Russia urges Ukrainian opposition leaders to end campaign of ultimatums and threats

Russia has urged Ukraine’s opposition leaders to end their campaign of “ultimatums and threats” and to step up negotiations with the government.

Russia’s foreign ministry said Moscow was concerned by activists’ attempts to “inflame” the situation.

Protesters in Kiev have repeated their calls for the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych, who is now back at work after four days of illness.

The EU and the US are considering a big loan to help debt-laden Ukraine.

“We are looking at how we could support the Ukraine in the times of the crisis when it comes to the economic and political situation,” a spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Monday.

No further details of the plan have been revealed, but both EU and US officials said it would be conditional on Kiev embracing “real reform”.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso insisted that the EU was not going to enter into a “bidding competition” with Russia to win Ukraine’s loyalty.

Russia promised a $15 billion aid package to Ukraine last year, but has indicated the next tranche will not be given until a new government is formed, following the resignation of the prime minister and cabinet last week.

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