Results of National exit poll: Poroshenko with 55.9%, Tymoshenko - 12.9%, Lyashko – 8%

According to the National exit poll, Petro Poroshenko leads the presidential race with 55.9% of votes.

Yuliya Tymoshenko is second with 12.9%, Oleh Lyashko on 8%.

Anatoliy Hrytsenko on 6.3%, Serhiy Tihipko - 4.7%, Mykhailo Dobkin – 2.1%.

Olha Bohomolets and Vadym Rabinovych have got 1.9% both, Oleh Tyahnybok 1.3%, Petro Symonenko 1.1% and Dmytro Yarosh 0.9%.

Events of May 23: assault on Donbas battalion and attempts of terrorists to disrupt elections 

This day went down in history with news about deaths of Ukrainian military servicemen and Donbas battalion fighters in Donetsk region. The terrorists still controls the vast majority of district election commissions in Donetsk and Luhansk region a day ahead of elections.

Confrontation in the East Goes on

Ukrainian law enforcement officers repelled another attempt of insurgents to break ATO encirclement in the north and have destroyed the terrorists' unit near Rubizhne, Luhansk region. According to the ATO spokesperson, the Ukrainian Army also suffered casualties. Two Ukrainian servicemen have been killed and 7 more wounded during the operation.

Donbas battalion fell into ambush near Karlivka village, Donetsk region. As of 4:00pm, according to official information, five fighters of Donbas special battalion were killed and seven more were wounded.

Meanwhile one of the terrorist leaders Ihor Bezler informed commander of “Donbas” battalion Semen Semenchenko about killing of all battalion’s captured fighters.

According to the Deputy Minister of Ukraine’s Ministry of Health Ruslan Salyutin, number of dead Ukrainian soldiers in the fight near Volnovakha raised to seventeen men.

According to the Interior Minister Advisor Anton Herashchenko, two journalists from Russian TV channel LifeNews, apprehended by SSU, were filming terrorists killing the Ukrainian servicemen. 

The so-called prosecutor of self-proclaimed "Donetsk people's republic" has opened the criminal proceedings against tycoon Rinat Akhmetov.

Press service of Donetsk regional state administration informed that around ten armed men came to wounded fighters of Donbas battalion, but at the current moment they left the premises of Kalinin hospital.

Terrorists dictate their terms to Donbas

Central Election Commission has relocated five district election commissions from the territory of Donetsk city to the city airport.

At the current moment none of five district election commissions of Donetsk city received voting ballots from Kyiv.

Head of unrecognized “Luhansk People’s Republic” Valery Bolotov addressed region’s citizens not to participate in May 25 Ukrainian presidential election "due to the possible provocations".

The public order will be secured by over 75 thousand of people on the E-day (May 25), including 55.7 thousand of policemen and over 20 thousand of the members of the public.

Fighters of Azov special battalion freed the building of Torez City Council (Donetsk region) from the representatives of the so-called “DPR”. Two terrorists are liquidated.

Batallion Donbas decided to take control of administrative buildings, as well as district and precinct election commissions in some districts of Donetsk region.

In total amount 20 out 34 district election commissions (DEC) are blocked by the terrorists in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Central Election Commission invited the leadership of Interior Ministry to its meeting on Saturday and expects the explanations about the poor protection of the premises of district election commission in Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

"Jaguar" has killed 54 terrorists, the soldier of National Guard reports

The representative of the 1st Battalion of the National Guard Andriy Antonyshchak has declared that the officer of "Jaguar" MIA special unit have killed more than 50 terrorists in a battle near Slovyansk.

"Our "Jaguar" unit fell into an ambush, 5 Jaguar officers were killed and 14 were wounded. Our guys came under the fire of snipers and grenade launcher operators, but they managed to kill 54 insurgents. I wonder why nobody talks about this", Antonyshchak told during the press conference in Kyiv.

"Russian Block" party is banned in Ukraine

Regional appeal court of Kyiv City has banned the political party "Russian Block". The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has filled corresponding lawsuit.

