Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Sunday that they are planning to achieve full ceasefire in the coming days in eastern Ukraine, where sporadic fighting continues despite both sides signing a peace plan over a month ago.
The ceasefire – between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists with the presence of Russia – was signed on Sept. 5 in Minsk, aiming to put an end to the month-long conflict which has left thousands dead.
In an address to the nation, Ukrainian President said that since the signature of the peace plan in Minsk, they have managed to achieve five important goals.
The first is to stop the offensive of the enemy along the whole front. The second, to establish ceasefire regime along the large part of the front.
The third to liberate almost 1500 hostages and war prisoners. The fourth, to conduct partial rotation of the military, heal wounds, fix damaged equipment and deliver new equipment to the anti-terrorist operation area. And lastly, to establish peace in the cities, villages and districts where the Ukrainian flag is flying.
Poroshenko said that the next step is to achieve full ceasefire and to begin the creation of a buffer zone. “Both parties must draw back their heavy armament at least by 15 km”, he said, adding that this will become an additional guarantee for the ceasefire regime.
Ukrainian President said that Ukraine will not give up any piece of its land. “We will restore sovereignty over every square meter, but we need time for that,” he said.
Poroshenko-Putin meeting
Poroshenko, ahead of this week’s Milan negotiations on the implementation of Peace plan, said that the negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be easy. “But I am ready for that.”
In the negotiation on one side, Ukrainian President will take place along EU and several European countries while on the other side will be Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian Defense Minister resigns
Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko accepted Sunday the resignation of country’s Defense Minister Valeriy Heletey, nearly three months after assuming the post.
Poroshenko said he will announce the new Defense Minister within 24-hours and that he hopes the voting in Parliament to take place on Tuesday.
The President believes that the replace of the Defense Minister and a series of other staffing decisions will reinforce security structures and enhance defense capacity of Ukraine.
Clashes in Donetsk
At least 4 people were killed and 11 injured on Sunday in Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine.
Donetsk city council said in a statement that heavy weapons were used in clashes that left 4 civilians dead.
The statement said that the Donetsk airport was controlled by governmental forces.
