Fighting rages in eastern Ukraine
February 11, 2015
Fighting raged in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, hours ahead of crucial peace talks that aim to bring stability to the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko both said on Wednesday that they would participate in the talks.
At least five people were killed in mortar attacks on the rebel-controlled city of Donetsk in Ukraine's east, pro-Russian rebel representative Ivan Prikhodko told the AFP news agency. The shelling occurred when people were going to work. Eye witnesses reported hearing five explosions "during rush hour" and the shelling destroyed a bus station and a metal works plant.
Meanwhile, 19 Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 78 wounded in rebel attacks in Debaltseve, a strategic railway hub close to Ukraine. "In shelling, rocket attacks and military clashes, Ukraine lost 19 soldiers, including 17 members of the armed forces and two interior ministry soldiers," Ukrainian army spokesman Vladyslav Seleznyov told reporters.
Demands for 'unconditional peace'
Poroshenko made a spontaneous visit to the war-torn region early on Wednesday. "We demand unconditional peace," Poroshenko said, adding that his country demanded "a ceasefire, a withdrawal of all foreign troops and closing of the country." Of the talks scheduled to take place in Minsk, Poroshenko said, "We will find a compromise within the country."
Poroshenko was set to meet Putin later on Wednesday in Minsk as well as the leaders of Germany and France.
French President Francois Hollande's presence in Minsk was "very likely," although not confirmed, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told France Inter radio. Fabius said there were difficulties on the future of eastern Ukraine, guarantees about the Ukraine-Russia border near the area and the prospects of a possible ceasefire and withdrawal of weapons.
The aim of the talks remains to win an accord, "but not just one on paper," Fabius said.
Fighting in Ukraine, which began last year in April, has killed more than 5,300 people. The EU and US accuse Russia of supplying arms and supporting rebels in eastern Ukraine, who have declared the city of Donetsk their capital. Moscow denies the charges.
mg/sms (AP, AFP, Reuters)