Service men of the maritime security of the State Border Service of Ukraine prepare to patrol the Tahanroz’ka gulf of the sea of Azov, off the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, on July 31, 2014, to prevent illegal entry of armed groups and smuggling of weapons from nearby Russia. Kiev on July 31 announced a day-long halt to its deadly offensive to oust pro-Russian rebels in east Ukraine after fighting had stalled efforts by international investigators to kickstart a probe into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. AFP PHOTO/ ALEXANDER KHUDOTEPLY