East-west confrontation as Russia fires rockets near Ukraine

(Vatican Radio) International concern is mounting over the whereabouts of seven Western observers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) who have been kidnapped along with 5 Ukrainian army personnel and a driver by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The kidnapping of four Germans, a Czech, a Swede, and a Dane, accompanied by five Ukrainian officers and a driver came while tens of thousands of Russian troops began movements near Ukraine's borders.

Russian troops firing rockets near Ukraine's border, prompting the G7 group of developed economies to announce more sanctions on Russia.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of preparing to invade eastern Ukraine with as many as 40.000 Russian troops. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Danylo Lubkivsvky has urged Moscow to end the military movements.

WITHDRAWING FORCES?

"We demand and call upon [the Russian authorities to withdraw troops from the Ukrainian border. There is no reason to keep troops near Ukraine," he said.

Yet, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the actions are legitimate as in "the West wants to seize control of Ukraine because of their own political ambitions and not for the interests of the Ukrainian people."

And across the border in eastern Ukraine the pro-Russian mayor of the city of Slovyansk said he understands separatists who kidnapped international observers of Europe's security organization OSCE.

Mayor Vyacheslav Ponomaryov said "the sign OSCE does not mean protection for an officer of the (army)...We found an employee of the army headquarters. After an investigation we will decide what we are to do."

WASHINGTON CONCERNED

The United States has accused Russia of seeking to create chaos in Eastern Ukraine by supporting separatists and with military exercises, ahead of Ukraine's presidential elections on May 25.

Nobody should doubt Russia’s hand in this,” said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

"Russia has chosen an illegitimate, coercive armed violence to achieve with the barrel of a gun and the force of a mob what couldn't be achieved any other way," he added.

With the NATO military alliance boosting its forces in nearby Eastern European countries and Russia increasing troops near Ukraine, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has warned of World War III. He says Russia's actions threatens Europe's security, but Moscow denies wrongdoing.

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos: