Moscow, Kiev Take Steps to Ease Tensions. Russia Withdraws Troops, Ukraine Plans for New Talks. Ukraine and Russia took steps to reduce tensions in this country’s embattled eastern regions, as their presidents prepared to meet this week. In Moscow, a Kremlin spokesman said President Vladimir Putin had ordered the withdrawal of thousands of troops massed on Ukraine’s border. In Kiev, President Petro Poroshenko said he was prepared for a meeting with Mr. Putin at a summit of Asian and European leaders in Milan on Thursday and Friday, and that he expected talks to be difficult. Moscow and Kiev remain far apart on territorial issues, but each has its own reasons to hope for at least a tentative cease-fire. Ukraine is set to hold parliamentary elections on Oct. 26, and must worry about gas supplies this winter. Moscow, meanwhile, could see a relaxation of U.S. and European economic sanctions if it shows it is fostering peace efforts. The sanctions are a particular worry to Moscow because falling oil prices are also undermining Russia’s economy. The ruble hit a low last week, as Russians have worked to buy dollars and Russian companies have been forced to amass dollars to pay off loans that won’t be renewed because of sanctions. Although Moscow and Kiev signed a cease-fire agreement in Minsk in September, scores of people have been killed in fighting since then. Neither has complete control over fighters in the field, and although Messrs. Poroshenko and Putin both want to appear conciliatory to please Western leaders, each is under pressure from nationalists in his own country to continue fighting. On Saturday, Mr. Poroshenko fired his defense minister, Valeriy Heletey, who many Ukrainians criticized for his handling of the war, including a harsh defeat in the eastern Ukrainian town of Ilovaisk, where hundreds of Ukrainian troops were killed after they were encircled and then ambushed when they tried to break out. online.wsj/articles/putin-orders-troops-away-from-ukraine-border-1413105734?tesla=y&mg=reno64-wsj&url=online.wsj/article/SB10489115138694863277004580209754294802306.html
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:03:56 +0000
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