Kyiv Post: More shelling in eastern Ukraine as new round of peace talks begins in Berlin

WNU Editor: European governments are already pouring "cold water" on the next round of "Ukraine peace talks" .... Germany and France cast doubt on Jan. 15 Ukraine summit (Reuters) ... and that is the problem .... everyone wants an agreement .... with the exception of the Ukraine government and the rebels in the east. On a side note .... I have no evidence but my gut is telling me that Ukraine is preparing for a new military offensive when weather permits .... Combat potential of Ukrainian army fully restored – Poroshenko (Interfax-Ukraine).

Ukraine Crisis News Updates -- January 5, 2015

Russia-Ukraine Talks in Berlin Seek to Advance Cease-Fire -- Bloomberg
Prospects For January 15 Ukraine Summit In Doubt -- Radio Free Europe
Ukraine Talks In January: France, Germany Only Want To Meet With Russia If 'Progress' Is Possible -- IBTimes
Latest bomb blast in Ukraine’s Odessa devastates pro-govt office -- RT
Latest Explosion in Odessa Strikes Pro-Ukraine Organization (Video) -- Moscow Times
Units of Ukraine’s National Guard deployed in Odessa for ensuring security -- ITAR-TASS
Ukraine rebel 'Batman' battalion commander killed -- AP
Ukraine militia allegedly holding ‘voluntary’ enlistment for child soldiers -- News.com.au
Ukraine in Talks With Rebels on Prisoner Exchange, RIA Says -- Bloomberg
Trucks with humanitarian aid to Donetsk and Luhansk continue movement to Rostov-on-Don -- ITAR-TASS
OSCE To Double Size Of Ukraine Monitoring Mission -- Radio Free Europe
Ukrainian Channel Under Fire Over New Year's Concert -- VOA
Ukraine Security Service puts Russian singers, actors on wanted list -- ITAR-TASS
Gas extraction in Ukraine to fall, more imported gas to be required -- Kyiv Post
Gazprom concerned over Ukraine’s possible siphoning off of Russian gas -- ITAR-TASS
Russia is still Ukraine's largest trading partner -- Forbes
Analysis: In Ukraine's Donetsk, the 'death clutch' of a forgotten war -- CBC
Russia and Ukraine: a contest less of war and more of governance -- CSM Editorial
The Next Battle for Ukraine -- Sabrina Tavernise, NYT