A rebel tank near Donetsk. Yahoo/AP
Pro-Russian rebels are trying to take the Donetsk airport in Ukraine, despite the cease fire. Yahoo/AP. Tanks fired at the main terminal of the airport where Ukrainian troops were defending. The rebels have succeeded in taking several outlying buildings and are now moving on the airport proper. The violence comes despite a cease fire almost a month ago. Both sides accuse each other of breaking the truce. Since the cease fire 200 people have died, according to the U.S. state department. If the rebels were to capture the Donetsk airport it would be a major victory for them because its location and the fact that it would allow Russia to fly in heavy supplies and weapons.
My Comment:
Ukraine has been overshadowed by current events but it remains a tinderbox. Even though the rebels got most of what they wanted with the cease fire they are a stubborn bunch. It is naive to think that they would give up so easily. After so much blood has been shed it is not surprising that reconciliation is the last thing on both sides mind.
Still, this is not good news. No matter who wins the battle for Donetsk airport the fact that there is fighting at all is a major setback. The world needed this war to be over but neither side is cooperating. The rebels know that Ukraine is weak and soon enough they will be cut off from Russian gas supplies during the harsh winter that is coming soon. The rebels know that they have a major advantage and they will use it. Ukraine would be wise to come back to the negotiating table and try and reach a peaceful settlement because there is very little chance that they will solve this situation militarily.
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