Ukraine war: Russia's 'special military operation' enters third month

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid heavy fighting in Ukraine, the Russian Army said it had lost 1,351 soldiers in the war even as NATO officials claimed around 7,000 to&nbsp;15,000 Russian soldiers have died in over a month.

President Putin had ordered a "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24 as Russian troops entered the neighbouring country amid heavy resistance by Ukraine's forces. Ukraine had claimed that over 15,000 Russian soldiers had died.

In recent weeks Ukraine's army has reportedly halted Russia's advance as the UK defence ministry said Ukraine's counterattacks are underway near capital Kyiv. The authorities in Moscow said at least 3,850 Russian soldiers were injured in the fighting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-russias-orlan-10-krasnopol-laser-guided-drones-462157">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Orlan-10 Krasnopol laser-guided drones</a>

Pentagon officials said Ukrainian forces were also counterattacking in Kherson which was reportedly under Russian control.&nbsp;

As the fighting continues&nbsp;on several fronts, the head of the Russian General Staff's main operational directorate, Sergei Rudskoi, said that the "core efforts" of the Russian Army was the "liberation of Donbass".

Russian President Vladimir Putin had declared Donbass and Luhansk region as independent states just days before the Ukraine invasion last month.

Watch:&nbsp;Complete focus on liberating Ukraine's Donbas region, says Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-complete-focus-on-liberating-ukraines-donbas-region-465606/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Western officials said another top Russian general Yakov Rezanstev was reportedly killed by Ukraine's forces.

Reports claimed missiles hit Ukraine's military command centre in Vinnytsia city with casualties still unknown as Russia claimed it had destroyed Ukraine's largest military fuel storage site with Kalibr cruise missile strikes.

President Zelensky who has been pleading for a no-fly zone since the beginning of the war said his troops had dealt Russia "powerful blows".

"Our defenders are leading the Russian leadership to a simple and logical idea: we must talk, talk meaningfully, urgently and fairly," Ukraine's president asserted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-claims-to-capture-russias-pantsir-s1-missile-system-is-it-a-rich-catch-461275">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch?</a>

The refugee crisis in Ukraine continues to worry Western countries with French President Emmanuel Macron seeking assistance from Turkey and Greece to conduct a "humanitarian operation".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid heavy fighting in Ukraine, the Russian Army said it had lost 1,351 soldiers in the war even as NATO officials claimed around 7,000 to 15,000 Russian soldiers have died in over a month. President Putin had ordered a "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24 as Russian troops entered the neighbouring country amid heavy resistance by Ukraine's forces. Ukraine had claimed that over 15,000 Russian soldiers had died. In recent weeks Ukraine's army has reportedly halted Russia's advance as the UK defence ministry said Ukraine's counterattacks are underway near capital Kyiv. The authorities in Moscow said at least 3,850 Russian soldiers were injured in the fighting. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Orlan-10 Krasnopol laser-guided drones Pentagon officials said Ukrainian forces were also counterattacking in Kherson which was reportedly under Russian control. As the fighting continues on several fronts, the head of the Russian General Staff's main operational directorate, Sergei Rudskoi, said that the "core efforts" of the Russian Army was the "liberation of Donbass". Russian President Vladimir Putin had declared Donbass and Luhansk region as independent states just days before the Ukraine invasion last month. Watch: Complete focus on liberating Ukraine's Donbas region, says Russia Meanwhile, Western officials said another top Russian general Yakov Rezanstev was reportedly killed by Ukraine's forces. Reports claimed missiles hit Ukraine's military command centre in Vinnytsia city with casualties still unknown as Russia claimed it had destroyed Ukraine's largest military fuel storage site with Kalibr cruise missile strikes. President Zelensky who has been pleading for a no-fly zone since the beginning of the war said his troops had dealt Russia "powerful blows". "Our defenders are leading the Russian leadership to a simple and logical idea: we must talk, talk meaningfully, urgently and fairly," Ukraine's president asserted. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch? The refugee crisis in Ukraine continues to worry Western countries with French President Emmanuel Macron seeking assistance from Turkey and Greece to conduct a "humanitarian operation". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia reveals military death toll amid heavy fighting in Kherson

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid reports of a seventh Russian general being killed, Russia's senior general Sergei Rudskoi suggested that the country's military forces would have their "main goal" of taking control over Donbass in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has been at war with Ukraine for over a month ever since President Vladimir Putin announced "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a>

Pentagon officials said Ukrainian troops were on the counteroffensive in Kherson which is reportedly under Russian control.

