Saturday 13 September 2014

Americans in Uganda get a warning





  • Ugandan police claim to have foiled a terrorist attack

  • U.S. urges its citizens in Uganda to stay home

  • Al-Shabaab has vowed to retaliate his death

  • A U.S. airstrike killed the terror group's leader in Somalia this month




(CNN) -- Ugandan forces arrested several terror suspects and recovered explosives in an operation to foil an "imminent" terrorist attack on the city of Kampala, the country's police said Saturday.


Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy warned Americans there to stay indoors. The country's security forces have ratcheted up security in all public places, vowing to "effectively defeat whoever tried to endanger the lives and property of the people of Uganda," according to a police press statement.


The foiled terror plot was by the Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabaab, the U.S. Embassy in Kampala said; it did not specify the targets. However, local police said that based on the type of explosives seized, they saw this attack plot as a possible repeat of last September's attack on Nairobi's Westgate Mall and were particularly concerned about crowded areas.


Security forces were still searching for more suspects and and have declined to release the identities or number of suspects arrested, but said they were of various nationalities.


Earlier this month, a U.S. airstrike killed Ahmed Godane, the terror group's leader in Somalia. The group has since installed a new leader and vowed to avenge Godane's death.


"We are continuing our engagement with Ugandan authorities as we seek to assess the scope of the disrupted Al-Shabaab terrorist plot and whether there are members of the cell still at large," the embassy said.


Ugandan troops are part of African Union forces battling the Somalia-based militants whose attacks have crossed into Uganda before.


Last year, unidentified gunmen attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, resulting in the deaths of 67 people, including four of the attackers. In 2010, the militants conducted suicide bombings in bars filled with patrons watching soccer in Kampala, killing more than 70 people.


U.S. officials have issued warnings to its citizens in Uganda before. In July, it asked travelers to avoid Entebbe International Airport near Kampala. The embassy cited a "specific threat" involving an unknown terrorist group. Information on the threat came from Ugandan police, it said.


Ugandan authorities have increased security at key sites, including the Entebbe airport, the embassy said Saturday. Entebbe is the only international airport in the nation.


CNN's Christabelle Fombu and journalist Samson Ntale contributed to this report



Navy suspends search for pilot





  • Search efforts for missing pilot suspended in Pacific

  • Navy official says two F/A-18 Hornets collided

  • The cause of the crash is under investigation, Navy says




(CNN) -- The Navy has suspended search and rescue efforts for a pilot who was involved in a plane crash over the western Pacific Ocean.


Two U.S. fighter jets collided on Thursday while operating at sea.


The missing and unidentified pilot is presumed dead, the Navy said in a press release on Saturday. One pilot was rescued, treated and has been released from the ship's medical facilities.


"This is an exceptionally difficult time for the friends and family of the missing pilot and the Navy community," said Rear Adm. Christopher Grady, commander of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy."


The cause of the crash is under investigation, the Navy said. The jets have not been recovered.









An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Sunliners of Strike Fighter Squadron 81 taxis onto a catapult prior to launching from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Two F/A-18s flying from the carrier crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the Navy said on Friday, September 12.An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Sunliners of Strike Fighter Squadron 81 taxis onto a catapult prior to launching from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. Two F/A-18s flying from the carrier crashed into the Pacific Ocean, the Navy said on Friday, September 12.



An F/A-18 Hornet is pictured aboard the USS George H.W. Bush on May 19, 2009. Two F/A-18s from the Bush struck ISIS artillery in Iraq on Friday, August 8. The F/A-18 Hornet, a late-'70s contemporary of the Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon, became the workhorse of U.S. carrier-based air power, and still supplements the Navy's and Marines' more current fleet of F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets. It is designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft.An F/A-18 Hornet is pictured aboard the USS George H.W. Bush on May 19, 2009. Two F/A-18s from the Bush struck ISIS artillery in Iraq on Friday, August 8. The F/A-18 Hornet, a late-'70s contemporary of the Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon, became the workhorse of U.S. carrier-based air power, and still supplements the Navy's and Marines' more current fleet of F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets. It is designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft.



A F-35C conducts a test flight over the Chesapeake Bay on February 11, 2011. Inspections of F-35 engines have been ordered after a runway fire took place at Eglin Air Force Base on June 23. The F-35 Lightning II, still in its development and testing phase, has been beset by delays and cost overruns in the years since its introduction.A F-35C conducts a test flight over the Chesapeake Bay on February 11, 2011. Inspections of F-35 engines have been ordered after a runway fire took place at Eglin Air Force Base on June 23. The F-35 Lightning II, still in its development and testing phase, has been beset by delays and cost overruns in the years since its introduction.



