Ukraine rebels claim readiness to pull back tanks, smaller arms
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 July 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukraine rebels claim readiness to pull back tanks, smaller arms, 18 July 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55b5f49415.html [accessed 22 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 18, 2015
Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine say they are prepared to pull back smaller-caliber weapons from much of the line of contact with Kyiv's forces.
Aleksandr Zakharchenko, a self-proclaimed leader of the rebels operating in Ukraine's Donetsk region, said on July 18 that his forces are ready to pull back tanks and armored vehicles outfitted with weapons under 100mm 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the front line.
A spokesman for the Donetsk separatists, Denis Pushilin, called the move a "unilateral step" ahead of a July 21 meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk focused on the implementation of February cease-fire.
Three civilians and one Ukrainian soldier have been reported killed over the past day in fighting in the country's east. Ukrainian authorities and the rebels traded accusations of responsibility for the deaths.
More than 6,500 people have been killed since fighting between Ukrainian government forces and separatists erupted in April 2014.
Kyiv and the West accuse Russia backing the rebels, a charge Moscow denies despite mounting evidence of such support.
Based on reporting by AP, Interfax, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
