Europe

Assassination of Putin Critic Draws World’s Attention

By Kyle Herda

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

MOSCOW, Russia – As multiple theories continue to float up about the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, Vladimir Putin wrote a letter to Nemtsov’s Mother promising to find and bring to justice the murderer. Theories currently range anywhere from Putin ordering the assassination of Nemtsov, a strong opponent of Putin’s, to rumors that perhaps an ally of Nemtsov killed him to make him a martyr. Internationally, reactions have been skeptical that Putin is entirely clean from involvement.

A crowd gathers at the site of Nemtsov’s death to create a memorial. (Photo courtesy of The New York Times)

Vladimir Milov, a former deputy minister of energy and co-author of pamphlets created by Nemtsov, believes that Putin was behind the murder “to revive a culture of fear in Moscow.” The Kremlin disagrees, however, stating that they have “half a dozen” leads, and that perhaps Islamic extremists are responsible for the killing.

French president Francois Hollande, British prime minister David Cameron, and European Union foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini all spoke out today to voice disapproval of the killing and demanding a transparent investigation into the murder. German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the killing “cowardly,” and Obama asked the Russian government to be “prompt, impartial and transparent” in investigating the murder. Finally, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko commented on the impact Nemtsov had, calling him a “bridge between Ukraine and Russia.”

Other Russian opposition has been fairly outspoken, stating that the killing is clearly a politically motivated move by an increasingly militaristic state, particularly in regards to how Russia has handled the situation in Ukraine. Given that Nemtsov blogged two weeks ago in an interview that he was worried Putin would kill him, and that Putin has subsequently ordered the investigation into Nemtsov’s murder be taken over by Putin’s men rather than the police, many are skeptical that the Kremlin has had no part in the what is being called a “contract killing”.

For more information, please see:

The New York Times – Fear Envelops Russia After Killing of Putin Critic Boris Nemtsov – 28 February 2015

ABC (Australia) – Boris Nemtsov assassination: Russian president Vladimir Putin vows to bring those responsible for ‘vile’ murder to justice – 28 February 2015

BBC – Reaction to death of Boris Nemtsov – 28 February 2015

USA Today – Anti-Putin leader Boris Nemtsov fatally shot in Moscow – 27 February 2015

Putin Critic Gunned Down a Stone’s Throw from Kremlin

By Kathryn Maureen Ryan
Impunity Watch, Managing Editor

MOSCOW, Russia – Outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin, Boris Nemtsov, a Russian opposition politician and former Deputy Prime Minister was shot dead just meters from the Kremlin in central Moscow late on Friday. Nemtsov, who was 55 years old, was shot four times in the back, the Interior Ministry said. A police spokeswoman on the scene said he had been walking on a bridge over the Moskva River with a Ukrainian woman. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced through a spokesperson he would be taking the investigation of the murder into presidential command, claiming it could have been a contract killing and a “provocation” on the ahead of a large demonstration that Nemtsov had was to lead in Moscow on Sunday.

PHOTO: Russian opposition Boris Nemtsov speaks during a rally against the intervention in Ukraine and a possible war in Crimea in Moscow, March 15, 2014 Nemtsov was reportedly preparing a report on Russian troops in eastern Ukraine before he was murdered in the streets of Moscow. (Photo courtesy of ABC News)

The gunmen, who remains unknown, fired at least eight shots, killing Nemtsov. Russian Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin said an investigation is ongoing and witnesses will be questioned. “Witnesses to the killing are being questioned, and the crime scene is being carefully examined,” Markin said. A Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Putin was aware of the killing and called it a provocation. “Putin noted that this cruel murder has every sign of being a contract one which has solely provocative nature,” Peskov said. “The president has ordered the leadership of the Investigative Committee, the Interior Ministry and the Federal Security Service to form an investigative group and keep the investigation of this crime under personal control,” Peskov added, describing the presidential committee that is to be established to investigate the murder, a committee that will likely face criticism due to the potential biased involvement of the Putin regime.

Nemtsov was one of the organizers of large street demonstration in opposition of the Russian President in recent years. Nemtsov always marching at the front of the crowd and addressed the large crowds on stage. While he served as deputy prime minister under President Boris Yeltsin during the 1990s, Nemtsov fell out of Putin’s close circle and founded Russia’s People’s Freedom Party in opposition to the Putin leadership that dominates Russian politics and civil society. He was also the author of several reports on corruption in the Russian Federation, including attempts to estimate President Putin’s actual wealth as well as attempts to estimate the amount of money stolen during preparations for last year’s Winter Olympics in the resort town of Sochi.

