The ceasefire in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in east Ukraine has helped strengthen Ukrainian positions, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said.
“I welcome the ceasefire. This helped strengthen Ukrainian positions and
provide [support to] servicemen on the line of defense,” he wrote on his page on
Twitter on Dec. 14.
According to the presidential press service, Poroshenko also said at a
meeting with the heads of law enforcement agencies that “the courage of the
Ukrainian Armed Forces and the effectiveness of the work of other law
enforcement units enabled us to conduct technical rearmament in a short time,
restore the combat capability of units, increase their strength and demonstrate
now that Ukraine is a strong state.”
At the same time, Poroshenko noted the need to intensify efforts to free
hostages who are held captive by militants and on Russian territory.
“I am demanding clear and coordinated work between the Security Service and
the Foreign Ministry on expediting the return of our [citizens] home. The task
is the following – all those who are on the lists, and now there are more than
600 of them, should return home before Christmas,” he said, when addressing the
SBU chief.
He added that SBU should also make efforts to find missing persons.
As reported, the ceasefire was introduced at all positions of the
anti-terrorist operation forces in eastern Ukraine early on December 9.
