Share

The U.S. military is in a state of high alert following an episode of heavy gunfire at an airport in eastern Ukraine. The Washington Times reported that the Ukranian government had deployed army troops to the airport in an effort to reclaim control from pro-Russian militants. According to the news source, the mayor of Kramatorsk stated that the Ukranian military has occupied the airport and is blocking its entrance.

U.S. military supports Ukraine's efforts
The U.S. has responded by providing tacit support to Ukranian troops, The Associated Press reported. White House spokesman Jay Carney explained that this is not the preferred plan of action, but it is crucial that the Ukranian government responds to the situation in order to maintain law and order. The AP noted that the U.S. will continue to back diplomatic and economic measures to mitigate tension in eastern Europe.

According to The AP, Russian state television indicated that as many as 11 people had been killed in the standoff at the Ukranian airport. Much of the gunfire seemed to have been warning shots.

Kiev is in the midst of carrying out an "anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Russian separatists, The Washington Times stated. Ukraine's interim president Oleksander Turchinov asserted that the military plan is intended as a means of protection and will occur in a gradual manner. 

"It will be conducted step by step, responsibly, cautiously," Turchinov said, as quoted by The Washington Times. "The aim of these actions is to protect the citizens of Ukraine, to stop terror, to stop criminality, to stop attempts to tear Ukraine to pieces."

Airport incident causes international worry
The incident has raised concern that the Russian government could cut off Kiev's access to gas supplies, which would disrupt gas service to the European Union. On Tuesday, German energy company RWE began delivering to Ukraine, indicating a reversal of the standard east-west flow through a single European pipeline. Despite this conspicuous change, Russian exporter Gazprom has promised to act as a reliable supplier to the EU.

Gunfire at the airport occurred in the immediate wake of an alarming incident in which a Russian fighter jet made close-range passes near the USS Donald Cook over the Black Sea. According to The Washington Times, President Barack Obama spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday – a day before the airport standoff – and both leaders agreed to do everything possible to prevent violent conflicts.