Kyiv's reaction to Vladimir Putin's decision to abolish the Crimean federal district and fold the peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, into the Southern Federal District.
Here's an item from our news desk:
Ukraine Condemns French Lawmakers' Visit To Crimea
Ukraine has condemned the visit of a group of French lawmakers to Russia-annexed Crimea.
The 11-member delegation is on a three-day visit to Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula from July 29 to July 31.
In a statement released on July 30, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said the French delegation has "defiantly violated the Ukrainian legislation as well as international law, having neglected the official position of their own state that remains committed to defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The statement added that Kyiv sees the visit as a "manifestation of a deliberate support to the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine."
The French delegation is in Crimea to hold talks with local leaders, residents, and Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
Western countries have imposed tough economic sanctions on Moscow for its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support of pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Based on reporting by Ukraine Today and Interfax
Good morning. Here are a few things that caught our eye overnight:
We are now closing the live blog for today. Until we resume again tomorrow morning, you can keep up with all our other Ukraine coverage here.
Here's a video from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service:
Government Troops Clash With Russia-Backed Separatists In Eastern Ukraine
Ukrainian government forces exchanged gunfire with Russia-backed separatists in the village on Maryinka during the night of July 28. It was the latest breach of the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine
