MOSCOW, April 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia is insisting on the immediate de-escalation of tensions in the southeast of Ukraine and on the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the region, the Foreign Ministry said.

“Russia is once again insisting on the immediate de-escalation of the situation in the southeast of Ukraine, on the withdrawal of the army units and the commencement of a real nationwide dialogue with all regions and political forces in the country,” the ministry said.

Moscow is also waiting for Kiev’s to fulfill its promises to foster dialogue with Ukrainian regions, including in the southeast of the country, it said.

The ministry said Moscow was extremely surprised by the distorted interpretation of the Geneva statement by the Kiev authorities and their American partners.

'Active phase' of military operation resumed in eastern Ukraine

Active phase of military operation has been resumed in the eastern regions of Ukraine, parliament-appointed First Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema told reporters. According to him, it was done "in accordance with the order" by the Verkhovna Rada appointed Acting President and Speaker of Parliament Oleksandr Turchynov. Yarema added that law enforcement bodies are "working towards the elimination of all armed groups" in Kramatorsk, Sloviansk and other cities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
He also claimed that law enforcement officers did not undertake any actions last night. Turchynov April 22 demanded that the country's security agencies should resume a military operation in the east.

“I demand that security services carry out effective counter-terrorist activities aimed at defending Ukrainian citizens living in the country’s east from terrorists,” Turchynov stated.