This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists have started withdrawing troops from the war-torn Donetsk region, a crucial step towards a potential summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Ukrainian officials, the withdrawal began on November 9, 2019, between the villages of Petrivske and Bogdanivka, with OSCE monitors observing the process.
Ukrainian army representative Bogdan Bondar confirmed the start of the withdrawal, stating that it would be completed within three days, followed by mine clearance and other activities lasting 25 days.
The withdrawal is seen as a significant development, as it paves the way for a potential summit between Zelensky and Putin, which has been repeatedly postponed due to various reasons.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko has expressed hope that the meeting, the first at such a high level since 2016, could take place in Paris in November.
However, many political observers remain sceptical, citing the Kremlin's potential to come up with new conditions.
