenko, days before Ukraine is set to sign a free-trade deal with the European Union. CCTV’s Stephanie Fried has the latest from Kiev.

It seems the ceasefire has been ultimately disregarded after rebel fighters shot down a Ukrainian helicopter, killing nine people on Tuesday. While Russian president Vladimir Putin said that the declaration of a ceasefire calls for direct negotiations, on Wednesday he revoked a plan to send troops into Ukraine, possibly showing a sign of easing tensions between the two nations.

The ceasefire will expire on Friday, the same day that Ukraine is set to sign the new free trade agreement with the E.U.

Tension high in Ukraine days before deal with E.U.

The tension in eastern Ukraine remains high between government troops and the pro-Russian militia despite a week-long ceasefire called by President Petro Poroshenko, days before Ukraine is set to sign a free-trade deal with the European Union. CCTV's Stephanie Fried has the latest from Kiev.

Putin’s request to the upper house of Russian parliament to revoke his proposal for more troops in Ukraine comes three months after he signed a resolution to send troops there to help normalize the tense political situation. This could be a sign of higher prospects for peace in the region, as Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko called Putin’s request “the first practical step” in the direction of peace. CCTV’s Natalie Powell reports from Moscow.

Russian parliament revokes authorization of troops

Putin has requested the upper house of Russian parliament to revoke his proposal for more troops in Ukraine. CCTV's Natalie Powell reports from Moscow.

NATO is also calling on the Kremlin to do more to restore calm in Ukraine at the consequence of facing more sanctions. CCTV’s Jack Barton has this report from Brussels.

Russia urged to do more to restore calm in Ukraine

NATO is calling on the Kremlin to do more to restore peace in Ukraine at the consequence of facing more sanctions. CCTV's Jack Barton has this report from Brussels.

Former U.S. ambassador to NATO, and the executive director at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University Kurt Volker joined CCTV’s Elaine Reyes to talk about the proposed peace plan and NATO’s involvement in Ukraine.

Kurt Volker on Ukraine peace plans

Former U.S. ambassador to NATO, and the executive director at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University Kurt Volker joins CCTV's Elaine Reyes to talk about the proposed peace plan and NATO's involvement in Ukraine.