KIEV, October 11 (RIA Novosti) - Demobilization of conscripts in Ukraine will be carried out only after reaching durable truce in the eastern parts of the country, President Petro Poroshenko stated in Kharkiv, Ukrinform said Saturday.
"It is still impossible to demobilize under the conditions of de facto military operations. As soon as there is a sustainable ceasefire, as soon as the line of defense is built, as soon as our brigades, and it should be in the near future, are deployed in full combat defense order, we will be able to launch the steps on demobilization," the Ukrainian leader said.
According to Poroshenko, the Ukrainian forces, except for the National Guard, should not participate in the special operation.
The Ukrainian authorities have conducted three waves of army mobilization in connection with the conflict in the country's South-East. However, the government confirms the problem of military service evasion.
Kiev launched a military operation against independence supporters of southeastern Ukraine in mid-April. Almost 3,700 people have been killed and over 8,800 have been wounded since the start of military action, according to latest UN estimates.
On September 5, the two conflicting sides agreed on a ceasefire during a meeting in Minsk of the trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine. Both sides have subsequently accused each other of violating the agreement.
Another meeting of the group held later in September resulted in a memorandum, specifying the implementation of the ceasefire.
