Crisis in Ukraine: Daily Briefing
2 June 2015, 8 PM Kyiv time
- Russian Invasion of Ukraine
The press centre of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) reported that from 6:00 p.m. Kyiv time June 1, terrorists continued to fire on all sectors of the front. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (RNBO) reported at 12:30 PM Kyiv time that at Shyrokyne (near Mariupol), battles with Kremlin-backed terrorists took place throughout the day. Kremlin-backed terrorists shelled Ukrainian positions there with mortars, artillery and tanks. Towards Donetsk, battles took place along a front from Mariyinka to Adviyivka. Near Horlivka, Kremlin-backed terrorists fired on Ukrainian positions at Dzerzhynsk. Towards Luhansk, Kremlin-backed terrorists fired on Ukrainian positions with small arms. The RNBO reported that in the last 24 hours, no Ukrainian soldiers were killed and eight were wounded.
- Canada’s PM to visit Ukraine on 6 June
Canadian Prime Minister S. Harper will visit Ukraine on 6 June, ahead of the G-7 Summit in Germany, 7-8 June. Harper stated, “Canada continues to stand with the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression. We will continue to support the country as it takes the necessary steps towards freedom, security and prosperity. I look forward to receiving a personal update on the situation in Ukraine from President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk prior to attending the G-7 Summit.”
- Ukraine’s Parliament to vote on removal of immunity from prosecution of 2 MPs tomorrow
The Committee on Rules of Parliamentary Procedure voted to submit to Parliamentary Speaker V. Groysman two appeals from the General Prosecutor of Ukraine to remove immunity from prosecution from MPs Serhiy Kliuyev and Serhiy Melnychuk. Groysman stated that the vote on removal of immunity from the two MPs will take place tomorrow. According to the Prosecutor’s appeals, Serhiy Kliuyev, the brother of former head of Yanukovych’s Presidential Administration Andriy Kliuyev, is suspected of fraud, misappropriation, embezzlement and abuse of power or position. Melnychuk is suspected of several offenses, including racketeering.
- Ministry of Finance: Ukraine has received $1 billion in funds from US-backed bonds
The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine reported that $ 1 billion was received in Government of Ukraine accounts from the issue of US-backed bonds, made possible by the agreement on loan guarantees signed between Ukraine and the US on 18 May.
- Advance group on Canadian training for Ukrainian Armed Forces begins work
Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine R. Waschuk stated that the work of the advance group on Canadian training for Ukraine’s armed forces has begun, Radio Svoboda reported. Waschuk stated, “The training of Ukraine’s armed forces will begin this summer, but the advance group has started its work this week. The training will last until 2017.”. On 14 April, the Government of Canada announced that approximately 200 Canadian armed forces personnel will provide training to Ukraine’s armed forces.
- American, Ukrainian ships take part in Black Sea naval exercises
The US Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross and the Ukrainian Navy Frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy began a 2-day exercise in the Black Sea on 1 June. The US 6th Fleet reported stated, “The purpose of Ross’ presence in the Black Sea is to reassure NATO allies and regional partners of the United States’ commitment to working closely with them to enhance maritime security and stability in the region.”
