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Developments in eastern Ukraine

Relatives of Ukrainian soldiers trapped in Debaltsevo block traffic along Kiev’s highway

The protesters say they are going to stay where they are, since this is the only way to save their relatives

© AP Photo/Petr David Josek

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Donetsk republic defense minister says Debaltsevo to be soon under full control of militia

KIEV, February 17. /TASS/. Several dozens of protesters blocked traffic along a highway linking Kiev and its Brovary suburb demanding their relatives serving in the Ukrainian army unit trapped in Debaltsevo in eastern Ukraine be pulled out from the Debaltsevo pocket, local media reported on Tuesday.

The protesters say they are going to stay where they are, since this is the only way to save their relatives.

Earlier, a similar rally was held in front of Ukraine’s ministry of defense. About 50 women — mothers and wives of servicemen of the 128th brigade deployed in eastern Ukraine — blocked traffic in the area. After Ukraine’s Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak, who arrived at the scene, spoke with the protesters, they cut short their rally but warned that they would come to the ministry’s building every day to control its keeping its promises.

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