Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spoke in favor of withdrawal of the Ukrainian forces from the territory of Donbas and providing the region with a broad autonomy.

"I stand in favor of Donbas being a part of Ukraine and Ukraine's territorial integrity being maintained. In order to stop the bloodshed it is necessary to cease shooting, withdraw forces," Yanukovych said at a press conference in Rostov-on-Don.

He said that for peace to prevail in Ukraine it is necessary to "withdraw forces, declare amnesty and provide a broad autonomy."