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Ukraine hands over detained Russian paratroopers to Russia, deputy commander says

“The negotiations were difficult. But common sense prevailed and everything ended well,” Major General Alexei Ragozin said

© EPA/Ukrainian ATO

NEKHOTEYEVKA BORDER POST (the Belgorod region), August 31, 1:32 /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine has handed over all detained Russian paratroopers to Russia, the deputy commander of the Russian airborne troops said.

On August 25, Russian paratroopers who lost their way crossed the unmarked section of the Russia-Ukraine border and were detained by Ukraine’s security service.

“The negotiations were difficult. But common sense prevailed and everything ended well,” Major General Alexei Ragozin said on Sunday.

He said the Russian side had done everything to release its servicemen as soon as possible. “They are sorry that everything happened that way. They will be given psychological and other necessary help,” Ragozin went on to say.

The Ukrainian side kept the Russian paratroopers for several days and even sent them to Kiev. Ragozin considered that to be unacceptable given the fact that hundreds of Ukrainian servicemen who happened to cross into Russia were given all-round assistance and immediately handed over to the Ukrainian side.

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