Russia denies ‘direct aggression’ in Ukraine

World Today

Pro-Russian rebels are reportedly prepared to stay a part of Ukraine if granted special status in the country. Russian media report the rebels have made the suggestion at talks in Minsk.

Moscow continues to blame Kiev for the crisis and is calling for an immediate ceasefire in the east of Ukraine. CCTV’s Moscow correspondent Tom Barton reports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for negotiations on, “statehood,” for south eastern Ukraine. He continues to blame Ukraine for the fighting in the east of the country, even as negotiations between a contact group of Ukrainian, OSCE, Russian and pro-Russian militant representatives resumed in Minsk.

Kiev considers the militants in the east to be fighting with and supported by Russian troops on Ukrainian soil, and demands Moscow withdraw its forces.

Western governments back Kiev while Moscow denies mounting claims that thousands of Russian troops, tanks and military vehicles are fighting in eastern Ukraine.

The EU has warned new sanctions are being prepared if Russia doesn’t withdraw, with bans on buying Russian bonds and tighter restrictions on advanced energy technology reportedly being considered.