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US Slams Russia's Move to Recognize Ukraine Rebel Documents

by Associated Press

   MOSCOW --

   The United States says it is disturbed by Russia's decision to
   recognize passports and other documents issued by rebel authorities in
   eastern Ukraine.
   The recognition, in an order signed by President Vladimir Putin that
   was announced Saturday, "is alarming and contradicts the agreed-upon
   goals of the Minsk Agreement," the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine said Sunday
   on Twitter, referring to a two-year-old agreement on ending the
   fighting in eastern Ukraine. Russia was a signatory of the agreement.
   More than 9,800 people have been killed in fighting between government
   forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April
   2014.
   President Donald Trump's repeated statements on improving relations
   with Russia had led to speculation that Washington would soften its
   stance on Russia's interference in Ukraine.