Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (C), wearing military fatigues, speaks with Ukrainian army's Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) officers at their headquarters near the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum, during his visit of the Donetsk region, on June 20. Poroshenko is expected to end the ceasefire because of ongoing attacks by Kremlin-backed separatists.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko vowed on July 1 to launch a military offensive against Kremlin-backed "terrorists" in eastern Ukraine, ending a 10-day self-imposed truce that Ukrainian authorities said was violated more than 100 times by the separatists who killed 27 Ukrainian troops.
"We will attack and we will liberate our land. The end of the ceasefire is our response to terrorists, rebels, looters, all those who mock the civilians who paralyze the economy of the region; who rip the payment of salaries, pensions, stipends; who undermine the railroads, destroy water pipes, those who deprive a normal peaceful life," according to a statement on Poroshenko's website.
President Poroshenko's in his statement: said he decided to stop "truce" at E Ukraine.stressing out "We will liberate own land"
Poroshenko is also expected to impose a martial law in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts as part of a bid to end the separatist uprisings that began in April and have claimed the lives of more than 180 Ukrainian servicemen, including at least 20 since the ceasefire was announced on June 20.
A Voice of America alert quoted General Philip M. Breedlove, the NATO commander, as say that Russian military forces are actively assisting the movement of forces, equipment and finances into Ukraine. "There are several types and capabilities of heavy weaponry that are moving across the border," Breedlove was quoted as saying.
Some sources in Poroshenko's administration said that martial law might be introduced in just some parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Poroshenko had not taken to the airwaves by midnight, but member of parliament and Radical party leader Oleh Liashko posted on his Facebook page that Ukraine's anti-terrorist operation has resumed and that martial law would be imposed. Liashko ended his message with: "God help Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! Death to its enemies!"
On June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Poroshenko to continue the ceasefire, according to a Kremlin statement released after a phone call that also included French President François Hollande and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel. Putin, on the other hand, was urged by the other parties to actively denounce separatism in the east of Ukraine, which Russia is supporting.
Russia, however, has done little to bring peace since the phone call, despite the fact that the European Union ultimatum to Russia came to an end at 10 p.m. on June 30. EU threatened with a third round of sanctions if Russia did not work for peace.
Poroshenko will need the Verkhovna Rada's approval to impose martial law and is expected to consult with lawmakers about doing so this week, which is the last week before the summer recess.
The United States have made an early signal that they will support Poroshenko's decision. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said during her daily press briefing on June 30 that a ceasefire extension is up to Ukraine, and that the U.S. will support whatever decision the president makes.
On top of resumption of the ATO, Poroshenko is said to be contemplating major changes to the heads of law enforcement agencies, steps that also will require parliament's approval.
Curent situation on the lines of fire.
He consulted independent deputies in parliament earlier today on this issue.
Anatoliy Hrytsenko, a former defense minister who was present at the meeting, said the president announced cleanup of law enforcement commandment at the meeting.
“There are three staffing decisions planned: change of commander of headquarters (it's within presidential powers) , and introduction in the Rada and appointment of the minister for defense and vice prime minister who will coordinate in the government the law enforcement and defense sectors, primarily their material and technical supplies and logistics,” Hrytsenko said on his Facebook page.
He said the president planned to decide on the candidates today. Hrytsenko also said that heads of the Security Service, interior ministry and border guard will likely remain in place.
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