RantCrush Top 5: February 1, 2017

The conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels has escalated, erupting into the worst violence in many months. A clash between Ukrainian government troops and the rebels resulted in the death of at least 13 civilians and fighters on both sides. The fighting also damaged infrastructure in the city of Avdiivka, leaving thousands of people without electricity or running water in the freezing winter. The temperatures have dipped to -4 F at night and the authorities have declared a state of emergency.

A truly shocking development for Eastern #Ukraine. It’s looking like the incredibly lethal MLRS Grads are back in full swing. https://t.co/U3D1fmFgx1

— Christian Borys (@ItsBorys) January 31, 2017

Yesterday, European officials warned that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating and that the fighting is a breach of the Minsk truce accords from September 2014. But some analysts also point out that the sudden uptick in violence came right after the first telephone call between Trump and Russian President Putin.

Is it just a coincidence that Russian-backed separatists escalating attacks in Ukraine after Trump-Putin phone call? What is our policy?

— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) January 31, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.