The head of the Russian Defense Ministry, Sergei Shoigu, instructed the commanders involved in the demilitarization operation in the Donbas to treat with respect the Ukrainian soldiers and officers who lay down their arms.
The Minister explained that officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, unlike radicals and nationalists, took the oath and obeyed the decrees of the leadership. Therefore, Ukrainian military personnel who refused further military actions will be provided with safe corridors to exit the areas of the operation.
According to the Ministry, 14 Ukrainian servicemen surrendered during the fighting in the Donbas. They will be released after taking a subscription to refuse resistance.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin explained that the actions of the Russian side are self-defense against the threats created to the country.The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation assured that Russian servicemen do not strike Ukrainian cities. There is no goal to occupy Ukraine in front of the Russian Federation.