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Ukraine begins artillery withdrawal, recognizing truce is holding
Reuters ^ | 2/26/2015 | Peter Graff

Posted on 02/26/2015 6:12:12 AM PST by mac_truck

(Reuters) - Ukraine announced on Thursday that it would begin withdrawing artillery from the front line with separatist rebels in the east, a move that amounts to recognition that a ceasefire meant to take effect on Feb. 15 is holding at last.

The pro-Russian rebels have already been pulling back heavy weapons for two days, but Kiev had held back, arguing that fighting had not yet ceased.

However, the army reported no combat fatalities at the front for a second straight day on Thursday, the first time no troops have been killed since long before the French- and German-brokered truce was meant to take effect.

The withdrawal of artillery is "point two" of a Feb. 12 peace agreement reached in the Belarus capital Minsk, so beginning it amounts to an acknowledgement that "point one" - the ceasefire itself - is being observed.

"Today Ukraine has begun the withdrawal of 100 millimeter guns from the line of confrontation," the military said in a statement, saying the step would be monitored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: ceasefire; ukraine

1 posted on 02/26/2015 6:12:13 AM PST by mac_truck
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To: mac_truck

That’s a good thing. It makes Obama’s foolish parading of US military vehicles less dangerous.


2 posted on 02/26/2015 6:33:42 AM PST by Pearls Before Swine
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To: mac_truck

Hopefully the cease fire will hold. We don’t want Russia in shooting wars with the West.


3 posted on 02/26/2015 6:34:12 AM PST by samtheman
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To: mac_truck
“Today Ukraine has begun the withdrawal of 100 millimeter guns from the line of confrontation”

So the 99 millimeter guns and and everything else can keep attacking. What a stupid agreement.

4 posted on 02/26/2015 7:08:58 AM PST by McGruff (We are leaving behind a sovereign, stable and self-reliant Iraq - Barack Obama 2011)
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To: McGruff
My understanding is that removing the big guns from the line of confrontation is designed to protect civilian populations from attack...something apparently the Ukie separatists care more about than the Kiev junta.
5 posted on 02/26/2015 7:32:55 AM PST by mac_truck ( Aide toi et dieu t aidera)
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To: mac_truck

truce is holding?? The Russians are taking more territory!


6 posted on 02/26/2015 8:06:11 AM PST by GeronL
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To: Pearls Before Swine

Dangerous?

How are NATO vehicles in the NATO nation of Estonia being dangerous?

Who is it that we are supposed to be submitting to and cowering from?


7 posted on 02/26/2015 10:56:18 AM PST by ansel12 (Palin--Mr President, the only thing that stops a bad guy with a nuke is a good guy with a nuke.)
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To: McGruff
So the 99 millimeter guns and and everything else can keep attacking. What a stupid agreement.

Since the "truce" the Russkies took over one town and are currently amassing forces around Maripole (for during a truce they depend on Ukrainian honesty to not attack further, so they can mass their forces onto particular areas).

You dummies understand that the treaty is stupid, but for all the wrong reasons. When you figure it out though, you'll be praising Putin as a master strategist.

8 posted on 02/26/2015 7:26:29 PM PST by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
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To: mac_truck
something apparently the Ukie separatists care more about than the Kiev junta.

"Ukies" and the Kiev Junta huh, you get that from another anti-semite Pro-Russian website, doggie?

9 posted on 02/26/2015 7:27:34 PM PST by Greetings_Puny_Humans (I mostly come out at night... mostly.)
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