Ukraine Live Day 601: Poroshenko Stresses Need For Elections In The Donbass

In a televised address today, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko praised the decision of the Russian-backed separatists to postpone local elections but stressed the importance of eventually holding those elections in accordance with Ukrainian law and the Minsk agreements. AFP reports:

Poroshenko said in a televised address that “without elections in these occupied territories, a political solution will be in a deadlock”.

Poroshenko emphasised the importance of re-integrating the rebel-controlled territories of Donetsk and Lugansk, acknowledging it would be “extremely difficult” but that the process was essential.

“If you lose the chance to regain the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, who in the world will speak of returning Crimea to a Ukraine that abandons its territories?” Poroshenko asked.

Poroshenko also stressed that while Ukraine was withdrawing its heavy weapons from the front lines in accordance with the latest ceasefire, the Ukrainian military is capable of quickly responding to threats. RFE/RL reports:

“Be sure, we are withdrawing out weapons under a thoroughly elaborated plan. This plan makes it possible to promptly pull them back to their former positions,” Poroshenko said in a televised address. He said such scenario was possible in case of cease-fire violation.​

The good news, especially for those who live on Ukraine’s front lines, is that once again there were no reports of fighting yesterday:

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Still, Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) is still reporting that they are intercepting weapons stockpiles in eastern Ukraine.

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— James Miller