Ukraine defends its military policy in east
Iran Press TV
Mon Sep 22, 2014 9:17AM GMT
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that Kiev must be ready to protect the country should a peace deal with pro-Russian activists fail to end conflict in the country's east.
"We must be ready to protect our country if the peace plan does not work," Poroshenko said in a TV interview.
He added that Ukraine must fortify its frontiers and strengthen its army.
Meanwhile, a top defense spokesman said Ukraine would not withdraw its forces from the frontline in eastern parts of the country, as required under a new truce, "until all sides put down their guns," in a reference to the pro-Russians in the area.
On September 5, a ceasefire agreement was signed by leaders of the pro-Russia forces and Ukrainian officials.
The nine-point deal includes the setting up of a 30-kilometer buffer zone in east Ukraine and a ban on Ukrainian fighter jets flights over the restive zone.
The shaky ceasefire is still holding despite sporadic clashes.
Ukraine's mainly Russian-speaking regions in the east have been plagued by deadly clashes since Kiev launched military operations to silence the pro-Russian protests there earlier this year.
Nearly 3000 people have reportedly been killed in the conflict.
SB/HJL/HRB
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