F-16 Fighting Falcons are parked at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center in Tucson, Arizona, on December 11, 2004. General Dynamics (which was later sold to Lockheed) delivered the U.S. Air Force its first F-16As in 1979. More than 4,500 of the fighters have been built and are used by more than 20 nations in addition to the United States.F-16 Fighting Falcons are parked at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center in Tucson, Arizona, on December 11, 2004. General Dynamics (which was later sold to Lockheed) delivered the U.S. Air Force its first F-16As in 1979. More than 4,500 of the fighters have been built and are used by more than 20 nations in addition to the United States.



An F-15E Strike Eagle flies by during a U.S. Air Force demonstration on September 14, 2007, near Indian Springs, Nevada. The F-15E was designed for long-range, high-speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. It was derived from the F-15 Eagle, which was developed to enhance U.S. air superiority during the Vietnam War.An F-15E Strike Eagle flies by during a U.S. Air Force demonstration on September 14, 2007, near Indian Springs, Nevada. The F-15E was designed for long-range, high-speed interdiction without relying on escort or electronic warfare aircraft. It was derived from the F-15 Eagle, which was developed to enhance U.S. air superiority during the Vietnam War.



Pilots perform daily flight checks on their F-5E/F Tiger aircraft in Key West, Florida, on January 7, 2005. The Vietnam-era aircraft -- one of several offshoots of the original Northrup F-5s that went into service in the early 1960s -- is used to simulate adversary aircraft in training.Pilots perform daily flight checks on their F-5E/F Tiger aircraft in Key West, Florida, on January 7, 2005. The Vietnam-era aircraft -- one of several offshoots of the original Northrup F-5s that went into service in the early 1960s -- is used to simulate adversary aircraft in training.



A F-22 Raptor flies over Marietta, Georgia, home of the Lockheed Martin plant where it was built. The F-22 is the only fighter capable of simultaneously conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.A F-22 Raptor flies over Marietta, Georgia, home of the Lockheed Martin plant where it was built. The F-22 is the only fighter capable of simultaneously conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.



A AV-8B Harrier lands on board the USS Nassau on April 14, 1999, following a strike mission into Kosovo. The AV-8B Harrier is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. Though production of the aircraft ceased in 2003, the U.S. Marine Corps is looking at systems enhancements and plans to continue using Harriers well into the next decade.A AV-8B Harrier lands on board the USS Nassau on April 14, 1999, following a strike mission into Kosovo. The AV-8B Harrier is a single-engine ground-attack aircraft capable of vertical or short takeoff and landing. Though production of the aircraft ceased in 2003, the U.S. Marine Corps is looking at systems enhancements and plans to continue using Harriers well into the next decade.




U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet

U.S. military's fighter fleet



U.S. military\'s fighter fleetU.S. military's fighter fleet



The two jets crashed about 290 miles (470 kilometers) west of Wake Island, Navy 7th Fleet spokeswoman Lt. Lauren Cole told CNN. Wake Island is more than 2,400 miles west of Hawaii.


A Navy cruiser, destroyer, carrier and helicopters took part in what the Navy called an "extensive" search for the missing pilot that lasted more than 36 hours.


The two F/A-18 Hornets were operating from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, the Navy said. The collision occurred about seven miles away, the Navy said.


Both jets are from Carrier Air Wing 17, the Navy said, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 94 and Strike Fighter Squadron 113.


Pilot found dead after F-15 crash in Virginia


CNN's Jamie Crawford contributed to this report.



Steenkamp's mom: Verdict not justice





  • NEW: June Steenkamp says she's ready to talk to Pistorius in private, NBC News says

  • "This verdict is not justice for Reeva, I just want the truth," victim's mother says

  • Oscar Pistorius' uncle says his family is relieved, but there are "no victors "

  • Judge grants Pistorius bail; sentencing starts on October 13




(CNN) -- The mother of South African model Reeva Steenkamp expressed "disbelief" over dismissal of murder charges against the man who killed her daughter.


A judge found Oscar Pistorius guilty Friday of culpable homicide, which is akin to negligent killing.


The conviction came a day after Judge Thokozile Masipa cleared him of murder -- premeditated or otherwise -- in Steenkamp's death.





