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Martial law to be introduced in Donetsk People's Republic

"The main purpose is to clear the Republic's territory of Ukrainian military units", chairman of the presidium of the DPR Supreme Council explained

© ITAR-TASS/Michail Pochuev

DONETSK, May 26. /ITAR-TASS/. Martial law is introduced in the proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) on Monday, Denis Pushilin, chairman of the presidium of the DPR Supreme Council, told Itar-Tass.

"Martial law is introduced in the territory of the DPR. The main purpose is to clear the Republic's territory of Ukrainian military units", he explained.

Pushilin also commented on the plans announced by Petro Poroshenko, who is apparently winning in Ukraine's presidential elections, to make the first official trip as president to Donbass. "Let's get right at the truth without mincing matters. This (the contemplated trip) is not quite advisable, for the people of the DPR are against the declared candidates. None of them condemned the Kiev authorities' criminal orderd the execution of which continues to result in the deaths of civilians. Neither of them condemned the events in Odessa. What can he (Poroshenko) talk about over here?" Pushilin asked in rhetorical question.

He pointed out that the DPR's dialogue with the authorities in Kiev "is possible only with intermediaries' participation". "We are ready to discuss matters relating to an exchange of hostages and a withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the DPR's territory," Pushilin added.

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Ukraine crisis Ukraine Eastern Ukraine

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