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Developments in eastern Ukraine

Exchange of prisoners between Luhansk Republic and Kiev authorities postponed

Ukraine failed to bring three captive militia soldiers who were currently in the military administration headquarters in Kharkiv

LUHANSK, October 13. /TASS/. The exchange of prisoners between the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic and Ukrainian security forces on Monday was postponed to October 16-17.

Ukraine failed to bring three captive militia soldiers who were currently in the military administration headquarters in Kharkiv.

Earlier, the exchange of prisoners on the “14 for 14” basis was planning to be held at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. Moscow time) near Starobelsk, in the north of Luhansk People’s Republic.

The LPR Defense Ministry said the exchange of prisoners had been prepared for three weeks, but “ambitions of politicians” would not let it happen.

Overnight a militia soldier was exchanged for a Ukrainian serviceman under the mediation of the Luhansk city organization of Afghan war veterans.

A heavily wounded militia soldier was taken captive in the fighting near the town of Shastye. Ukraine “demonstrated humanity” and was first to contact over the exchange proposal because its doctors failed to render qualified assistance to the wounded militia in the field, an official of the Defence Ministry said.

At present, the militia has undergone an operation and is out of danger.

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