Oscar Pistorius: Not guilty of murder

In her first comments since the verdict, June Steenkamp said Pistorius got off too easy for her daughter's killing.


"I just don't feel like this is the right sentence ... they believe his story, and I don't believe that story," June Steenkamp told NBC News. She said she was not ready to talk to Pistorius during the trial, but wants to meet him now in private.





"He's still living and breathing and she's gone, you know, forever."

June Steenkamp




"This verdict is not justice for Reeva, I just want the truth," she told NBC News.


Pistorius, 27, has always admitted firing the bullets that killed Steenkamp, 29, his girlfriend at the time of the shooting on Valentine's Day last year.


He has maintained he thought there was an intruder at the house.


"She died a horrible death, a horrible, painful, terrible death and she suffered, you know? I can't believe that they believe that it was an accident," June Steenkamp said.


'Don't care what happens to Oscar'


During the trial that lasted about six months and transfixed the world with its grisly details, Pistorius pleaded not guilty to murdering her, saying it was a tragic mistake.


Masipa said she believes Pistorius did not intend to kill his girlfriend. He thought he was defending himself from an intruder, she said while issuing the verdict Friday.


There is no minimum sentence for culpable homicide in South African law, so it will be up to the judge to decide. He's free on bail until his sentencing starts on October 13.


"I really don't care what happens to Oscar," June Steenkamp said. "It's not going to change anything because my daughter is never coming back. He's still living and breathing and she's gone, you know, forever."


'No victors'


Shortly after the verdict, Pistorius' uncle said they were relieved that he was convicted of a lesser charge. However, there were "no victors" in the case, Arnold Pistorius said.


"It won't bring Reeva back, but our hearts still go out for her family and friends," he said.


Pistorius' uncle declined to comment further, citing respect for the victim's family.


Gun charges


Pistorius' verdict also dealt with three other charges, all weapons-related.


Pistorius was found not guilty of two -- a car sunroof shooting incident and illegal possession of ammunition found at his house after Steenkamp's shooting.


The judge found Pistorius guilty of the third: a charge involving a shooting at a restaurant. The maximum penalty for that is five years behind bars. But he could get a lesser sentence, such as a fine or the loss of his gun license.


There were no fatalities in the sunroof and restaurant shootings.


Dismissal of murder charges


Masipa said the prosecution failed to prove its case that Pistorius and Steenkamp argued on the night of the killing, and that the Olympic track star shot her in a rage through a closed toilet door.


Testimony of neighbors who said they heard shouting, screaming and shots was not persuasive, the judge said. She believed media coverage had contaminated testimonies, and neighbors' stories did not match the timings on phone records the night of the killing.


Before the shooting, Pistorius was admired worldwide for competing against able-bodied athletes in the 2012 Olympics despite having his lower legs amputated at a young age. He runs with carbon fiber prosthetics.


Who was Reeva Steenkamp?


CNN's Richard Allen Greene and Emily Smith contributed to this report.



Russia: Aid convoy enters Ukraine


Lorries, part of a Russian humanitarian convoy, cross the Ukrainian border on September 13, 2014.


Lorries, part of a Russian humanitarian convoy, cross the Ukrainian border on September 13, 2014.






  • NEW: Donetsk International Airport has come under artillery fire, Ukrainian military reports

  • OSCE says 220 vehicles entered; none were checked by Ukrainian or Red Cross officials

  • Luhansk residents welcomed the trucks with waves, tears, Russia state media reports

  • The convoy is carrying humanitarian aid including food, Russian state media says




Kiev, Ukraine (CNN) -- A convoy of more than 200 trucks that Russia says is carrying humanitarian aid has crossed the border into Ukraine without permission, a senior Ukrainian Border Service official said Saturday.


Col. Serhiy Astahov, assistant to the Ukrainian Border Service chief, told CNN that 217 trucks have crossed the Ukrainian border.


Ukrainian border guards and customs officer did not have access to them to check what they were carrying, he said.


The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which has monitors in Ukraine, said that in total 220 vehicles -- 193 cargo trucks and 27 support vehicles -- had crossed the border overnight and into the morning.


"The first group of 40 trucks were quickly checked by the Russian border guard and customs services," an OSCE statement said.









Smoke rises around the Donetsk International Airport on Saturday, September 13, as shelling continues between pro-Russian forces and the Ukrainian army. The fighting in the country has left more than 2,500 people dead since mid-April, according to the United Nations.Smoke rises around the Donetsk International Airport on Saturday, September 13, as shelling continues between pro-Russian forces and the Ukrainian army. The fighting in the country has left more than 2,500 people dead since mid-April, according to the United Nations.



