Ukraine News February 26, 2015 shortly

Expanded IMF bailout for Ukraine to include 'heavily front-loaded' cash payments

The International Monetary Fund has said that its expanded bailout of embattled Ukraine will include 'heavily front-loaded' cash payments once the board approves the Extended Fund Facility program.

Red Cross to step up activity in Ukraine

The International Committee of the Red Cross plans to step up its activity in Ukraine in order to give more help to the population of the east of the country, ICRC President Peter Maurer said in Moscow before visiting Kyiv on Thursday afternoon.

Pro-Ukraine Crimean Tatars continue to suffer from oppression in their own homeland

"Repressions against the Crimean Tatar people started as soon as Russia annexed the peninsula in March, 2014 and have not stopped since then. Abductions and murders of activists, mass searches, fines, and arrests for participation in rallies continue," Abmedzhit Suleimanov, coordinator of the Committee for Defence of the Crimean Tatar's Rights, said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

is ready to help training Ukrainian army - Defence Minister

"Norway is ready to help with training the Ukrainian military," Defense Minister Ine Eriksen Sjoreide said in an interview with The Guardian.

More sanctions against Russia to have better effecte than sending arms to Ukraine - Pentagon

The Pentagon believes that increasing sanctions against Russia would be more productive than sending lethal weapons to Ukraine.

OSCE PA President slams pro-Russian militants for refusing access to OSCE monitors in Donbas

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva has slammed pro-Russian militants for refusing to "grant unlimited, safe access" to OSCE monitors in Donbas.

Shelling abates in most frontline areas

"Shelling has abated in most of the frontline areas and the number of attacks on positions of government troops has significantly decreased. However, the Russia-backed militants have not ceased fire altogether," the press centre of the Counterterrorism Operation reported on Thursday.

European Council President: EU to impose newsanctions on Russia if Minsk deal not complied with

European Council President Donald Tusk said in the European Parliament on Wednesday that the EU would be ready to impose more sanctions against Russia in the event of further non-compliance with the terms of the Minsk agreements.

Over 9,500 people leave Donetsk since January

"The number of people who have left their homes in Donetsk region on their own or have been evacuated by rescuers, local authorities and volunteers since late January has exceeded 9,500, including 2,000 children and 150 people with disabilities," State Emergency Service spokeswoman Natalia Bystra said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday.