Putin Declares Easter Ceasefire in Ukraine War
The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an “Easter ceasefire” in the war in Ukraine, declaring a temporary halt in hostilities lasting around 36 hours
Western Leaders Threaten Russia With More Sanctions
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Leaders from the G20 Summit pose for the family photo at their meeting in Brisbane. Photo: Andrew Taylor/G20 Australia
Britain's PM David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Russia and Russian individuals might face further sanctions over the situation in Ukraine.
Speaking on Saturday at the G20 summit in Brisbaine, Cameron said Russia could face further sanctions, unless it stops “destabilising Ukraine”
According to BBC, Cameron added that here would "have to be a very different relationship" between Europe and Russia if "we continue to see Russian troops" inside Ukraine.
Russia has denied sending any military forces to help separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine launch a new offensive in a conflict that has killed more than 4000 people since this past spring.
All along Russia has been denying direct involvement in the crisis in Eastern Ukraine, but admitted it might have "volunteers" fighting on the side of the pro-Russian separatists.
Merkel also said on Saturday the EU is considering further financial sanctions against Russian individuals because of the crisis in Ukraine.
"The present situation is not satisfying," Merkel told reporters at the G20 summit. "At present the listing of further persons is on the agenda."
Merkel is due to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit on Friday, but said she did not expect any "sudden, qualitative changes" following the talks.
Other Western leaders, including USPresident Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also criticised Russia on its behaviour in Ukraine.
"I guess I’ll shake your hand but I have only one thing to say to you: you need to get out of Ukraine," Harper told Putin at the summit, according to his spokesman Jason MacDonald, quoted by Reuters.
Obama said Russian aggression against Ukraine was a threat to the world, while the European Council demanded Moscow withdraw troops and weapons from the neighboring nation and put pressure on rebels there to accept a ceasefire.
Europe's foreign ministers will meet on Monday to assess the situation in Ukraine and whether further steps including additional sanctions were needed against Russia, said European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, quoted by Reuters.
Meanwhile, the same agency reports, quoting a member of the Russian delegation, that Putin might leave the G20 summit early, because he has meetings in Moscow on Sunday.
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