Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Heletei has said he does not rule out that the ceasefire could end, and refutes allegations of militants holding over 2,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
“There is a political decision on the truce. We, as the military, are guided by the rule: ‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’ This period for us is an opportunity for reinforcement in all directions: from logistics to engineering structures under construction, and the strengthening of human resources. The truce for us is preparations for the possible processes that may occur as a result of a ceasefire violation,” he told reporters before an expanded government meeting with the participation of the president in Kyiv on Sept. 10.
When asked whether the Defense Ministry does not rule out the possibility of the end of the ceasefire, Heletei said: “In any case, we have no right not to exclude such a scenario. That is, we are preparing, and this ceasefire for us means to prepare for defending our positions in Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts.”
He also denied allegations by militants that they allegedly hold over 2,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
“Of course, not. We are holding talks with the General Staff of the Russian Federation (on the release of hostages). And it’s not LPR that resolves these issues that it takes on itself,” Heletei said.
