Kiev Hesitant to Implement Ceasefire Provisions, Borrell Pushes Unified EU

LOCAL NEWS

• Kiev blocks Russia's proposals to set up real mechanisms preventing ceasefire violations at yesterday's Contact Group meeting.
  • Russian Representative says that despite political statements about the pursuit of peace, Kiev shows its inability to take practical steps to observe the ceasefire to appease the few radical political forces
  • Making it difficult to address thornier political issues to resolve the conflict.
  • Ukrainian forces and Donbass militia were expected to verify ceasefire conditions agreed last week yesterday, but seem to be doing everything possible to avoid their practical implementation
• Biden: US does not seek to escalate tensions with Russia, but Moscow's actions have consequences.
  • "I responded in a direct and proportionate way to Russia's interference in our elections and cyber-attacks on our government and businesses."
  • Biden & Putin will also discuss Ukraine and Cyber security during their summer Summit
• EU's Borrell: debate on Russia in EU Parliament showed broad agreement that a long and difficult period of political confrontation with Russia is beginning, and the EU must prepare for it.
  • Says Russia's goal is not only to increase its military intimidation but on a political level too with the Minks agreements just being a temporary solution
• Moscow City Court holds hearing in case to declare Navalny-linked groups as extremist