World monitors Ukraine developments

The Russian invasion of Ukraine by has sparked global concern about the possibility of armed conflict — or at the very least, another ‘cold war’. But to this point — although there is plenty of tension on the ground — neither Russian, nor Ukrainian supporters seem to want violence. That has allowed diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis to continue — as well as leading to some strange developments in Ukraine.

Outside the Ukraine there’s plenty of talk.

Prime Minister Harper. “Canada will contribute observers to an important military observer mission.”

Canada, pledging to send observers to Ukraine — and step up sanctions, against Russia.

In Paris — U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both agreeing to talk some more. So far, this is a war of words — even by those who could order military action.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. “These steps send a clear message, Russia’s actions have consequences. At the same time, we do want to keep the door open for political dialogue, so we’re ready to maintain meetings of ambassadors in the NATO Russia council.”

On the ground in Ukraine — a sobering message for Western envoys. Armed thugs pursue U.N. Special Envoy Robert Serry into a café — demanding that he abandon his fact finding mission. Serry could be seen on Ukraine television making frantic calls for help, to New York. In the end, he was escorted to the airport, and sent to Kyiv — shaken, but unharmed.

There has been speculation, that Russia has planted agitators in Crimea, to stir public demonstrations opposing the Ukraine government. Photos like these, seem to support that allegation. This woman has been seen involved in different demonstrations, in different cities such as Kharkov, Kyiv, and Odessa. Ukrainian media say, she is a well-known character actress, from Russian TV.

It’s a dangerous game of push, and push back in the occupied areas.

Duelling demonstrations in Donetsk — the one time hope of deposed president Viktor Yanukovych. One side supporting the Russian occupation — the other demanding the Russians leave.

Ukrainian police trick pro-Russian demonstrators into leaving an occupied government building. Phoning in a bomb-threat — then calmly reclaiming the building — after the evacuation.

The only violence — two elderly Ukrainian women — chasing pro-Russian agitators away from the crowd — with their handbags.

It seems more apparent that rather than cower from the Russian troops with guns — unarmed Ukraine citizens are becoming more defiant — ready to stand for their country, with, or without Western guns.

The situation in Ukraine is so precarious that both sides are moving cautiously, to avoid provocation. The U.S. did say, it would send six new fighter jets to Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — while NATO announced that it will suspend contact, and review co-operation with Russia — as well as stepping up its involvement with Ukraine, in joint training missions.

But as of Wednesday night — there are no large scale military deployments, or troop movements by either side in the region — and that is being viewed, as good news.