Ukrainian PM: 'Russia wants to start a third World War'

KIEV, Ukraine - During a speech that was broadcast live today (Friday, April 25), Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk accused Moscow of acting like a "gangster" and said that Russian politicians want to start World War III.

Yatsenyuk didn’t mince his words as he charged Russia with attempting to create massive unrest by occupying Ukraine "militarily and politically”.

"The aggressive efforts of the Russian military on Ukraine's soil will lead to a conflict on European soil", Yatsenyuk said. "The world hasn't forgotten the second World War and Russia wants to start a third World War”.

Ukraine plans to hold an election to replace Viktor Yanukovich on May 25, but that process has been disrupted by pro-Moscow militants.

"Russia's support for the terrorists in Ukraine constitutes an international crime and we call on the international community to unite against the Russian aggression”, Yatsenyuk continued.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that his country is committed to sticking to the agreement it reached with Ukraine, the U.S. and the EU in Geneva on April 17, but warned Kiev there would be consequences for killing pro-Russian rebels.

"They (Kiev) are waging a war on their own people. This is a bloody crime, and those who pushed the army to do that will pay, I am sure, and will face justice", Lavrov said.