Ukrainian police officers on Wednesday claimed to be ready to act tough, to end the occupation of government buildings by pro-Kremlin activists in the eastern parts of the country.
"I think the resolution of this crisis will be answered in the next 48 hours," said Interior Minister Arsen Avakov the cabinet meeting in Kiev. "There are two possible ways: through a process of negotiation or forced intervention."
Russia has warned that the use of force to oust separatist candidates who took over government buildings could trigger civil war in Ukraine.
Last Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin to deepen the pressure on the new government of Ukraine. He urged Ukraine to pay in advance for the supply of natural gas, because the debt continues to swell.
"Our partners in Europe recognize the legitimacy of the current government of Kiev. However, they do nothing to support the Ukrainian-even one dollar, one euro was, "Putin said in Moscow. "Russia does not recognize the legitimacy of the government of Kiev, but still continue to provide economic support and subsidies worth hundreds of millions and billions of dollars. Of course, this situation does not last forever. "
To that end, he said, Ukraine may be asked to pay a natural gas one month in advance, due to unpaid bills. According to the Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, the amount of unpaid bills is now $ 16.6 billion. The amount is much higher than that claimed the Ukrainian government.
The European Union at the beginning of March promises $ 15 billion aid package to Ukraine. Funds will be disbursed throughout the next few years. This month, the U.S. Congress passed a $ 1 billion loan guarantee. The International Monetary Fund also said they would give $ 18 billion loan for Ukraine, although the deal has not been completed.
Comments Avakov meretaskan anger protesters in the industrial cities of the pro-Kremlin, such as Donetsk, Kharkiv and Luhansk. A large number of ethnic Russians living in the cities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated ultimatum Kiev is not much help handling the crisis. "The negotiations will be very important. They should listen to the people, "he said.
Ukraine accused of inciting Moscow protests that started last Sunday. Russia considered to have set a similar occupation in the Crimea last month, before the annexation by the Kremlin.
Protesters were beaten back from the government building in Kharkiv on Tuesday. However, they remain entrenched in Donetsk and Luhansk, which until now has not been stabilized.WSJ
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