NEW YORK TIMES: Kiev, Ukraine — Pulling back a huge aid convoy whose entry into Ukraine stirred Western outrage, Russia on Saturday cheered the completion of what it called a successful humanitarian mission, while Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany visited the Ukrainian capital and pledged more than $690 million for the rebuilding of war-ravaged areas of eastern Ukraine and aid to refugees.
The German pledge, the latest in a series of European offers to assist Ukraine since the toppling of President Viktor F. Yanukovych in February, signaled a desire by Europe not to allow Russia to become the sole benefactor of the Russian-speaking eastern portion of Ukraine.
It was accompanied by warnings from Ms. Merkel that the government in Kiev could not subdue pro-Russia rebels through force alone… (more)
