Donetsk militants holding over 200 citizens of different countries hostage - Donetsk Regional Administration head

17:33, 06.06.2014 1 min read

More than 200 people, who are citizens of various countries, are currently held by unlawful armed groups in Donetsk region, says Serhiy Taruta, the head of Donetsk Regional Administration.

"The negotiations are currently focused on releasing the hostages," Donetsk Regional Administration quoted Taruta as saying on Friday.

Donetsk Mayor Oleksandr Lukianchenko is representing the authorities at the negotiations, he said.

At the same time, Taruta said the negotiations are proceeding with great difficulties, as the opposing party's negotiators are changing all the time and apparently don't have clear political goals.

"Nevertheless, the negotiations will be continued. They are the only way, and there is no other. Any war ends up with negotiations and peace sooner or later - this statement doesn't require proof. I do hope that the people with weapons also understand this," he said.