Such decision was announced by Justice Serhiy Karakashyan, UNN reports.

"Satisfy the claim of the Justice Ministry. Ban the activities of the Russian Block party", the judge proclaimed.

Defense Ministry: 6 Ukrainian servicemen killed and 8 wounded by terrorists near Kramatorsk

Ministry of Defense reports 6 Ukrainian servicemen were killed and 8 wounded in a battle with pro-Russian terrorists near Kramatorsk.

A column of the military unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces came under fires from the ambush today, May 13, at about 1.00 pm near Oktyabrske village, Slovyansk district, which is in 20 km from Kramatorsk. The terrorists attacked the Ukrainian troopers with grenade launchers and opened dense aimed fire with small arms, press service of Defense Ministry reports.

According to the reports, about 30 insurgents made an ambush in the bushes along the river.

There was an explosion after the terrorists hit the second APC with a grenade launcher.

Another APC tried to push the damaged equipment away from the village. The soldiers accepted the battle, Ministry of Defense informs.

"After the first salvo, opened by the terrorists with heavy weapons, two Ukrainian soldiers died and 3 more were wounded. In total amount 6 Ukrainian servicemen were killed and 8 were wounded after a long battle. One of them is in grave conditions. All dead and wounded were evacuated", the statement says.

ATO will be continued despite of the decision of PRD to hold "referendum", Parubiy 

The National Security and Defence Council Secretary Andriy Parubiy has stated that anti-terrorist operation will go on regardless of any decisions by the representatives of the so-called "People's Republic of Donetsk" regarding referendum, scheduled on May 11.

The counterterrorist operation will go on regardless of any decisions by any subversive or terrorist groups in the Donetsk region, Andriy Parubiy said.

According to him, the idea to hold such a plebiscite in Eastern Ukraine is "a political trickery and crazy attempt", which have no prospect.

Besides that, Зarubiy has stressed the Ukrainian troops are redeployed and there are grounds to consider the operation to finish succeіsfully.

Yatseniuk: Russian language will get official status

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk, when considering amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine, will propose a provision according to which local councils can grant official status to Russian and other languages while maintaining the status of Ukrainian as a sole state language.

He said this in his Victory Day address released on the government portal on Thursday.

"As head of government, when considering amendments to the constitution, I will propose a provision according to which, while maintaining the status of Ukrainian as the sole state language, local councils will have the right to grant official status to Russian and other languages," Yatseniuk said.

However, he said that the language law of Kivalov-Kolesnichenko approved by Party of Regions and Communist Party MPs was currently in force. According to him, in the regions where most people speak Russian the Russian language has the legal status of a regional language.

"In fact, its rights and opportunities are actually the same as those of the state Ukrainian language," Yatseniuk said.

Ukrainian peacekeepers will not be withdrawn from abroad - NSDC

Ukrainian peacekeepers will continue to serve outside our country in accordance with international treaties.

This was stated by Secretary of National Security and Defense Council Andriy Parubiy at a briefing at the Ukrainian crisis media center, Ukrinform reports.

"Previously, it was decided that at this stage they continue to serve, they continue to perform their duties on the basis of international obligations," Parubiy said, when asked by reporters whether Ukrainian peacekeepers return from abroad to ensure the internal security of the state.

THE UKRAINIAN AUTHORITIES WON'T HOLD TALKS WITH TERRORISTS, TURCHYNOV

The Ukrainian authorities are ready to hold talks with activists and the entrepreneurs of Donbas but they won't negotiate with terrorists. This was reported by the interim President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov.

The Head of the Government Arseniy Yatsenyuk has emphasized the law enforcement officers are trying to protect the lives and heath of the people within the anti-terrorist operation.

The official Kyiv recalls the amnesty, announced for the residents of the eastern regions. However, it will be applied only to those who will lay down their arms voluntary and clear the building, and who was not involved in the murders and other serious crimes - Oleksandr Turchynov noticed.

Deferral of “referendum” will not influence antiterrorist operation - Parubiy

Possible deferral of the so-called referendum by separatists will not influence the antiterrorist operation.

National Security and Defense Council Secretary Andiry Parubiy has said about this at a briefing at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“The antiterrorist operation will continue irrespective of decisions of these or other groups of diversionists and terrorists, who are in Donetsk and Luhansk regions,” Parubiy has said, answering the journalists' question about whether the antiterrorist operation is suspended in case if the Donetsk People's Republic takes a decision today to defer the “referendum.”

At the same time, Parubiy noted that the “referendum” called by separatists is “illegal and has not any legal force.”

EU Member States have agreed over new sanctions against Russia, mass media 

The EU Member States may approve the extension of the black list for Russia and include a range of the Russian companies as well as the individuals.

This is reported by ITAR-TASS with reference to its source in the European Council.

According to the source, the EU member states are reached the preliminary agreement on extending the sanctions against Russia. However he refused to tell any details.

According to him, the additional sanctions against Russia should be approved by the 28 Heads of States and Governments of the EU Member States on their meeting on May 12 in Brussels.

Right Sector will not hold actions on May 9

 The Right Sector plans no actions on May 9.

Head of the organization's information department Boryslav Bereza told a briefing in Kyiv, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“The Right Sector will not hold any actions on May 9, except for a commemoration minute of silence,” Bereza said.

At the same time, he said that in some cities, members of the organization will ensure protection for war veterans on their request.

“The Right Sector warns against using it symbols during the planned provocations. We will respond for such actions with all possible means and convey information about this to law enforcement bodies,” the Right Sector representative said.

Prosecutor of Kyiv calls on militia to use arms against terrorist “without hesitation” on May 9

Prosecutor of Kyiv Mykola Gerasymyuk calls on employees of law-enforcement bodies to use arms and special means against armed provocateurs “without hesitation” on May 9 that is stipulated by Law “On Militia”.

It is said in address of the prosecutor due to possible provocation in Kyiv on May 9. The text of address was passed to UNIAN.

I don't expect extremists to take a break, Yatsenyuk 

The Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has stated that people of Ukraine celebrates the 69th anniversary of the liberation of Ukraine and Europe from Nazi Germany and for the first time it occurs under the conditions of war.

"This war is not declared officially, however it is the real war, waged by Russian regime against Ukraine. For the first time since 1941 the enemy crossed the Ukrainian border, violated its territorial integrity, annexed a part of our country, smuggled its saboteurs in Ukraine. Ukrainians are peaceful nation which never attacks first but we were left no choice now but to resort to arms. It looks like we were taken back to the 1930s, using the time machine. The shocking rhetoric of the neighbor state leader is similar to that time", Yatsenyuk's address says.

The Prime Minister has emphasized that Ukraine began to appreciate even more the deeds of those who fought for peace 69 years ago and competed for Ukraine and its future under the different flags after facing the external aggression and terrorists now.

Yatsenyuk has asked the Ukrainian patriots, irrespective of their ideological views, to refrain from any actions that may be used by the enemies of Ukraine in the informational war against our country.

"I didn't hope that the extremists will take a break in their bloody affairs even for this day. The leaders of the state is informed about the black plans of Russian saboteurs and their mercenaries and take all measures to ensure safety, but we are opposed by the people who have no moral commandments", he emphasized.

Ukraine Foreign Ministry regards Putin's idea as farce, rejects talks with terrorists

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement regarding remarks made by the Russian and Swiss presidents on the intentions to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine.

The statement notes that despite the appearance of gestures of "goodwill," the content and rhetoric that were announced in the Kremlin have nothing to do with a true search for a solution to the crisis.

"Russia should first fulfill its Geneva obligations and distance itself from the activity of terrorists in east Ukraine, publicly call on separatist groups to lay down arms and stop the subversive activity of sabotage groups. The withdrawal of Russian military forces from the Ukrainian borders should be confirmed by real facts," the ministry said.

"Any 'terrorist referendums' in the east of our country are illegitimate by definition. Therefore any calls for their 'postponement' are not a sign of goodwill, but a mere farce. Russia has already realized such a scenario in Crimea," reads the statement.

"The unconditional priority of the Ukrainian government is to establish full-scale national dialogue that will involve political forces and representatives of the regions and society. All of the necessary conditions of peace and security should be created for such dialogue. But holding any dialogue with terrorists is impossible and unthinkable," the ministry said.

Rasmussen: Russia's aggression is greatest challenge to Europe's security

Russia's aggression against Ukraine is the greatest challenge to Europe's security in a generation.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said this at a briefing in Warsaw, a Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"Russia's illegal and illegitimate aggression against Ukraine is the greatest challenge to Europe's security in a generation. So we have rightly reinforced the defense of our allies," Rasmussen said.

He said that ships and aircraft from across NATO were currently present from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

"We stand ready to take further steps, with enhanced exercises, updated defense plans, and appropriate deployments. We have also reinforced our support to Ukraine. For example, by helping to strengthen its defense reforms and the protection of critical infrastructure," Rasmussen said.

He said that NATO had sent an unmistakable message to Russia that its behavior does not belong in the 21st century, whereas its rhetoric draws on obscure cliches of the Cold War.

Rasmussen also said that to compare what happened in Kyiv in February 2014 with what is happening today in eastern Ukraine was "totally misleading" and "hypocritical."

"Public protests against any government are part of democracy. But violent pro-Russian separatists, armed with heavy weapons, who occupy public building and who take hostages, are not part of any democracy. And if these groups swear open allegiance to Russia, whose troops are massed on Ukraineэs borders, and who has grabbed a piece of Ukraine, that is not democracy," he said.

Turchynov: Human life is the highest value

Human life is and always remains the highest value for Ukrainians.

Ukraine's acting president and Verkhovna Rada chairman, Oleksandr Turchynov, said this in his address due to the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation, to be marked on May 8-9, the press service of the acting head of state has reported.

"Human life is and will remain the highest value for Ukrainians. Maintaining peace is our sacred duty to the present and future generations, to all victims of the last war. And the whole civilized world is united with us here," he said.

Turchynov recalled that about 60 million people were killed during World War II. "The Ukrainian people who found themselves in the center of a terrible tragedy paid an especially high price for their freedom. Virtually every family sustained irreparable losses," he said.

"So having gone through the war years and knowing the true value of peace, the Ukrainians have always wanted good relations with all other peoples. Our state is making successive steps regarding partnership, cooperation, full-scale participation in international programs on security and stability on the planet," Turchynov said.

The United Nations declared May 8 and 9 the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War.

Ukrainian soldiers mount 10 roadblocks around Mariupol

10 roadblocks were mounted around Mariupol. The roadblocks were installed by participants of the antiterrorist operation. Militia and civil activists are on duty there. Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov said this at press conference in airport after a field sitting of the Cabinet of Ministers in Kharkiv, OstroV with a reference to the press 

Turchynov: there can be no dialogue with armed criminals, who kill people

Law-enforcement bodies protect life and health of citizens within the ATO, which is carried out against terrorists, diversionists and other criminals, who kill, torture and kidnap our citizens, stressed Turchynov.

Acting President of Ukraine, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov states that there is can not be dialogue with armed criminals, who kill people.

The press service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine disclosed this to UNIAN.

According to the words of Turchynov, a goal of authorities is to ensure stability and economic development of democratic independent Ukraine, “peace, calmness and security of Ukrainians”. “We should protect the territorial integrity of the country and free temporarily occupied territories”, - noted the head of the parliament.

Kyiv expects real evidences of Russian troops withdrawal from borders, MFA

Foreign Ministry of Ukraine has criticized the discussion between the presidents of Russian and Switzerland on the situation in Ukraine without the participation of the Ukrainian party.

Despite a front of the "good faith" gesture, the content and rhetoric that were voiced at the Kremlin have nothing in common with true search of a settlement. Discussion of a peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine, but without Ukraine is senseless and unacceptable. We need real action instead of the statements, the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine reports.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry suggests first of all Russia should implement obligations assumed under Geneva accords and distance itself from terrorist activities in the east of Ukraine, publicly call upon separatist units to lay down the arms and cease subversive actions.

Withdrawal of Russian armed forces from Ukrainian borders should be genuinely confirmed, MFA emphasized.

Foreign Ministry has added that any so-called "terrorist referendums" in the east of Ukraine are illegal by definition, thus, an appeal to «postpone» them is just a mockery.

"Substitution of notions should be terminated. There is no civil war in Ukraine. The essence of the conflict is aggression of the Russian Federation against our country, occupation of Crimea and impudent interference in internal affairs, accompanied by support for terrorist actions against Ukrainian citizens and territorial integrity of the state", – MFA says.

It is noticed in the statement that a full-scale national dialogue with all political actors, regional representatives and the civil society is an absolute priority of the Government of Ukraine, however the dialogue with terrorists is impermissible.

Ukraine welcomes and supports the important role of the OSCE in international efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation. Particularly valuable will be those efforts of the Organization that will facilitate continuation of a nationwide dialogue in Ukraine, implementation of a mandate of the Special Monitoring Mission and engagement of international observers to monitor the elections of the President of Ukraine on May 25, 2014. The statements made on May 7 in Moscow demonstrate the first results of consolidated international pressure on the Kremlin in response to the aggression committed against Ukraine, the statement says.

Putin's statement is not enough, US Department of State 

The US Department of State's spokesperson Jane Psaki suggests the only statement of the Russian President Vladimir Putin is not enough. According to her, Russia has to stop supporting the separatists.

"The Putin's statement is not enough", Psaki stressed, UNN reports.

She has noticed that Russia has to stop support the separatists, call them to lay down arms and back the democratic process in Ukraine, including the presidential elections. 

LUHASNK TERRORISTS REFUSE TO POSTPONE REFERENDUM

Luhansk terrorists didn't considered Putin's appeal to postpone the referendum. They continue to prepare for their so-called "referendum".

Today it was announced the voting will last from 6 am to 8 pm on Sunday. The ballot papers should be given to the people in the voting day. Inhabitants of Luhansk region are proposed to decide the future of the self-proclaimed republic.

Today the terrorists seized the regional prosecutor's office for the second time this week. They entered the building with no resistance and ordered the staff to pack up their belongings and get out.

Lviv regional authorities want no mass actions to be held in the city on May 9 

The haed of Lviv regional state administration Iryna Sekh has stated the local authorities have reached the agreement with the veterans' organizations who have assured they will hold no mass actions in Lviv on May 9.

"The representative of the city council has reported at the operational meeting that there are two requests on holding mass actions on May 9, submitted by the city veterans' organization and the organization "Idea of Nation", – Iryna Sekh told at the briefing.

According to the head of regional administration, the city council are afraid the conflicts may happen this day as the two rallies are to take place at Pahorb Slavy (Hill of Glory) and the Field of Mars. "Idea of Nation" has already stated their rally will be held under the motto "Kill the Colorado potato beetle" (slang name of the Ukrainian separatists as they are wearing black-and-orange ribbons).

That's why the authorities are preparing a lawsuit against the Administrative court.

Iryna Sekh has noticed she had had a meeting with the Head of Lviv regional organization of the Ukrainian veterans Tymophiy Mahonko. They reached the agreement the veterans' organization wouldn't hold mass actions on May 9.

FORMER ODESA CHIEF OF POLICE IS SET ON WANTED LIST. THREE POLICEMEN ARE APPREHENDED

Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov has told during the press conference in Kharkiv about the investigation of the Odesa police involvement in the tragic events in Odesa on May 2.

"Mr. Fuchedzhi has crossed the Ukrainian border and fled from justice; he is put on the wanted list", Avakov told about the former Odesa Chief of Police Dmytro Fuchedzhi.

Arsen Avakov has added three policemen were apprehended within the frames of the pre-trial investigation of the Odesa events, happened on May 2.

Yatsenyuk doesn't understand why Ukrainian issue was discussed in Moscow without Ukrainians 

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk is surprised the "Ukrainian issue" to be discussed during the meeting of the presidents of Russia and Switzerland without the representatives of the Ukrainian government.

