01:41Russia: ‘Debaltsevo clashes the exception to successful Minsk agreement’ - Lavrov
The newly established Minsk ceasefire is holding throughout Ukraine with the current clashes around the Debaltsevo Cauldron 'an exception' to the rule, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a presser in Moscow on Wednesday.
The Russian statesman told press that Moscow is 'upset' with the current situation in the city of Debaltsevo and hoped that common sense would prevail. He prioritised the well-being of the Ukrainian troops who remain in the east Ukrainian town, saying they were being treated in a humane fashion.
Debaltsevo was previously a Ukrainian army stronghold deep within territory held by anti-Kiev forces in eastern Ukraine. Some 3,000 Kiev troops were encircled by militia forces on Tuesday and have now reportedly surrendered, with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announcing a complete withdrawal from the city. Anti-Kiev forces have reportedly taken some 300 prisoners and have been pulling back heavy weapons from the frontline.
Lavrov was speaking after signing an agreement between Russia and South Ossetia that aimed to settle issues pertaining to the state border. The focus, said Lavrov, is 'to provide the most comfortable system for citizens crossing the state border.' He expects a similar agreement to be reached in due course.
01:41The newly established Minsk ceasefire is holding throughout Ukraine with the current clashes around the Debaltsevo Cauldron 'an exception' to the rule, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a presser in Moscow on Wednesday.
The Russian statesman told press that Moscow is 'upset' with the current situation in the city of Debaltsevo and hoped that common sense would prevail. He prioritised the well-being of the Ukrainian troops who remain in the east Ukrainian town, saying they were being treated in a humane fashion.
Debaltsevo was previously a Ukrainian army stronghold deep within territory held by anti-Kiev forces in eastern Ukraine. Some 3,000 Kiev troops were encircled by militia forces on Tuesday and have now reportedly surrendered, with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announcing a complete withdrawal from the city. Anti-Kiev forces have reportedly taken some 300 prisoners and have been pulling back heavy weapons from the frontline.
Lavrov was speaking after signing an agreement between Russia and South Ossetia that aimed to settle issues pertaining to the state border. The focus, said Lavrov, is 'to provide the most comfortable system for citizens crossing the state border.' He expects a similar agreement to be reached in due course.