Ukraine dreams of launching an attack on the political front. Escalation in Donbass is actually a show for Western observers, in which Ukraine is trying to play the role of a victim of aggression. Our correspondent Alexander Balitsky reporting on Kiev’s scenario.

Ukrainian hot-heads are so obsessed with the idea of taking Donbass back by force that their own definition of a "creeping approach" no longer satisfies them. It's not an anti-terrorist operation, it's a war! And we need to legally enforce a military emergency in the east — in Donetsk and Lugansk. And then the world will see that we're really in the state of war and we're defending. The statement of German Ambassador Reichel, who said the elections in the territories beyond Kiev's control can and should be held, even if they aren't under the Ukrainian flag, is like a punch in the stomach for the militant Ukrainian elite. Just this morning, at the opening of the spring session of the Rada, its speaker Paruby bowed to the West and thanked it for the support.

"I want to thank you for the sanctions introduced against Russia and to remind you that the war is taking place not in Ukraine, but in the heart of Europe". Here is the direct message from Berlin. Kiev must comply with the Minsk agreements. The German diplomat was immediately called for an explanation by Ukrainian officials, which only confirms that the Ukrainian authorities need this worsening as no one else. And it was prepared in advance. An Influential American newspaper Foreign Policy concludes that Kiev is fueling the conflict. Even gun-layer Nadezhda Savchenko hints at who will to attack in case of further escalation. They're afraid that we'll attack. It's in a way a curbing of the escalation, when they gather their troops, but sooner or later some bullet will give momentum.

January 24, a whole Donbass battalion formed of radicals was sent to the fighting zone. Moreover, three battalions of outright Neo-Nazis from the Azov regiment arrived in Donetsk. Frontline units are strengthened with assault force. Mechanized brigade supplemented by tactical groups, which are usually responsible for significant militarily facilities, for example, conquer commanding points or block the roads. You must move away from the road, the cars are coming. Wait! You're a jerk! Your quirky smile will very soon fall from your face. Ukrainian radicals demand to cease all communication with the residents of Donbass. The strategy of aggravating the situation involves strengthening the economic blockade of the new People's Republics. Under the command of deputy Semenchenko, national battalion confronted the police at Bakhmut checkpoint.

At another checkpoint, deputy Parasyuk is responsible for blocking the railway. It's reported that Parasyuk personally beat a policeman and then called to nationalists to use weapon against security forces. You have officially registered weapons and you have every right to use it in case of threat to your life. You went through the fight in Donetsk airport, Ilovaysk, Debaltsevo. You have nothing to fear. Heating station in Slavyansk has almost stopped working without fuel. The total loss could reach 30 billion hryvnia. The heating season disruption, provoked by blocking highways and railroads, is only condemned by the official Kiev. But it doesn't oppose to what's happening. The criminal case was opened. But no one was detained or arrested, but according to the Minsk agreements, Kiev is obliged to prevent any blockade of the People's Republics. Meanwhile, radicals put new checkpoints at the demarcation line, which at any time may become their line of offensive.