The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine claims that Russia holds more than 70 Ukrainians captive. As stated in the ministry's response to the query of Radio Liberty, the list does not include the 24 Ukrainian servicemen captured by Russia near the coast of the Crimea.

 “As of February 9, 2017, more than 70 Ukrainian citizens are illegally held by the Russian Federation on fabricated charges. At least 30 people are held in Russia (excluding the 24 servicemen of the Ukrainian Navy captured …

The Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is being guarded by Russian government security. Peskov noted, “government security is provided based on the decision of the head of the state.”

Peskov affirmatively answered the question about the existence of a presidential decree regarding Yanukovych’s protection saying: “Yes, yes, it (the decree) was given, when he (Yanukovych) left (to Russia) as the head of (the Ukrainian) government.” …

Russia will not send observers to join the mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the presidential elections of Ukraine on March 31, Russian Foreign Ministry stated on Friday, February 8.

According to the Russian side, this decision is due to “security reasons”.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry refused to accredit “long-term observers” from Russia. Sergei Kislitsa, Deputy …