- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Ukrainian Special Battalion Makes Partial Withdrawal From Shirokino

© AP Photo / Mstyslav ChernovFighters of the Azov Battalion observe enemy lines from the roof of their base in the town of Shyrokyne, eastern Ukraine
Fighters of the Azov Battalion observe enemy lines from the roof of their base in the town of Shyrokyne, eastern Ukraine - Sputnik International
Subscribe
According to the agreements reached before, now there are monitors and workers of the press service of the regiment in the village of Shirokino and the nearby area.

Militia of the DPR in the village of Shirokino - Sputnik International
Ukrainian Battalion Says Fighting Underway in Shirokino
The Azov special regiment withdrew part of its forces from the village of Shirokino in eastern Ukraine, the press office of the regiment reported.

"According to the agreements reached before, now there are monitors and workers of the press service of the regiment in Shirokino and the nearby area," the report read.

Earlier a group of OSCE monitors came under fire near the village which has recently become the main flash point in Donbass. Currently the idea of demilitarization of the village is being discussed.

Meanwhile, Alexander Kikhtenko, head of the Donetsk military and civil administration, opposed the withdrawal from Shirokino. According to him, defensive positions in the area should be bolstered.

Azov battalion soldiers take oath in Kiev before being sent to Donbass - Sputnik International
Moscow Names Volunteers Uncontrolled by Kiev a Key Issue in Donbass
In mid-April 2014 the Ukrainian government launched a military operation in the east of Ukraine. According to the latest UN report, 6,116 people were killed there from April 2014 to April 14 2015. In addition, 15,574 people were injured in the conflict zone.

The settlement of the crisis has been discussed at various talks, including during the contact group meeting in Minsk, Belarus. The February 12 meeting resulted in approving measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

The agreements presume a ceasefire in Donbass since February 15, heavy weapons withdrawal and the creation of a security zone.

Shortly after the ceasefire began in Donbass, fighting resumed in the region. Both sides of the conflict blame each other for the numerous ceasefire violations, with each side claiming that it is only returning fire.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала