As we noted previously [5], the US remains convinced that "there is strong evidence suggesting some of [the pro-Russian] demonstrators were paid," and Russia, in the same vein, responded that they "are particularly concerned that the operation involves some 150 American mercenaries from a private company Greystone Ltd., dressed in the uniform of the [Ukrainian] special task police unit Sokol." So, this morning's 'claims', substantiated, we presume, by YouTube clips and CIA promises, that John Kerry blasted to his Twitter followers is remarkable: "it is clear that Russia special forces and agents have been the catalysts behind the chaos of the last 24 hours in Ukraine." Clear... proof?
Kerry explains it all...
.@JohnKerry [6]: It is clear that #Russia [7] special forces and agents have been the catalysts behind the chaos of the last 24 hours in #Ukraine [8].
— StateDept Live (@StateDeptLive) April 8, 2014 [9]
.@JohnKerry [6]: #Russia [7]’s unmistakable involvement in destabilizing, separatist activities in the East of #Ukraine [8] are more than disturbing.
— StateDept Live (@StateDeptLive) April 8, 2014 [10]
And Russia's response...
#Lavrov [11]: Situation in Ukraine will not be stable unless Kiev stops ignoring interests of Russian-speaking citizens http://t.co/f0wwI9T6Kd [12]
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) April 8, 2014 [13]