For the first time, the Russian government accepts that observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) can conduct their operations in eastern Ukraine, provided that some OSCE monitors could be armed, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday. "With a weapon to defend yourself."
Until now, a shaky ceasefire in eastern Ukraine is being monitored by unarmed OSCE monitors. The head of the OSCE Lamberto Zannier agreed to send armed personnel to Ukraine, provided that all parties would agree. However, Moscow has so far always been against an armed peacekeeping mission. Lavrov also suggested strengthening the OSCE observer group at the depots of heavy weapons.
The armed conflict in eastern Ukraine began in April 2014. At the same time, the death toll has risen to 9400. Ukraine accuses Russia of fomenting the conflict by selling and supplying weapons and numerical personnel to areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. During May 2016 alone, 26 Ukrainian soldiers were killed during the armed conflict.
Moscow agrees to arm OSCE monitors in eastern Ukraine
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Azovpromstal® 5 June 2016 г. 12:18 |