Nemtsov had expressed concern that Vladimir Putin might want him dead because of his strong opposition to Russia’s actions in the Ukraine. The upcoming opposition march on Sunday was intended to protest against Russia’s war and occupation in eastern Ukraine where pro-Russian rebels have seized Ukrainian territory. According to Ksenia Sobchak, another prominent opposition figure in Russia, Nemtsov had been preparing a report on the illegal presence of Russian troops in Ukraine. The Kremlin strongly denies allegations by Kiev and the west that his regime has sent troops into the country.

For more information please see:

ABC News – Boris Nemtsov, Vocal Critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Shot Dead in Moscow – 27 February 2015

BBC News – Russia Opposition Politician Boris Nemtsov Shot Dead – 27 February 2015

The New York Times – Boris Nemtsov, Putin Foe, Is Shot Dead In Shadow of Kremlin – 27 February 2015

Reuters – Russian Opposition Leader Nemtsov Shot Dead In Moscow – 27 February 2015

Two Killed by Explosion at Pro-Kiev March

By Kyle Herda

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

KIEV, Ukraine – A march in Kharkiv was interrupted today by an explosion that led to the deaths of two and wounding fifteen others. A second bomb was found in a shopping bag in Odessa, but was defused by police.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko pays tribute during the ceremony in honor of the overthrow of Ukraine’s former pro-Russian government. (Photo courtesy of The New York Times)

The rallies today were held in honor of the overthrow of the former Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych, an ally to Russia. Some members of the parades, bearing Ukrainian flags, yelled “glory to the heroes!” Shortly thereafter, an explosion caused over a dozen casualties. Current President Petro Poroshenko said on Facebook, “[t]his is a brazen attempt to expand the territory of terrorism.”

Markian Lubkivskyi, an aide to the head of Ukraine’s SBU security forced, reports that four suspects have been arrested for planning attacks in Kharkiv with a Russian “Shmel” rocket launcher. These citizens, he reports, received weapons and training in Belgorod, a Russian city just across the Ukrainian border from Kharkiv. Moscow has not answered to these claims as of yet. Also, fighting around Mariupol, this time in the village of Shyrokyne, has been reported as well.

Fighting has been on the decline, however, over the past several days. Following the grave situation in Debaltseve, Kiev’s troops made a safe withdrawal and violence in and around the city has dwindled. Kiev reports that both sides are beginning to pull back heavy weapons, in accordance with the recent Minsk agreement. Further, 139 Ukrainian troops and 52 rebels have been exchanged to the village of Zholobok, west of rebel-held Luhansk. While this is not the entirety of prisoners, it is certainly a step in the right direction towards peace.

For more information, please see:

Reuters – Ukraine fears spread of war after blast in eastern city – 22 February 2015

The New York Times – New Violence Belies Talk Of Peace In Ukraine – 22 February 2015

ABC – Blast Hits March in Eastern Ukraine, Killing 2 – 22 February 2015

The World Post – Ukraine Says It Will Start Pulling Back Heavy Weapons – 22 February 2015

NBC – First Ukraine War Prisoner Exchange Completed – 21 February 2015

The New York Times – Ukraine Town Eases Back Into Life After Deadly Week of Fighting – 20 February 2015

Another Minsk Peace Agreement Fails Ukraine

By Kyle Herda

Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

KIEV, Ukraine – Following another Minsk peace agreement involving leaders from England, France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia, a cease-fire has once again failed. Fighting has restarted in Eastern Ukraine, particularly in Debaltseve where it was initially unclear whether the cease-fire reigned although later discussion between relevant parties found that it did.

Ukrainian soldiers playing soccer near Debaltseve during peaceful downtime, although peace did not last long. (Photo courtesy of Kyiv Post)

Sunday night at midnight, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko issued an order for Ukrainian troops to cease fire, but merely twenty minutes later pro-Russian rebel rockets caused collateral damage that made casualties of two elderly residents near Luhansk. Kiev claims more than 60 violations of the cease-fire within just the first 24 hours of the truce.

Many of the violations occurred in or around Debaltseve, where Donetsk separatist leader Alexander Zakharchenko believes “[t]he Minsk agreement doesn’t” mention. A strong push by the rebels, allegedly backed by Russian artillery according to United States sources, in the two days before the cease-fire went into effect has allowed rebels to surround the town, according to rebel sources. There are reported upwards of 8,000 Ukrainian troops within Debaltseve, although Kiev has not confirmed such. Steven Pifer, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, claims that Ukrainian forces trapped within Debaltseve are hesitant to retreat because a similar situation yielding a retreat by Kiev forces from Ilovaysk in August was met by rebel artillery and rocket fire that led to many casualties.

