Germany Sees 'Signs' Russia Backing Militias in Ukraine
Germany said Monday there are many signs Russia is backing pro-Kremlin militias who have seized government buildings in eastern Ukraine, including the arms, uniforms and appearance of their members.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokeswoman said Berlin "is worried about the further aggravation of the situation in the east of Ukraine", and that Merkel had discussed the issue with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron.
"There are many signs that the armed groups active in eastern Ukraine are receiving support from Russia," Christiane Wirtz told reporters.
"A look at the appearance, uniforms and weaponry of some of these groups hardly suggests that they are defense forces spontaneously formed by civilians."
Germany sees Russia as having "a particular responsibility to prevent a further escalation, and to contribute to stabilizing the situation in Ukraine," the spokeswoman said.
"This includes withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border, lowering gas prices and using moderate language. It must be clear that violence is not an option for resolving disputes, and this also goes for Russia."
Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel -- at an event commemorating World War I with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls -- warned of resurgent nationalist forces both within Europe and "in its neighborhood".
Gabriel said that good news several months ago from Ukraine -- including an end to bloody violence against protesters -- had since given way to "an ongoing military confrontation" and the realization that "Russia is apparently willing to let tanks cross European borders".
"Suddenly, we are being dragged from the observer's position into a long smoldering and incendiary conflict, which is also demanding a price from Europe in the form of sanctions against Russia," he said.
Valls called for "dialogue" and "respect for international rules" in the Ukraine crisis, which he called "one of the most tense situations, the most difficult since the fall of the Berlin Wall".
Source: Agence France Presse
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