Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that the break-up of Ukraine is possible as Russian troops began drills on the border of the two countries on Thursday.

Armed pro-Russian protestors sit at a checkpoint near Krasnyi Liman, in the Donetsk area, Ukraine, 24 April 2014. Photo: EPA/Evgeniy Maloletka

The border manoeuvres came as up to five pro-Russian militants were killed in an operation to clear what Kiev authorities described as 'terrorists' near the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk.

“Europe should be prepared for even the blackest scenario with regards to developments in the Ukraine,” Tusk said.

According to the Polish prime minister, “no one is prepared” for the outbreak of armed conflict in the region. He added that Europe is only in the process of drawing up a response.

Meanwhile, Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski has claimed that if Moscow used its influence on pro-Russian elements in Ukraine, there would be a chance “of achieving the magical de-escalation” in the region.

Sikorski's sentiments were echoed by US Secretary of State John Kerry, who said that Russia “has refused to take a single step in the right direction.”

Kerry raised the prospect of more sanctions against Russia, claiming that “the world will make sure costs for Russia will only grow.”

However, President Vladimir Putin has already warned of “consequences” for Ukraine's military action at Slovyansk, describing it as “a grave crime.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine's foreign minister Andriy Deshchytisa has told the Associated Press that if Russian troops cross the border, Kiev's troops will fight.

“The Ukrainian people and Ukrainian army are ready to do this. Ukraine will confront Russia. We will defend our land. We will defend our territory.” (nh)



Source: PAP/IAR