In addition to the two elderly casualties, 5 Ukrainian security forces were reported killed along with 25 wounded by fighting with rebels at a military post near Zolote, also in Luhansk. These casualties were reported to have come from mortar shelling that occurred within 90 minutes of the cease-fire order from Poroshenko. Ukrainian defense spokesman Andriy Lysenko reports at least 129 violations have occurred since the cease-fire orders were given.

While the cease-fire still remains in power throughout much of Eastern Ukraine, and many of the violations occurred in or near a contested area that was arguably not mentioned within the Minsk agreement, the post-cease-fire incidents are causing a stir, and less than 48 hours into the cease-fire there is already a similar lack of faith in its holding as existed in prior agreements.

For more information, please see:

The Economist – Pseudo-peace – 16 February 2015

The New York Times – With Ukrainian Troops Trapped, a Cease-Fire Grows More Fragile – 16 February 2015

CNN – 5 Ukrainian security forces killed despite ceasefire, army official says – 16 February 2015

USA Today – Ukraine cease-fire ignored around key railway hub – 16 February 2015

The Wall Street Journal – Ukraine Cease-Fire Strained by Violence – 16 February 2015

Ceasefire Deal reached for Eastern Ukraine

By Kathryn Maureen Ryan
Impunity Watch, Managing Editor

KIEV, Ukraine – a ceasefire deal was announced Thursday after more than 16 hours of discussions between the Petro Poroshenko and Vladimir Putin, the leaders of Ukraine and Russia in Minsk, brokered by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande. The ceasefire is due to enter into effect on Sunday. The ceasefire is considered a breakthrough in the 10-month conflict which has claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people, many of them civilians and relations between Russia and the West to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, speaking alongside French President Francois Hollande, said that while more work remained to be done to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine “what we have on the table gives us great hope.” Merkel acknowledged that the agreement is not perfect but argued it is an opportunity for progress in addressing the tensions in the region and is “clearly preferable to the situation if we had done nothing.”

Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. (photo courtesy of CNN International)

In a joint declaration, released by the German government, the four leaders stated “their full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” and sated that they “firmly believe that there is no alternative to an exclusively peaceful settlement.” The declaration stated leaders “will use their influence on relevant parties” to ensure the package of measures are put into place. “Leaders share the conviction that improved cooperation between the EU, Ukraine and Russia will be conducive to the crisis settlement,” it added.

During a press conference after the Minsk talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said all parties had agreed to the ceasefire starting February 15 and called for restraint before the ceasefire is set to go into effect. “I call on both sides to end the bloodshed as soon as possible” and come to a political solution to the conflict, he said. Putin argued that the talks between Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany took so long, he said, because authorities in Kiev still refuse to have direct talks with separatists.

United State President Barack Obama issued a statement on the breakthrough ceasefire agreement  “The United States welcomes the agreement reached today in Minsk” it said. “The agreement represents a potentially significant step toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty.” However, the United States has continued to expresses concern that the spirit of the accord has been challenged by continued, intense frightening continued in the region.

A Ukrainian military spokesman said around 50 tanks, 40 missile systems and 40 armored vehicles had crossed the border between Ukraine and Russia overnight, accusations that were dismissed by the Putin regime. NATO, however, has said there is overwhelming evidence of Russian military equipment and personnel entering Ukraine but declined to comment on the latest report from the Ukrainian military “The intensity of fighting is evidenced by a sharp increase in the number of people trying to leave front-line towns,” said NATO spokesman Andriy Lysenko.

Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty was a key issue going into the discussions. Russia annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine last spring, shortly before pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions declared independence from Kiev. “Ukraine will always be a unitary state. No federalization whatsoever! #UnitedForUkraine,” Poroshenko tweeted after the deal was announced. In Facebook post, he said that “we did not agree to a single ultimatum.”

For more information please see:

CNN International – Ukraine Ceasefire Deal Reached After Marathon Minsk Talks – 12 February 2015

The Guardian – Ukraine Ceasefire Aims To Pave Way for Comprehensive Settlement of Crisis – 12 February 2015

National Public Radio – Ukraine Cease-Fire Is Reached, Along With $40 Billion Aid Deal – 12 February 2015

Reuters – ‘Glimmer of Hope’ For Ukraine after New Ceasefire Deal – 12 February 2015