Ukraine sparks Russia-West stand-off

(Vatican Radio) Russia has failed to show up at a meeting on nuclear security amid rising military tensions with the West over Moscow's role in Ukraine. The stand-off comes shortly after Moscow recognized Sunday's elections organized by pro-Russian separatist leaders who declared victory in Ukraine's war torn east, adding to concerns among local residents about their future. 

Listen to Stefan Bos' report: 

U.S. and European officials say it is not yet clear whether Russia's absence from a planning meeting was meant to boycott the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit. However Moscow has been showing displeasure over Western condemnation and sanctions for its perceived involvement in the unrest in Ukraine. 

Analysts say Russia's no-show at the planning meetings is significant as only three or four such gatherings are planned before the upcoming nuclear summit. 

And, with Russia one of the world’s five formally recognised nuclear powers, its input is crucial to setting an agenda.

WEAPONS, TERRORISTS 

American President Barack Obama initiated a series of summits aimed at preventing terrorists from getting their hands on weapons-grade nuclear material. 

The number of countries thought to have enough material to build a nuclear weapon has fallen from 39 to 25. Yet, Russia was notably absent from a 35-nation agreement, along with nuclear armed China, India and Pakistan, on introducing guidelines. 

The top US commander for the NATO military alliance, Philip Breedlove, warned that Russia is discussing plans to put aircraft on Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula that have full range capabilities, including possible tactical nuclear weapons. 

NATO has also been busy intercepting Russian war planes flying over European airspace and the Atlantic Ocean. They're messaging us...that they are a great power and that they have the ability to exert these kinds of influences in our thinking," Breedlove said. 

And the general warned hundreds of Russian troops are active in eastern Ukraine. 

MOSCOW RECOGNITION 

Moscow has recognized Sunday's elections organized by pro-Russian separatists in the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk where rebel leaders declared victory. 

Yet with Kiev and the West calling the ballot illegal, and Moscow backing it, voters fear an uncertain future.

“Of course both sides should hold talks,” explained a Donetsk resident. “So that it is more or less peaceful and calm. Because there is no alternative. Nothing can be achieved through war.”

Another elderly man agrees. “Do you know what it is like in Transdniestria?” he wondered, referring to Moldova's separatist region. “We won’t be recognised by anyone. And what next? There will be no access to anything. I am afraid that is what will happen to us. That is the scariest thing.”

And with Sunday's vote complicating the geopolitical crisis centred around eastern Ukraine, fighting continues between armed rebels and Ukrainian government forces in a conflict that has now cost more than 4,000 lives.