Ukraine Crisis; European Union Extends Sanctions Against Russia

On Thursday, February 9, EU members agreed to extend sanctions against Russia due to what the West perceives as Moscow's interference in the eastern Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, representatives from Europe, Russia, and Ukraine are set to negotiate on Friday. The sanctions have drawn a response from Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet leader, who warned that EU sanctions increase the risk of a new 'Cold War' turning into a 'hot' military crisis between Moscow and the West. On the other hand, Federica Mogherini, the EU's chief foreign policy official, stated after the Thursday meeting of the Union's foreign ministers in Brussels, Belgium, that 'this decision shows that Europe is ready to take further actions if necessary.' The West has accused Moscow of actively intervening in the Ukraine crisis by providing equipment and military forces to separatists in the eastern part of the country. Kyiv has made similar accusations against Russia, which denies the allegations. The EU sanctions have also received supportive reactions from Washington, which has warned Russia that it is responsible for new sanctions being imposed against it. Russia has stated that it will add four American officials to its 'blacklist.' Meanwhile, on Friday, February 10, Belarus will host negotiations between representatives of the EU, Moscow, and Kyiv. The parties are expected to begin new peace talks in Minsk, with the possibility that the negotiations may be affected by the new sanctions. According to UN statistics, the conflict and crisis in eastern Ukraine have left at least 5,100 casualties. In this context, the Ukrainian parliament labeled Russia as an 'aggressor state.' Barack Obama discussed the rising violence in Ukraine with Angela Merkel. Recent advances by Ukrainian rebels toward a strategically important city have been reported, and the UN has stated that Ukrainian civilians have been deliberately targeted by missiles.