A Ukrainian soldier stands guard as residents rally in support of a united Ukraine in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, on September 13.A Ukrainian soldier stands guard as residents rally in support of a united Ukraine in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, on September 13.



Russian trucks, flying Russian flags and carrying humanitarian aid for eastern Ukraine, line up at a border check point in the town of Donetsk. The second convoy of Russian trucks that entered rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine earlier Saturday, is reportedly filled with almost 2,000 tons of humanitarian aid. Russian trucks, flying Russian flags and carrying humanitarian aid for eastern Ukraine, line up at a border check point in the town of Donetsk. The second convoy of Russian trucks that entered rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine earlier Saturday, is reportedly filled with almost 2,000 tons of humanitarian aid.



Workers unload supplies from Russia in the town of Luhansk, eastern Ukraine, on September 13. More than 200 Russian trucks entered Ukraine with supplies for the city of Luhansk, which has been cut off from electricity and water for weeks.Workers unload supplies from Russia in the town of Luhansk, eastern Ukraine, on September 13. More than 200 Russian trucks entered Ukraine with supplies for the city of Luhansk, which has been cut off from electricity and water for weeks.



Ukrainian soldiers ride on an armored vehicle near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, in the Donetsk region, on September 13.Ukrainian soldiers ride on an armored vehicle near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, in the Donetsk region, on September 13.



People look at a large crater on September 13 from a reported missile strike that hit a bus station the day before in Makiyivka, near Donetsk, eastern Ukraine.People look at a large crater on September 13 from a reported missile strike that hit a bus station the day before in Makiyivka, near Donetsk, eastern Ukraine.



Workers clear rubble Thursday, September 11, after the bombing of a mine in Donetsk, Ukraine. A fledgling truce between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebels is already under threat, as both sides have accused the other of violating it. Workers clear rubble Thursday, September 11, after the bombing of a mine in Donetsk, Ukraine. A fledgling truce between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebels is already under threat, as both sides have accused the other of violating it.



A column of Ukrainian forces is seen in Volnovakha, Ukraine, on September 11.A column of Ukrainian forces is seen in Volnovakha, Ukraine, on September 11.



An elderly woman sits next to a Ukrainian soldier standing guard in Volnovakha on September 11.An elderly woman sits next to a Ukrainian soldier standing guard in Volnovakha on September 11.



Armed pro-Russian rebels walk September 11 in front of the destroyed Luhansk International Airport in Luhansk, Ukraine. The rebels took control of the airport on September 1 after heavy fighting with the Ukrainian army. Armed pro-Russian rebels walk September 11 in front of the destroyed Luhansk International Airport in Luhansk, Ukraine. The rebels took control of the airport on September 1 after heavy fighting with the Ukrainian army.



Residents of Lutuhyne, Ukraine, push containers in a wheelbarrow September 11 as they walk between destroyed armored vehicles left behind by the Ukrainian army.Residents of Lutuhyne, Ukraine, push containers in a wheelbarrow September 11 as they walk between destroyed armored vehicles left behind by the Ukrainian army.



Ukrainian troops protect themselves from a nearby shooting in Debaltseve, Ukraine, on Tuesday, September 9. Ukrainian troops protect themselves from a nearby shooting in Debaltseve, Ukraine, on Tuesday, September 9.



Young residents of Berdyansk, Ukraine, dig trenches September 9 to help Ukrainian forces protect the city from possible rebel attacks. Young residents of Berdyansk, Ukraine, dig trenches September 9 to help Ukrainian forces protect the city from possible rebel attacks.



Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, left, inspects military personnel during a visit to Mariupol, Ukraine, on Monday, September 8.Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, left, inspects military personnel during a visit to Mariupol, Ukraine, on Monday, September 8.



A pro-Russian rebel stands next to a truck with a heavy machine gun attached to it Sunday, September 7, in Donetsk.A pro-Russian rebel stands next to a truck with a heavy machine gun attached to it Sunday, September 7, in Donetsk.



Homes smolder after being hit by shelling in Donetsk on September 7.Homes smolder after being hit by shelling in Donetsk on September 7.



A woman stands next to a road sign September 7 after an overnight bombing attack at an Ukrainian army checkpoint on the outskirts of Mariupol. A woman stands next to a road sign September 7 after an overnight bombing attack at an Ukrainian army checkpoint on the outskirts of Mariupol.



Ukrainian troops stand on a deserted road as they patrol the border area of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Friday, September 5, near Debaltseve.Ukrainian troops stand on a deserted road as they patrol the border area of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions Friday, September 5, near Debaltseve.



A man repairs damage to a building caused by shelling in Donetsk on September 5. A man repairs damage to a building caused by shelling in Donetsk on September 5.



Smoke rises on the outskirts of Mariupol after pro-Russian rebels fired heavy artillery on September 5.Smoke rises on the outskirts of Mariupol after pro-Russian rebels fired heavy artillery on September 5.



Ukrainian soldiers ride a tank on a road close to where pro-Russian rebels fired heavy artillery outside Mariupol on September 5.Ukrainian soldiers ride a tank on a road close to where pro-Russian rebels fired heavy artillery outside Mariupol on September 5.



A wounded Ukrainian soldier is helped by a medical team on the outskirts of Mariupol on September 5.A wounded Ukrainian soldier is helped by a medical team on the outskirts of Mariupol on September 5.



A pro-Russian rebel holds a destroyed weapon in the village of Novokaterynivka, Ukraine, on Thursday, September 4.A pro-Russian rebel holds a destroyed weapon in the village of Novokaterynivka, Ukraine, on Thursday, September 4.



Unmarked military vehicles burn on a country road in Berezove, Ukraine, on September 4 after a clash between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels. For months, Ukrainian government forces have been fighting the rebels near Ukraine's eastern border with Russia. Unmarked military vehicles burn on a country road in Berezove, Ukraine, on September 4 after a clash between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian rebels. For months, Ukrainian government forces have been fighting the rebels near Ukraine's eastern border with Russia.



People wait by their cars near Berezove on September 4 as rockets hit the road ahead.People wait by their cars near Berezove on September 4 as rockets hit the road ahead.



A pro-Russian rebel holds a dog, which has a hand grenade attached to its leash, in Donetsk on Wednesday, September 3.A pro-Russian rebel holds a dog, which has a hand grenade attached to its leash, in Donetsk on Wednesday, September 3.



Pro-Russian rebels fire at Ukrainian army positions in Donetsk on September 3.Pro-Russian rebels fire at Ukrainian army positions in Donetsk on September 3.



A Ukrainian military vehicle patrols in the Donetsk region on September 3.A Ukrainian military vehicle patrols in the Donetsk region on September 3.



Pro-Russian rebels hold a man near a column of destroyed Ukrainian military vehicles in Novokaterynivka on Tuesday, September 2.Pro-Russian rebels hold a man near a column of destroyed Ukrainian military vehicles in Novokaterynivka on Tuesday, September 2.



A Ukrainian military truck passes by a serviceman resting in his military camp in Ukraine's Donetsk region on September 2.A Ukrainian military truck passes by a serviceman resting in his military camp in Ukraine's Donetsk region on September 2.



A destroyed Ukrainian military vehicle sits abandoned on the side of the road near Novokaterynivka on September 2.A destroyed Ukrainian military vehicle sits abandoned on the side of the road near Novokaterynivka on September 2.



Men clear rubble in Ilovaisk, Ukraine, on Sunday, August 31.Men clear rubble in Ilovaisk, Ukraine, on Sunday, August 31.



Ukrainian troops leave the rebel-held town of Starobesheve on Saturday, August 30.Ukrainian troops leave the rebel-held town of Starobesheve on Saturday, August 30.



A Ukrainian loyalist fighter from the Azov Battalion stands guard on a hill on the outskirts of Mariupol on August 30.A Ukrainian loyalist fighter from the Azov Battalion stands guard on a hill on the outskirts of Mariupol on August 30.



A pro-Russian rebel listens to the news on a transistor radio in the town of Novoazovsk, Ukraine, on Friday, August 29.A pro-Russian rebel listens to the news on a transistor radio in the town of Novoazovsk, Ukraine, on Friday, August 29.



Ukrainian soldiers stop on a roadside as they wait for the start of their march into Mariupol on Wednesday, August 27. Ukrainian soldiers stop on a roadside as they wait for the start of their march into Mariupol on Wednesday, August 27.



A man opens a box filled with rocket-propelled grenades left by the Ukrainian army in Starobesheve.A man opens a box filled with rocket-propelled grenades left by the Ukrainian army in Starobesheve.



A pro-Russian rebel walks through a local market damaged by shelling in Donetsk on Tuesday, August 26.A pro-Russian rebel walks through a local market damaged by shelling in Donetsk on Tuesday, August 26.



