MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The conflict in eastern Ukraine started in April 2014, when Kiev launched a special military operation in Donbass after local residents refused to recognize the new Ukrainian authorities, which came to power as a result of what many considered to be a coup. Clashes continue despite an internationally mediated ceasefire.
"The developments that took place in the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and other countries have had a major impact on migration processes and have led to a significant increase in the number of refugees reaching the territory of our country. Only in 2014-2015, 1.1 million people entered Russia from Ukraine," Kolokoltsev said speaking at the upper house of the Russian parliament.
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