Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk with Pope Francis yesterday.
According to the Pentagon, Russian military aircraft entered Ukrainian airspace several times overnight. And for the umpteenth time, Russia was called upon to "de-escalate the situation."
The sanctions, expected to be unrolled next week, are a part of a bid to goad Moscow to stop interfering with Ukraine's efforts to stabilize the eastern part of its country, where battles with pro-Russian separatists are taking places in a number of cities and towns. Just yesterday, Ukrainian Prime MinisterArseniy Yatsenyuk accused Russia of wanting to start World War III. And, as the crisis intensifies, the United States and Russia are reportedly no longer on speaking terms.
In addition to the threat of sanctions, the Ukrainian prime minister's recent whereabouts yesterday might have played a role in compelling Russia to breach Ukraine's airspace.
Tweet from Maxim Eristavi
Ukraine PM @Yatsenyuk_AP cuts short visit to Italy & @Pontifex, says Russian jets violated airspace repeatedly overnight
Elsewhere in the fray, a team of military observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe have been detained by pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. According to the separatists currently holding control of the Ukrainian town of Slovyansk, the observers were thought to be NATO spies. The self-proclaimed mayor of the rump city added:
"As we found maps on them containing information about the location of our checkpoints, we get the impression that they are officers carrying out a certain spying mission."It's also thought that the hostages may be held for a prisoner exchange.
Just what the world needs what about the food shortage, what about trying to feed a family these days I'm single and have a hard time with the price of food, what about the real issues, 2 kids fighting about who's got a bigger stick isn't really needed right now. Real presidents would focus and ignore these games about who owns what. What do you consider more important the people or the land. Oh well Think it's time for a beer and a bowl You all have a good nite