Ukrainian servicemen of the volunteer battalion Azov leave for Novoazovsk on August 26.Ukrainian servicemen of the volunteer battalion Azov leave for Novoazovsk on August 26.



Pro-Russian rebels escort captured Ukrainian soldiers in a central square in Donetsk on Sunday, August 24.Pro-Russian rebels escort captured Ukrainian soldiers in a central square in Donetsk on Sunday, August 24.



People yell as Ukrainian prisoners are paraded through Donetsk in eastern Ukraine on August 24. People yell as Ukrainian prisoners are paraded through Donetsk in eastern Ukraine on August 24.



A pro-Russian rebel delivers a speech atop a damaged Ukrainian armored personnel carrier in Donetsk on August 24.A pro-Russian rebel delivers a speech atop a damaged Ukrainian armored personnel carrier in Donetsk on August 24.



People look at damaged Ukrainian military equipment in Donetsk on August 24. People look at damaged Ukrainian military equipment in Donetsk on August 24.



The first trucks of a Russian aid convoy roll on the main road to Luhansk in eastern Ukraine on Friday, August 22. The head of Ukraine's security service called the convoy a "direct invasion" under the guise of humanitarian aid since it entered the country without Red Cross monitors. The first trucks of a Russian aid convoy roll on the main road to Luhansk in eastern Ukraine on Friday, August 22. The head of Ukraine's security service called the convoy a "direct invasion" under the guise of humanitarian aid since it entered the country without Red Cross monitors.



A pro-Russian rebel holds shrapnel from a rocket after shelling in Donetsk on August 22.A pro-Russian rebel holds shrapnel from a rocket after shelling in Donetsk on August 22.



Residents sit in a makeshift bomb shelter during a shelling in Makiyivka, Ukraine, on Wednesday, August 20.Residents sit in a makeshift bomb shelter during a shelling in Makiyivka, Ukraine, on Wednesday, August 20.



Dogs play together as a Russian convoy carrying aid supplies stops at a border control point with Ukraine, in the Russian town of Donetsk, on August 20.Dogs play together as a Russian convoy carrying aid supplies stops at a border control point with Ukraine, in the Russian town of Donetsk, on August 20.



Ukrainian forces take their position not far from Luhansk, Ukraine, on August 20.Ukrainian forces take their position not far from Luhansk, Ukraine, on August 20.



Clouds of smoke are on the horizon as Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels clash in Yasynuvata, a suburb of Donetsk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, August 19. Clouds of smoke are on the horizon as Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels clash in Yasynuvata, a suburb of Donetsk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, August 19.



An Ukrainian helicopter flies near Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on August 19.An Ukrainian helicopter flies near Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on August 19.



Ukrainian soldiers load a missile during fighting with pro-Russian rebels Monday, August 18, near Luhansk.Ukrainian soldiers load a missile during fighting with pro-Russian rebels Monday, August 18, near Luhansk.



Boys play at a refugee camp, set up by the Russian Emergencies Ministry, near the Russian-Ukrainian border on August 18.Boys play at a refugee camp, set up by the Russian Emergencies Ministry, near the Russian-Ukrainian border on August 18.



Ukrainian soldiers carry weapons at a checkpoint near Debaltseve, Ukraine, on Saturday, August 16.Ukrainian soldiers carry weapons at a checkpoint near Debaltseve, Ukraine, on Saturday, August 16.



Pro-Russian rebels greet each other as they pass near Krasnodon, Ukraine, on August 16.Pro-Russian rebels greet each other as they pass near Krasnodon, Ukraine, on August 16.



A fireman tries to extinguish a fire after shelling in Donetsk on August 16.A fireman tries to extinguish a fire after shelling in Donetsk on August 16.



Ukrainian border guards patrol near Novoazovsk on Friday, August 15.Ukrainian border guards patrol near Novoazovsk on Friday, August 15.



Trucks of a Russian humanitarian convoy are parked in a field outside the town of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, in the Rostov region of Russia about 20 miles from the Ukraine border, on August 15. Ukrainian officials were preparing to inspect the convoy, which was bound for the conflict-torn east.Trucks of a Russian humanitarian convoy are parked in a field outside the town of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, in the Rostov region of Russia about 20 miles from the Ukraine border, on August 15. Ukrainian officials were preparing to inspect the convoy, which was bound for the conflict-torn east.



