Ukraine: Separatists Seize Bus With OSCE Monitors

[Catherina]

15. and.. German FM Steinmeier asking Sergey Lavrov to help

On Friday, Kiev authorities launched the “second stage” of the so-called “anti-terrorist operation” in the city of Slavyansk, which has been one of the strongholds of anti-government activists in the Donetsk region. In the previous stage of the operation Thursday, five activists were reported killed in checkpoints raids, including a 22-year-old man. Slavyansk activists claim the victims were unarmed and stood guard at the checkpoints only to check the IDs of the drivers and to prevent the troops and Right Sector radicals from covertly entering the city.

Inside Slavyansk, stopping vehicles and checking of IDs by armed self-defense activists has recently become frequent amid a tense atmosphere and reports of forces loyal to Kiev infiltrating the defiant city. Protest leader Ponomaryov on Friday claimed that groups of Right Sector members armed with sniper rifles and night vision equipment have been trying to get into Slavyansk under the guise of the city’s blockade by the Ukrainian troops.

http://rt.com/news/154948-eastern-ukraine-osce-detained/

All very true too about those snipers. Pictures of the new Pravy Sektor "National Guard" in their sniper locations are all over twitter.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said four Germans were in the group - three members of the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, and an interpreter.

Von der Leyen said contact had been made with the families of the four Germans, and that it was "important we now use all diplomatic channels so the team is released immediately and unharmed."

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov by phone on Friday, according to the news agency DPA. Steinmeier reportedly called for Moscow to help secure the release of the OSCE observers.

The main separatist leader and de facto mayor in Slovyansk, Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, has alleged that one of those detained was a military "spy" for the government in Kyiv.

http://www.dw.de/osce-observers-seized-by-separatists-in-ukraines-east-kyiv-says/a-17592723

Oh the irony of having to ask Moscow for their "help" and so shortly after the White House release the G7 More-Sanctions-Coming letter!

By the way, here's that Dmitri Yarosh recruiting for that "National Guard". Kiev's newly-formed Donbas Anti-Terrorist Battalion (not to be confused with "Activists of the self-defense forces of Donbas" in your post) is only one of his units.

Appeal Of The Right Sector Leader Dmytro Yarosh To The People Of Ukraine, April 12, 2014

In these moments, in the east of Ukraine, in particular in the cities of Donetsk and Sloviansk, a repeat of the Crimean scenario is transpiring.

Criminal groups encouraged by Moscow have been seizing governmental security and law-enforcement buildings, take police hostage, force security and law-enforcement officials to resign.

This anti-Ukrainian insurgency is supported by some local government officials and because of total inactivity of central authorities (in Kyiv), especially the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVS).

The Kremlin is expecting to occupy eastern regions of Ukraine without minimal resistance from the authorities in Kyiv.

Due to the unfolding situation, I order full mobilization for all structures of the Right Sector and prepare for decisive actions in defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

I call on all Ukrainian security and law-enforcement agencies to not only stop averting our activities, but also help the Right Sector restore lawful order on the Ukrainian land.

There is a great danger that the current authorities (in Kyiv) will continue the policy of collaboration.

Due to this, I appeal to all citizens of Ukraine to be ready to put pressure on the current government through protests, assemblies, etc.

In the war time, governments should not be criticized. That is right. But it is also important to remember that in the war time, traitors are executed.

All of the Ukrainian society now must show the greatest unanimity.

Panic, pacifism, hysteria about avoiding provocations, and the need to finding peaceful solution to the situation plays only into the hands of our enemies.

Say Yes to national unity, say Yes to readiness of the decisive resistance to the invaders.

Say No to pacifism and capitulation.

Citizens, organize self-defense units, connect with the Right Sector representatives in the regions and join our forces. Together we will suppress anti-Ukrainian insurgency and renew territorial integrity of our motherland.

Glory to Ukraine!