News

Putin backs Ukraine cease-fire, warns talks needed

By David McHugh
Published June 21, 2014 10:03pm ET
Add Washington Examiner on Google
Putin backs Ukraine cease-fire, warns talks needed
Pavel Gubarev, center, self-proclaimed people's governor, surrounded by pro-Russian fighters, speaks before taking the oath of allegiance to the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, on Lenin square in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, Saturday, June 21, 2014. Dozens of pro-Russian armed militiamen gathered on Lenin square in Donetsk on Saturday to take the oath of allegiance to the so-called Donetsk People's Republic after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered his forces to cease fire Friday and halt military operations for a week. In the background is a monument of Vladimir Lenin. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) | Evgeniy Maloletka

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support Saturday for Ukraine’s unilateral cease-fire in its battle against pro-Russian separatists and appealed to both sides to halt all military operations.

But he warned that Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s blueprint for peace would not be viable without action to start peace negotiations.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

World