A truck driver from the convoy jumps out of a trailer on August 15. The Ukrainian government had expressed fears that the convoy was a large-scale effort to smuggle supplies or troops to pro-Russian rebels.A truck driver from the convoy jumps out of a trailer on August 15. The Ukrainian government had expressed fears that the convoy was a large-scale effort to smuggle supplies or troops to pro-Russian rebels.



A tank belonging to pro-Russian rebels moves along a street in Donetsk on August 15.A tank belonging to pro-Russian rebels moves along a street in Donetsk on August 15.



A Ukrainian soldier walks past a line of self-propelled guns as a column of military vehicles prepares to head to the front line near Ilovaisk, Ukraine, on Thursday, August 14.A Ukrainian soldier walks past a line of self-propelled guns as a column of military vehicles prepares to head to the front line near Ilovaisk, Ukraine, on Thursday, August 14.



A Ukrainian soldier prepares a mortar at a position near Ilovaisk on August 14. A Ukrainian soldier prepares a mortar at a position near Ilovaisk on August 14.



A man inspects damage at his house after a shelling in Donetsk on August 14. A man inspects damage at his house after a shelling in Donetsk on August 14.



A convoy of trucks, which Moscow said was carrying relief goods for war-weary civilians, moves from Voronezh, Russia, toward Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on August 14.A convoy of trucks, which Moscow said was carrying relief goods for war-weary civilians, moves from Voronezh, Russia, toward Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on August 14.



Pro-Russian rebels on the outskirts of Donetsk stand at a checkpoint near a bullet-riddled bus on Wednesday, August 13.Pro-Russian rebels on the outskirts of Donetsk stand at a checkpoint near a bullet-riddled bus on Wednesday, August 13.



A pro-Russian rebel inspects damage after shelling in Donetsk on Thursday, August 7.A pro-Russian rebel inspects damage after shelling in Donetsk on Thursday, August 7.



Smoke billows from a Ukrainian fighter jet crash near the village of Zhdanivka, Ukraine, on August 7. Smoke billows from a Ukrainian fighter jet crash near the village of Zhdanivka, Ukraine, on August 7.



Residents of eastern Ukraine cry in a hospital basement being used as a bomb shelter August 7 in Donetsk.Residents of eastern Ukraine cry in a hospital basement being used as a bomb shelter August 7 in Donetsk.



Ordnance from a Ukrainian rocket launcher shoots toward a pro-Russian militant position in the Donetsk region on August 7.Ordnance from a Ukrainian rocket launcher shoots toward a pro-Russian militant position in the Donetsk region on August 7.



Relatives of Ukrainian military member Kyril Andrienko, who died in combat in eastern Ukraine, gather during his funeral in Lviv, Ukraine, on August 7.Relatives of Ukrainian military member Kyril Andrienko, who died in combat in eastern Ukraine, gather during his funeral in Lviv, Ukraine, on August 7.



Refugees from southeastern Ukraine wait at a refugee camp in Donetsk on Wednesday, August 6.Refugees from southeastern Ukraine wait at a refugee camp in Donetsk on Wednesday, August 6.



A pro-Russian rebel adjusts his weapon in Donetsk on August 6.A pro-Russian rebel adjusts his weapon in Donetsk on August 6.



Men walk past a bomb crater in Donetsk on August 6.Men walk past a bomb crater in Donetsk on August 6.



A man steps out of his car as Ukrainian soldiers inspect the vehicle at a checkpoint in Debaltseve on August 6.A man steps out of his car as Ukrainian soldiers inspect the vehicle at a checkpoint in Debaltseve on August 6.



Ukrainian servicemen sit on a bus near Slovyansk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, August 5.Ukrainian servicemen sit on a bus near Slovyansk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, August 5.



A pro-Russian separatist guards a road as Australian, Malaysian and Dutch investigators prepare to examine the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 near the village of Rossipne, Ukraine, on August 5. U.S. and Ukrainian officials allege that a Russian-made missile shot down the plane from rebel-held territory, killing all 298 people on board. Russia and the rebel fighters deny involvement.A pro-Russian separatist guards a road as Australian, Malaysian and Dutch investigators prepare to examine the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 near the village of Rossipne, Ukraine, on August 5. U.S. and Ukrainian officials allege that a Russian-made missile shot down the plane from rebel-held territory, killing all 298 people on board. Russia and the rebel fighters deny involvement.



Rescue workers carry the body of a woman who was killed during a bomb shelling in Donetsk on August 5.Rescue workers carry the body of a woman who was killed during a bomb shelling in Donetsk on August 5.



