Russia calls on West to prevent 'national disaster' in Ukraine

Russia today called on the West to prevent 'a national disaster' in Ukraine and urged Kiev to order a ceasefire as further deadly violence erupted in the country's east, killing 12 soldiers.
"We once again call on our Western partners to use all their influence on Kiev to stop Ukraine from descending into a national disaster," the ministry said in a statement.
"The international community awaits from Kiev an immediate ceasing of military activities in the east of the country and the withdrawal of troops. Without that, achieving peace in Ukraine is impossible."
Russia expressed its "deep concern over the further escalation of the situation in eastern Ukraine".

It accused the Kiev authorities of bombarding cities and civilian targets using aircraft and artillery in a military operation that "brings pain and suffering to peaceful citizens".
"Among those injured are elderly people and young children," it said.
"Once more we call on the Kiev authorities to stop the fratricidal war and start a real national dialogue with all political forces and representatives of the country's regions to seek ways for Ukraine to emerge from this very deep crisis," the statement said.