01:37Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the creation of a ‘demilitarisation zone’ in southeastern Ukraine while speaking in Minsk on Thursday, calling on both sides in the conflict to ‘restrain themselves to avoid further bloodshed.’ Putin declared that both he and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ‘are ready to give the orders (for a ceasefire).’
Despite this the Russian president is concerned with the situation in Debaltsevo, where the Ukrainian army is allegedly surrounded by anti-government forces. Putin expressed worry that the Ukrainian army may try and ‘break through the encirclement,’ thus disrupting the soon to be in place ceasefire scheduled for February 15.
The Russian leader was joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss the conflict in eastern Ukrainian, which has claimed over 5,300 lives according to the latest United Nations estimates.
The discussion focused on securing a ceasefire, withdrawing heavy weapons and creating a demilitarised zone in southeastern Ukraine.
The leaders – referred to as the ‘Normandy Four’ – began talks on Wednesday evening at the Minsk Palace of Independence. The talks subsequently went on throughout the night and into the morning.
Belarus: Putin announces creation of Ukraine 'demilitarization zone’
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the creation of a ‘demilitarisation zone’ in southeastern Ukraine while speaking in Minsk on Thursday, calling on both sides in the conflict to ‘restrain themselves to avoid further bloodshed.’ Putin declared that both he and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ‘are ready to give the orders (for a ceasefire).’
Despite this the Russian president is concerned with the situation in Debaltsevo, where the Ukrainian army is allegedly surrounded by anti-government forces. Putin expressed worry that the Ukrainian army may try and ‘break through the encirclement,’ thus disrupting the soon to be in place ceasefire scheduled for February 15.
The Russian leader was joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss the conflict in eastern Ukrainian, which has claimed over 5,300 lives according to the latest United Nations estimates.
The discussion focused on securing a ceasefire, withdrawing heavy weapons and creating a demilitarised zone in southeastern Ukraine.
The leaders – referred to as the ‘Normandy Four’ – began talks on Wednesday evening at the Minsk Palace of Independence. The talks subsequently went on throughout the night and into the morning.
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the creation of a ‘demilitarisation zone’ in southeastern Ukraine while speaking in Minsk on Thursday, calling on both sides in the conflict to ‘restrain themselves to avoid further bloodshed.’ Putin declared that both he and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ‘are ready to give the orders (for a ceasefire).’
Despite this the Russian president is concerned with the situation in Debaltsevo, where the Ukrainian army is allegedly surrounded by anti-government forces. Putin expressed worry that the Ukrainian army may try and ‘break through the encirclement,’ thus disrupting the soon to be in place ceasefire scheduled for February 15.
The Russian leader was joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to discuss the conflict in eastern Ukrainian, which has claimed over 5,300 lives according to the latest United Nations estimates.
The discussion focused on securing a ceasefire, withdrawing heavy weapons and creating a demilitarised zone in southeastern Ukraine.
The leaders – referred to as the ‘Normandy Four’ – began talks on Wednesday evening at the Minsk Palace of Independence. The talks subsequently went on throughout the night and into the morning.