Ukraine Update #46

The pace of events is quickening in Ukraine, following last week's initial movement of Russian trucks, purportedly carrying "humanitarian aid," across the border into Eastern Ukraine.

Today, Ukraine accused Russia of sending troops directly into Eastern Ukraine. According to Reuters, President Petro Poroshenko expressed "extraordinary concern" at the Russian move.

Ukraine claims that Russian forces, disguised as pro-separatist fighters, crossed the border into southeastern Ukraine, along with tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Russia's alleged move comes one day before Presidents Putin and Poroshenko are scheduled to meet in Minsk, Belarus for talks on ending the Ukraine conflict.

Amid this continuing crisis, President Poroshenko called snap parliamentary elections for October 26. He said that many current MPs had supported ousted President Viktor Yanukovich, and that the Ukrainian people want a new parliament.

President Poroshenko has the authority to call for elections due to parliament's failure to form a new government since the July 24 collapse of the previous ruling coalition.

The latest Russian movement into Ukraine came near the southeastern city of Mariupol. According to NCSEJ's field operative in Ukraine, the members of the Jewish community who have not yet fled the city are extremely worried, and seeking exit routes. Residents of the city fear that Mariupol could become another separatist stronghold, subject to the same fierce clashes as seen in the eastern cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.