[This report will be updated within the next hour]
Aleksandr Zakharchenko, the so-called prime minister of the pro-Russian separatists active in Donetsk, Eastern Ukraine, has stated that the separatists are ready for a cease-fire.
Zakharchenko issued a statement Saturday, in which the leader said, “We are ready for a ceasefire in order to prevent the expansion of a humanitarian disaster in Donbass.”
Zakharchenko made the statement as the region was surrounded by Ukrainian forces.
“In the event of a storm on the city the number of victims will increase greatly. We have no humanitarian corridors. There are no medical supplies… food supplies are nearing their end,” Zakharchenko said of the city of around 1 million population.
Ukrainian forces have stated that they are willing to accept a ceasefire if pro-Russian separatists surrender their arms.
This news comes amid other news that large Russian force had been approaching the Ukraine border, reportedly in association with the Red Cross and with the purpose of entering Ukraine on a peace-keeping mission. The force did not enter Ukraine after Kiev appealed to Moscow, reportedly.
NATO warned Moscow to pull back its forces, and the US made statements warning that if Russia moved into Ukraine, the US would consider it an invasion.
Zakharchenko became prime minister of the separatist forces in Donetsk August 7, when former separatist leader Alexander Borodai announced he was resigning and would henceforward act as an adviser to Zakharchenko.
By Day Blakely Donaldson