US warns Russia ahead of Kiev vote

Kiev: The United States piled the pressure on Russia Wednesday over its actions in Ukraine, where the authorities are mobilising tens of thousands of police for a presidential vote in the face of a bloody insurgency gripping the east.

Vice President Joe Biden threatened further sanctions on Moscow if it disrupts Sunday’s presidential ballot, being viewed as crucial to prevent all-out civil war on Europe’s doorstep.
In a key step demanded by the West to ease tensions, Russia said its troops were packing up and moving back from the Ukrainian border, but also again demanded that Kiev halt its offensive against the pro-Moscow separatists fighting in the east.

Washington and Nato have so far said they have seen no sign of any pullback, although Ukraine’s border guard service said on Tuesday there was no visible Russian troop activity within 10 kilometres (six miles) of its territory.

“If Russia undermines these elections on Sunday, we must remain resolute in imposing greater costs,” Mr Biden told reporters in Romania.
“All countries should use their influence to promote a stable environment for Ukrainian citizens to cast their ballots freely,” he said.