DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — There’s been an exchange of prisoners between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed rebel forces in eastern Ukraine.
The overnight exchange involving 67 prisoners was part of a cease-fire deal that is struggling to succeed. It took place outside the main rebel stronghold of Donetsk, under the watch of international observers.
Ukraine’s president says 36 Ukrainian servicemen were released after negotiations. Ukrainian forces handed over 31 pro-Russian rebels who had been detained during the five-month conflict. Some of them were Russian citizens.
The cease-fire took effect a week ago, but it has been routinely violated. Shortly after the prisoner exchange, a volley of rocket fire was heard in Donetsk.
Meanwhile, there have been new sanctions announced today against Russia — which is accused by the West of propping up the insurgency in eastern Ukraine with recruits and heavy weapons.
The European Union toughened financial penalties on Russian banks, arms manufacturers and Russia’s biggest oil company.
The Obama administration today said it’s sanctioning Russia’s largest bank. The U.S. is also expanding sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors.
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140-c-17-(Peter Leonard, AP correspondent)-“appropriate retaliatory measures”-AP correspondent Peter Leonard reports new European Union sanctions are aimed at hitting the Russian oil industry. (12 Sep 2014)
< 133-c-18-(Peter Leonard, AP correspondent)-“ongoing negotiated settlement”-AP correspondent Peter Leonard reports Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed rebel forces have exchanged 67 prisoners. (12 Sep 2014) < APPHOTO XEL108: A Ukrainian army soldier sits at a position in Debaltsevo, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Friday, Sept. 12, 2014. The cease-fire between the separatists and the Ukrainian military in eastern Ukraine has largely held. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (12 Sep 2014) < Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.