It is up to the West to save Ukraine from civil war

The possibility to prevent the civil war in Ukraine depends on the West, said Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin at the meeting of the UN Security Council that was convened on Russia's request. The meeting was devoted to the situation in the south-east of Ukraine.

Photo: AP photo

In the south-east of Ukraine, "a very dangerous situation has been formed, and further escalation should be prevented immediately," the Russian diplomat said. According to him, "Western sponsors of Maidan activists, including the U.S., must curb their associates and make them disassociate themselves from neo-Nazis and other extremists, halt the use of armed forces against the Ukrainian people and immediately engage in a genuine national dialogue with equal participation of all regions to conduct a profound constitutional reform as early as possible."

"The possibility to avoid the civil war in Ukraine depends on the West," said Churkin. He also urged Europe to stop looking for Moscow's hand in the events in the south-east of Ukraine. "It's enough - enough to spread stories saying that we have amassed an armada of troops on the border with this country. It is about time one should realize that in the south-eastern of Ukraine, people are deeply worried about their future. They do not want anyone, especially rabid nationalist radicals to impose their will on them," said the Russian representative.

At 10 a.m. Monday, Moscow time, Kiev's ultimatum to south-east of Ukraine expired. Acting President Alexander Turchinov, who was appointed by the Verkhovna Rada, threatened to launch a massive operation involving the army in the region, should the supporters of federalization do not free the captured administrative buildings.