"The combat potential of Ukraine's armed forces has been significantly reduced, which allows us to focus our main efforts on achieving the main goal - the liberation of Donbass," News agency AFP quoted a senior representative of the Russian General Staff&nbsp;Sergei Rudskoi as saying.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden during his visit to Europe visited Rzeszow near Ukraine as he praised "incredible" resistance put up by Ukrainians against the Russian troops.

Watch:&nbsp;Is Putin at risk of a coup?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-putin-at-risk-of-a-coup-465563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Are democracies going to prevail... or are autocracies going to prevail? And that's really what's at stake," Biden said even as Pentagon officials said &nbsp;Kherson was "contested territory again".&nbsp;

The US president visited Poland and met US soldiers stationed in the country including aid workers who have been tackling the massive refugee crisis in the country as millions of Ukrainians mainly women and children have poured into the neighbouring country ever since the Russian invasion last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraines-tochka-u-missile-can-it-stop-russian-attack-462852">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Ukraine's Tochka-U missile: Can it stop Russian attack?</a>

Russia continued its bombardment in Ukraine as it hit a military command centre in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, reports said, even as Ukraine's foreign minister insisted on a "ceasefire, security guarantees and territorial integrity of Ukraine".

As the fighting continued in key areas, the Russian army claimed it had lost 1,351 troops and evacuated 400,000 civilians.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid reports of a seventh Russian general being killed, Russia's senior general Sergei Rudskoi suggested that the country's military forces would have their "main goal" of taking control over Donbass in eastern Ukraine. Russia has been at war with Ukraine for over a month ever since President Vladimir Putin announced "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24. Also Read in Pics: Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 Pentagon officials said Ukrainian troops were on the counteroffensive in Kherson which is reportedly under Russian control. "The combat potential of Ukraine's armed forces has been significantly reduced, which allows us to focus our main efforts on achieving the main goal - the liberation of Donbass," News agency AFP quoted a senior representative of the Russian General Staff Sergei Rudskoi as saying. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden during his visit to Europe visited Rzeszow near Ukraine as he praised "incredible" resistance put up by Ukrainians against the Russian troops. Watch: Is Putin at risk of a coup? "Are democracies going to prevail... or are autocracies going to prevail? And that's really what's at stake," Biden said even as Pentagon officials said Kherson was "contested territory again". The US president visited Poland and met US soldiers stationed in the country including aid workers who have been tackling the massive refugee crisis in the country as millions of Ukrainians mainly women and children have poured into the neighbouring country ever since the Russian invasion last month. Also Read in Pics | Ukraine's Tochka-U missile: Can it stop Russian attack? Russia continued its bombardment in Ukraine as it hit a military command centre in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine, reports said, even as Ukraine's foreign minister insisted on a "ceasefire, security guarantees and territorial integrity of Ukraine". As the fighting continued in key areas, the Russian army claimed it had lost 1,351 troops and evacuated 400,000 civilians. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general

As Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces, President Zelensky in a video address to the Doha Forum said urged an increase in the output of energy.

"I ask you to increase the output of energy to ensure that everyone in Russia understands that no one can use energy as a weapon to blackmail the world," Zelensky told the Doha Forum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

"They are bragging that they can destroy with nuclear weapons not only a certain country but the entire planet," Zelensky said after President Putin had put his nuclear forces on alert amid the Ukraine war.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HE Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DohaForum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DohaForum</a> Opening Ceremony. <a href="https://t.co/TMJ7eVMHhG">pic.twitter.com/TMJ7eVMHhG</a>
— Doha Forum (@DohaForum) <a href="https://twitter.com/DohaForum/status/1507647884623241221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ukraine's president has been pleading NATO to declare a no-fly zone since the outbreak of the war, however, the European military alliance has so far rejected Zelensky's plea.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukrainian forces try to recapture towns outside Kyiv

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukrainian-forces-try-to-recapture-towns-outside-kyiv-amid-russian-invasion-465643/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Friday, Zelensky&nbsp;had said the situation in Mariupol remains "tragic" despite evacuations as Russia continues its bombing campaign. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, presidential advisor Oleksiy Arestovych claimed Ukraine's forces had killed the commander of the 49th Russian Southern District Army, General Yakov Ryazantsev in a strike on Chornobayivka near Kherson even as President Zelensky claimed Chernobayevka will "go down in the history of warfare".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a>

Amid the fighting in Ukraine, the White House said on Saturday that President Biden will meet two Ukrainian ministers in Warsaw.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces, President Zelensky in a video address to the Doha Forum said urged an increase in the output of energy. "I ask you to increase the output of energy to ensure that everyone in Russia understands that no one can use energy as a weapon to blackmail the world," Zelensky told the Doha Forum.

As Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces, President Zelensky in a video address to the Doha Forum said urged an increase in the output of energy. "I ask you to increase the output of energy to ensure that everyone in Russia understands that no one can use energy as a weapon to blackmail the world," Zelensky told the Doha Forum. Also Read in Pics: One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? "They are bragging that they can destroy with nuclear weapons not only a certain country but the entire planet," Zelensky said after President Putin had put his nuclear forces on alert amid the Ukraine war. HE Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President at #DohaForum Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/TMJ7eVMHhG — Doha Forum (@DohaForum) March 26, 2022 × Ukraine's president has been pleading NATO to declare a no-fly zone since the outbreak of the war, however, the European military alliance has so far rejected Zelensky's plea. Watch: Ukrainian forces try to recapture towns outside Kyiv On Friday, Zelensky had said the situation in Mariupol remains "tragic" despite evacuations as Russia continues its bombing campaign. Meanwhile, presidential advisor Oleksiy Arestovych claimed Ukraine's forces had killed the commander of the 49th Russian Southern District Army, General Yakov Ryazantsev in a strike on Chornobayivka near Kherson even as President Zelensky claimed Chernobayevka will "go down in the history of warfare". Also Read in Pics: Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 Amid the fighting in Ukraine, the White House said on Saturday that President Biden will meet two Ukrainian ministers in Warsaw. (With inputs from Agencies)

Increase energy output so that nobody can use it as a weapon to blackmail: Zelensky to Doha Forum

Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'

In a fresh escalation in war of words towards Ukraine, Russia on Thursday said that Ukraine was moving heavy artillery towards front line where pro-Russian separatists are fighting with Ukrainian forces. Russia also accused Ukraine of failing to engage in peace process.

The remarks came from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The words gave no sign that Moscow is willing to tone down its bitter criticism of Ukraine despite a two-hour call this week between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden.

"Negotiations on a peaceful settlement have practically hit a dead end," Zakharova told reporters, referring to the seven-year conflict between Ukrainian and separatist forces in the eastern Donbass region.

The ministry's Twitter feed, quoting Zakharova, said: "With the support of NATO countries pumping the country with weapons, Kyiv is building up its contingent on the line of contact in Donbass."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-commanders-say-a-russian-invasion-would-overwhelm-them-435579">Ukraine commanders say a Russian invasion would overwhelm them</a>

She said Ukraine was only "imitating" the process of fulfilling its obligations under the 2014 and 2015 Minsk accords designed to end the conflict.

There was no immediate response from the Ukrainian side. Kyiv has denied Russian accusations it plans to seize back territory by force and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that he was hopeful of reaching a new ceasefire deal.

Tuesday's US-Russian call was dominated by tensions over Ukraine, with Biden voicing concern about a Russian military build-up near the border and telling Putin that Moscow would face serious economic consequences if it invaded.

Putin has said talk of an invasion is "provocative" and accused Ukraine and NATO of fanning tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a fresh escalation in war of words towards Ukraine, Russia on Thursday said that Ukraine was moving heavy artillery towards front line where pro-Russian separatists are fighting with Ukrainian forces.

In a fresh escalation in war of words towards Ukraine, Russia on Thursday said that Ukraine was moving heavy artillery towards front line where pro-Russian separatists are fighting with Ukrainian forces. Russia also accused Ukraine of failing to engage in peace process. The remarks came from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The words gave no sign that Moscow is willing to tone down its bitter criticism of Ukraine despite a two-hour call this week between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden. "Negotiations on a peaceful settlement have practically hit a dead end," Zakharova told reporters, referring to the seven-year conflict between Ukrainian and separatist forces in the eastern Donbass region. The ministry's Twitter feed, quoting Zakharova, said: "With the support of NATO countries pumping the country with weapons, Kyiv is building up its contingent on the line of contact in Donbass." Also Read | Ukraine commanders say a Russian invasion would overwhelm them She said Ukraine was only "imitating" the process of fulfilling its obligations under the 2014 and 2015 Minsk accords designed to end the conflict. There was no immediate response from the Ukrainian side. Kyiv has denied Russian accusations it plans to seize back territory by force and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that he was hopeful of reaching a new ceasefire deal. Tuesday's US-Russian call was dominated by tensions over Ukraine, with Biden voicing concern about a Russian military build-up near the border and telling Putin that Moscow would face serious economic consequences if it invaded. Putin has said talk of an invasion is "provocative" and accused Ukraine and NATO of fanning tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine moved heavy artillery towards conflict zone, alleges Russia

A Ukraine soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east.

