Militants use relative calm in Donbass combat area to regroup their forces and reinforce them with reserves. Russia continues to deploy military units and combat equipment to Ukrainian territory. Only a part of combat actions participants will be able to vote in the early parliamentary elections. The EU has extended duty-free import preferences for Ukraine until 2015.
Prognosis of Ukrainian economy decline is worsening. Donbass ceasefire is being constantly breached by militants. Prime Minister Yatsenyuk follows the lustration expectations of Ukrainian society.
Inflation growth accelerated in Ukraine in September. Temporary investigation committee of the Ilovaysk tragedy works behind closed doors. Territories controlled by DPR and LPR are heading towards humanitarian catastrophe.
Ceasefire in Donbass combat area exists only on paper. Courts are operating at night again. Experts foresee failure of lustration process due to weak legislation.
Sanctions against Russia and cease-fire memorandums signed in Minsk haven’t de-escalated the conflict in Donbass. President Poroshenko attempts to build the «authority vertical» without having sufficient cadre resources. Early parliamentary elections are in the high gear. Ukrainian economy continues to slow down.
Combat actions near Donetsk International Airport and shellings of residential areas of Donbass cities by militants are ongoing non-stop. Former members of party of regions and its satellites are participating in the early parliamentary elections in large numbers.
The third gas war between Russia and Ukraine is in full swing. Donetsk International Airport - "Brest Fortress" of Ukraine. National Bank and the government managed to to keep the hryvnia exchange rate via administrative measures. Extraordinary elections to the Verkhovna Rada are on the home stretch.
Official visit of the US Secretary of Commerce Pritzker to Kyiv is a positive sign for Ukrainian economy. Kolomoysky, as opposed to other oligarchs, doesn’t participate in the elections and advocates financial de-regulation in Ukraine. Attacking Ukrainian strongholds militants aren’t embarrassed by the cease-fire.
While visiting North America, President Poroshenko attempts to get both financial and military support for Ukraine. Understanding that conflict with Russia will inevitably widen and EU member states will get involved, is coming Europe. Numerous cease-fire breaches by Donbass militants are being evidenced by OSCE.
The “ceasefire” established in Minsk is not an obstacle for Russian troops and militants in the escalation of the conflict. Sanctions introduced by EU and US are not stopping Russian aggression in Ukraine. Ukrainian politicians are behaving like there is no war in the country. Economic forecasts for Ukraine are disappointing.
Ukrainian politicians are actively playing "elections games", like including combat commanders on the lists of party candidates, when Ukrainian military and civilians are dying in Donbass during the announced «cease-fire» and Russia is concentrating its invasion forces.
The cease-fire in Donbass is a cover for Russia to concentrate forces and prepare for aggression escalation. Ukrainian political establishment continue preparations for the early elections.