This was reported by the PM after the visiting meeting of the Cabinet ended in Kharkiv.

Yatsenyuk has added the acting Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Deshchytshya has prepared and submitted the Ukrainian version of the "road map".

The Prime Minister expects that OSCE will back the Ukrainian version of the "road map".

You shouldn't trade air, Yatsenyuk about Putin's proposal to postpone "referendum" 

 

The Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yastenyuk appreciated skeptically the proposal of the Russian president Vladimir Putin to postpone the so-called referendum in Eastern Ukraine.

"Vladimir Vladimorovych, please, stops to trade air. It doesn't fit the president of the great country to do so", the Ukrainian PM told after the visiting Cabinet meeting ended in Kharkiv.

Pseudogovernment of so-called People's Republic of Donetsk is against postponement of referendum 

 

Separatists' leaders in Donetsk region didn't accepted the proposal of the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on the postponement of the so-called referendum, scheduled for May 11.

This was reported by the member of so-called government of People's Republic of Donetsk Oleksandr Vaskovskyi, UNN informs with reference to the local media.

"I haven't seen Putin's appeal yet but I think we shouldn't do so", Vaskovskyi told.

Russian troops aren't withdrawn from Ukrainian border, Tymchuk 

According to the coordinator of Informational Resistance group Dmytro Tymchuk, the Russian troops aren't withdrawn neither from 50-km nor 200-km zone from the border between Russia and Ukraine.

He wrote this on his Facebook page.

"As of May 7, 5.00 pm, the Russian troops haven't changed its numbers near the Ukrainian border, comparing with May 1", Tymchuk noticed.

"We haven't recorded the withdrawal of Russian troops neither from 50-km nor 200-km zone from the border between the Russian Federation and Ukraine", he added.

According to his data, there are about 38 thousand servicemen in 200-km zone near the eastern border of Ukraine.

Separatists are actively preparing to "referendum" in Donetsk region 

Situation in Donetsk region remains tense. The Anti-terrorist operation goes on and the separatists are preparing to the "referendum".

This is reported by the Department on the internal affairs of the Donetsk regional state administration.

"Propaganda is intensified, the "People's Republic of Donetsk" (PRD) activists are joined with the activists of other political parties and NGOs", the statements says.

The representatives of PRD conduct propaganda work in village councils on "referendum issues".

"Almost all the town mayors, heads of district state administrations and village chiefs are under the pressure. The activists of PDR demand the local authorities to provide them with premises and ballot boxes", regional administration reports.

A rally happened in Khartsyzk, about 50 people have participated. They called to participate in the so-called referendum. The same rallies occurred in the other towns of the region.

Turchynov initiate the position of Vice PM on Crimean issues to be established 

Interim President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov has submitted a proposal to establish the position of the Vice Prime Minister on Crimean issues.

This was reported by the acting head of the presidential administration Serhiy Pashynskyi during his briefing.

The problem of Crimea is very huge. Interim President has submitted a proposal to establish a position of the Vice Prime Minister on the occupied territories. Today, in fact, the corresponding functions in the central government are carried by the commission, headed by Volodymyr Hroysman. We believe that this should be done by a specialized body of the central government, which will deal exclusively with the occupied territories - starting with operating our property in the occupied territory and ending with the social issues, concerning citizens who live in the occupied territories. I will insist on this problem to be resolved,
— Pashynskyi noticed

ALMOST A HALF OF UKRAINIANS ARE READY TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY WITH ARMS, SURVEY

Ukraine has to act tough with separatists, say 35% of respondents, surveyed by the sociological group “Rating”. 40% of respondents supports the talks with partial fulfillment of the claims.

15% claim the local inhabitants have to decide their own destiny. More than half of respondents are convinced that the Ukrainians have to fight to protect the state borders. Almost 45% are ready to take up arms to defend the country. Although the same number of respondents is not ready for this.

About 60% of respondents suppose Kremlin to have their finger in the protests in Eastern Ukraine. About 40% of respondents also say the close circle of former President Viktor Yanukovych is concerned with the events.

