Ukraine regains control of border with Russia: Parliament speaker

Ukrainian troops have re-established control of the border with Russia, Parliament Speaker Alexandr Turchynov said here Friday.

Turchynov said the Ukrainian armed forces had approached the village of Izvarino in Lugansk region, completing the operation, Xinhua reported.

Ukraine June 5 closed several check points on the border with Russia and evacuated staff due to frequent attacks by rebel forces.

Earlier this week, President Petro Poroshenko promised a unilateral ceasefire by government forces once Ukrainian troops regained control of the border.

Kiev accuses Moscow of backing the insurgents in its eastern regions, saying weapons are being brought into Ukraine from Russia. The Kremlin has flatly denied the accusation.

The unrest in Ukraine's mostly Russia-speaking eastern regions erupted in April after the removal of president Viktor Yanukovych and Crimea's accession to Moscow.

Protestors, who initially sought more autonomy for their regions and closer ties with Russia, now demand independence from Kiev.

During the fighting between Ukrainian troops and rebels since April, about 150 Ukrainian servicemen and scores of insurgents have been killed.