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Ukraine Loses Seven Soldiers As Poroshenko Readies Peace Plan

June 20, 2014
by RFE/RL

Ukraine says seven of its troops have been killed in heavy fighting with pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, as President Petro Poroshenko prepares to unveil his plan to quell the conflict.

Reports said fighting appeared to be centered on the villages of Krasny Liman and Yampil in the Donetsk region.

One military source quoted by the Reuters news agency said some 4,000 separatists had been involved while Ukrainian infantry were supported by some 20 tanks as well as artillery and heavy armor.

Ukraine says 300 rebels were killed, although that figure cannot be verified.

A top rebel commander, Igor Strelkov, reported 'heavy losses' in equipment and arms among the separatists.

Meanwhile, Poroshenko is expected to announce a 14-point peace plan on June 20.

According to an unofficial copy published by the media, the plan calls for the creation of a 10-kilometer buffer zone on the border with Russia.

It also is said to include an offer of a unilateral cease-fire by government forces and amnesty for separatists -- but only if they lay down their arms.

On his website, Poroshenko said he outlined the plan to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on June 19, highlighting the need for hostages to be freed and 'an effective regime of control' established on the joint border.

Poroshenko also said he expressed hope Putin would support the plan and any cease-fire that would be declared.

The two leaders spoke hours after NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that at least a few thousand more Russian troops were now on Ukraine's long eastern border.

Kyiv has accused Russia of stirring up the unrest and of allowing volunteer fighters from Russia to cross into Ukraine to support the rebels.

This is denied by Moscow, which has been urging Poroshenko to end 'punitive action' against the rebels.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden assured Poroshenko late on June 18 there would be 'further costs on Russia' unless it used its influence to stop the separatist violence.

In Kyiv, Poroshenko received a boost when parliament overwhelmingly endorsed his nominations for three key posts, including that of foreign minister.

Speaking to journalists later, Poroshenko said he himself would sign an Association Agreement with the European Union on June 27 which commentators say will decisively shift Ukraine away from Russia's influence and rule out its joining a Moscow-led Customs Union.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP. dpa, Interfax, and ITAR-TASS

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-poroshenko-fighting-donetsk-/25428713.html

Copyright (c) 2014. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.