Emergency Ukraine meeting for UN

The UN Security Council is to hold an emergency meeting on Ukraine after Russia called for public talks on the growing crisis.

The Russian mission to the United Nations tweeted that Moscow had asked for what will be the council’s 13th meeting on the crisis, and the spokesman’s office for the UN secretary-general confirmed the open meeting would be held later today

Tensions are high after pro-Russia forces shot down two Ukrainian helicopters and Ukraine launched its first major offensive against an insurgency in the east against Kiev’s interim government.

The prospect for any council action is highly unlikely as Russia holds veto power as a permanent council member.

Ukraine has accused Russia of supporting insurgents who have seized government buildings in 10 eastern cities and fears that Moscow seeks a reason to invade. Russia has stationed tens of thousands of troops near the Ukrainian border.

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s spokesman said Ukraine’s new offensive has “effectively destroyed the last hope for the implementation of the Geneva agreements” that aimed to defuse the crisis.

Ukraine is sharply divided between those in the west who favour closer ties with Europe and many Russian-speakers in the east.

Meanwhile, the European Union energy commissioner has said the bloc will hold gas price talks this month with Russia and Ukraine in an effort to avoid the disruption of deliveries.

Guenther Oettinger said common ground must be found in Russia’s dispute with Ukraine. Moscow has significantly raised the price of gas for Ukraine and threatened to limit deliveries if Kiev does not repay a debt of $3.5bn (€2.52bn) and pay the new, higher prices.

Mr Oettinger spoke after talking with the Ukrainian and Russian energy ministers, Yuri Prodan and Alexander Novak.

He said further talks will be held in mid-May and at the end of May, in which the 28-country EU will mediate with the aim of establishing a just gas price.