As of the reported attack, Ukraine says 27 soldiers have been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020.

Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-issues-warning-to-moscow-376899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Britain's Sky News filmed the deployment in the Voronezh area of Russia, close to the border. It said a small camp had been erected near Maslovka train station, where troops and equipment have been arriving.

From there, they are being transferred to a nearby training ground, where a military field camp has been erected.

Sky said the camp stretched for around one and a half-mile, or almost two and half kilometres.

The troops buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic.

"President Biden's been very clear about this. If&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said.

In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Ukraine has accused&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.

The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine -- but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region.

The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after&nbsp;Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

The conflict in Ukraine's east has claimed more than 13,000 lives and turned into a nagging problem in Moscow's relations with the West.

Fighting has subsided in the past few years but a diplomatic solution to settle the eastern regions' status has stayed out of reach.

Crimea is still recognized as part of Ukraine by the United Nations, and Kiev vows to one day win it back.

Biden, who previously oversaw Washington's policies on Ukraine, is viewed as a strong ally by Ukrainians and his top diplomat Blinken, in talks this week with his French and German counterparts, agreed on supporting Ukraine against "Russian provocations".

A Ukraine soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east.

A Ukraine soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east. As of the reported attack, Ukraine says 27 soldiers have been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border. Britain's Sky News filmed the deployment in the Voronezh area of Russia, close to the border. It said a small camp had been erected near Maslovka train station, where troops and equipment have been arriving. From there, they are being transferred to a nearby training ground, where a military field camp has been erected. Sky said the camp stretched for around one and a half-mile, or almost two and half kilometres. The troops buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if Russia acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic. "President Biden's been very clear about this. If Russia acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said. In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict. Ukraine has accused Russia of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula. The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine -- but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region. The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine's east has claimed more than 13,000 lives and turned into a nagging problem in Moscow's relations with the West. Fighting has subsided in the past few years but a diplomatic solution to settle the eastern regions' status has stayed out of reach. Crimea is still recognized as part of Ukraine by the United Nations, and Kiev vows to one day win it back. Biden, who previously oversaw Washington's policies on Ukraine, is viewed as a strong ally by Ukrainians and his top diplomat Blinken, in talks this week with his French and German counterparts, agreed on supporting Ukraine against "Russian provocations".

Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said.

"Kiev and the Donbass (a term used to refer to rebel-held eastern Ukraine) have reached an accord on an exchange of prisoners... this Sunday December 29," Donetsk government spokeswoman Daria Morozova said in a statement.&nbsp;

So far, Ukraine has not confirmed the development but both sides had said earlier this month that they would carry out a prisoner exchange by the end of the year, following peace&nbsp;talks in Paris.&nbsp;

This development comes after Ukraine carried out an exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each three months ago.&nbsp;

At the Paris summit on December 23, it was decided by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine to implement a full ceasefire with a new withdrawal of forces from conflict zones by March 2020.&nbsp;

Over 13,000 people have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said.

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said. "Kiev and the Donbass (a term used to refer to rebel-held eastern Ukraine) have reached an accord on an exchange of prisoners... this Sunday December 29," Donetsk government spokeswoman Daria Morozova said in a statement. So far, Ukraine has not confirmed the development but both sides had said earlier this month that they would carry out a prisoner exchange by the end of the year, following peace talks in Paris. This development comes after Ukraine carried out an exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each three months ago. At the Paris summit on December 23, it was decided by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine to implement a full ceasefire with a new withdrawal of forces from conflict zones by March 2020. Over 13,000 people have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014. (with inputs from AFP)

Pro-Russia separatists, Ukraine to swap prisoners

donbass-ukraine

Donbass Ukraine, News on Donbass Ukraine, stories on Donbass Ukraine, articles on Donbass Ukraine, Donbass Ukraine stories at Wion, Donbass Ukraine news, Donbass Ukraine latest news

donbass ukraine