A boy stands in a hallway of a refugee hostel run by pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk on Monday, August 4.A boy stands in a hallway of a refugee hostel run by pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk on Monday, August 4.



Ukrainian servicemen from the Donbass volunteer battalion clean their guns Sunday, August 3, in Popasna, Ukraine.Ukrainian servicemen from the Donbass volunteer battalion clean their guns Sunday, August 3, in Popasna, Ukraine.



Ukrainian soldiers fire shells toward rebel positions near Pervomaysk, Ukraine, on Saturday, August 2.Ukrainian soldiers fire shells toward rebel positions near Pervomaysk, Ukraine, on Saturday, August 2.



Ukrainian troops patrol near the village of Novoselovka on Thursday, July 31.Ukrainian troops patrol near the village of Novoselovka on Thursday, July 31.



A woman says goodbye to her mother as she flees her home in Shakhtersk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, July 29. See more photos of the crisis from earlier this yearA woman says goodbye to her mother as she flees her home in Shakhtersk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, July 29. See more photos of the crisis from earlier this year







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Photos: Crisis in UkrainePhotos: Crisis in Ukraine



"The 180 other vehicles were not inspected. All vehicles crossed into Ukraine without being inspected by Ukrainian border guard and customs officers or the International Committee of the Red Cross."


Russian state-run news agency Itar-Tass said the convoy had been cleared by Russian customs control staff, citing the press service of the Russian Southern Customs Department.


The news agency said 250 trucks in total are due to arrive in the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk by the end of Saturday. It reported that the first trucks were greeted by residents waving and even crying.


The city has been severely impacted by months of fighting between pro-Russia rebels and Ukrainian forces.


Russian Deputy Emergencies Minister Vladimir Stepanov said the convoy was carrying 2,000 tons of supplies, including food, water purifying equipment and power generators.


A previous convoy sent from Russia last month, also without permission from Ukraine, delivered aid to Luhansk too. Ukrainian authorities raised concerns that it might be used to resupply rebel fighters.


Donetsk airport 'under fire'


A fragile ceasefire agreed to just over a week ago is in place in eastern Ukraine.


But Donetsk International Airport came under artillery fire on Saturday morning, the Ukrainian counterterrorism press office told CNN.


This prompted the Ukrainian military to exchange fire with the rebel forces, it said.


National Defense and Security Council spokesman Col. Andriy Lysenko said in a televised Kiev news briefing that a GRAD missile system was used in the attack on the airport, from three different points in the area.


Donetsk City Council reported that two homes in the area were hit.


Sanctions target Russia


A new round of EU sanctions against Russia over its actions in Ukraine came into effect Friday, targeting six companies and a number of Russian officials and separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine.


This was a day after U.S. President Barack Obama announced that, in coordination with the European Union, "we will intensify our coordinated sanctions on Russia in response to its illegal actions in Ukraine."


Russia in return accused the United States of once again escalating the crisis -- undermining the chances for peace there as well as the greater quest for "global stability."


Kiev and the West accuse Russian President Vladimir Putin of arming and supporting the pro-Russia rebels, and of sending Russian troops into Ukraine.


A NATO military officer said Thursday that Russia has about 1,000 troops inside eastern Ukraine, down from a significantly higher number in recent weeks.


NATO also sees 20,000 more Russian troops aligned along the border, according to the NATO officer, who was not named according to standard practice in the organization.


Yatsenyuk: Values outweigh tanks


Speaking at Ukraine's biggest annual political forum, the YES Forum, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said that the latest round of sanctions are "the real threat" to the Russian economy.


"Putin's idea was to split the unity among EU member states and to split the unity between the U.S. and the EU. And at a certain period of time I was thinking even that he succeed. But no, he failed," he said.


"Values, EU values, and values of freedom and democracy are much stronger than Russian tanks and artillery and his autocratic regime."


Yatsenyuk claimed that Putin's ultimate goal was "not to just take Donetsk and Luhansk, his goal is to take the entire Ukraine.


"He cannot cope with an idea that Ukraine would be a part of the big EU family. He wants to restore the Soviet Union."


A day earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told the same forum that the latest sanctions against Russia demonstrate Europe's unity and solidarity with Ukraine.


"It shows how close Ukraine is for every leader, every European country," said Poroshenko.


Journalist Victoria Butenko reported from Kiev and CNN's Laura Smith-Spark wrote in London. CNN's Radina Gigova contributed to this report.