Sweden Foreign Minister is happy Kremlin called to postpone the so-called referendum

Sweden Foreign Minister Carl Bildt supposes the decision of Russia to call South East of Ukraine to postpone the "referendum", scheduled for May 11, to be a "good step".

"Some sort of fake referendum in Eastern Ukraine on May 11 was part of destabilisation plan. Good step if Moscow now (referendum) ditches it", Bildt wrote on his Twitter page.

ATO to be continued, Pashynskyi

According to the acting head of the presidential administration Serhiy Pashynskyi, the anti-terrorist operation in Eastern Ukraine will be continued.

This is reported by the press service of the President.

The operation will be continued and all the terrorists in Slovyansk and Kramatorsk will be killed or captured. Ukrainian government will not stop and will not tolerate terrorism and other manifestations of armed aggression on its territory,
– Pashynskyi noticed.

He has also emphasized the Ukrainian troops do not enter Slovyansk town in order to avoid the casualties among the civil population.

Putin assures he has withdrawn its troops from the Ukrainian border

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared there are no Russian troops near the Ukrainian border.

"We were constantly told Ukraine was disturbed with our troops near its borders, so we have withdrawn them. There are no troops near the Ukrainian border at the moment, they are located in their home stations. It can be easily checked using today's modern reconnaissance equipment. Everything can be seen", Putin declared after his meeting with the Swiss counterpart Didier Burkhalter.

According to the Russian leader, the situation in Ukraine is developing under the worst-case scenario and those, who organized the revolution, are to be blamed as they still haven't disarmed right-wing groups.

Putin has stressed that Russia calls the current Ukrainian authorities to halt immediately all military operations in southeastern Ukraine. He has told Russia is ready to contribute to resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

At the same time he called the allegations that the key to solving the Ukrainian crisis was in the hands of Moscow to be baseless.

Mariupol is surrounded by Ukrainian troops, 16 separatists are already apprehended

The Ukrainian law enforcement officers have apprehended 16 separatists today in Mariupol during the anti-terrorist operation. The city is surrounded by the Ukrainian troops.

According to the acting head of the presidential administration Serhiy Pashynskyi, the situation in the city is calm.

"The city hall is retaken in Mariupol by police. As for now the situation in Mariupol is quite calm. 16 people were apprehended", Pashynskyi told.

He has added the pre-trial check will be conducted in Mariupol individually to every apprehended.

"If they weren't armed and committed no crimes then, I suppose, the soft interim measure will be chosen", the acting head of presidential administration told.

SSU confirms the captured Alpha officers are exchanged for Hubarev

The Security Service of Ukraine has confirmed that three Alpha officers, captured earlier in Horlivka, were exchanged for the "people's governor of Donetsk region" Pavlo Hubaryev.

Alpha officers were taken to the safe place. The press service of the SSU has added the agency does its best to release all hostages been taken by the terrorists.

Earlier before the so-called Slovyansk "people's mayor" Vyacheslav Ponomaryov has also confirmed the exchange of hostages.

Yes, it's true, Pavlo is released. We have exchanged three Alpha officers for three our brother-in-arms, including Pavlo Hubaryev,
— he noticed.

Ponamaryov has also mentioned Pavlo Hubaryev is already at the territory, controlled by the insurgents.

Putin supports "round table" talks in Ukraine

According to the Russian president Vladimir Putin, Kremlin supports the proposal of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel about arranging the dialogue between the current Ukrainian authorities and the representatives of South-East of Ukraine and the "round table" talks.

"I've talked with the Federal Chancellor of Germany and Mrs. Merkel has proposed to organize such dialogue as the "round table" talks. We support such proposal and will provide any assistance to such development of the situation", Putin told after the talks with OSCE Chairman Didier Burkhalter.

The President of Russia supposes that such dialogue should be direct, full-fledged and equal. He has also added the Russian Federation has contributed to the release of the OSCE military observers in Ukraine which may lead to the de-escalation of the situation in the country.