Ukrainian president warns of new world war

Kiev, Nov 11 (IABS/EFE) Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko Tuesday warned of a new world war triggered by the conflict in eastern Ukraine that has left 4,000 people dead so far and led to a crisis between Russia and the West.

"The First World War ended 96 years ago. I wish to end the war (in eastern Ukraine). I don't want to give a chance to somebody to start a third world insanity," Poroshenko wrote on his Twitter account.

The First World War left 10 million people dead and led to the collapse of four empires, the German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Russian, the Ukrainian president noted.

Today, nobody in Europe celebrates the victory, they only remember the dead, Poroshenko said.

He added that in war there are no winners or losers, there are only survivors from both sides.

"Today, we defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine and will always defend our land and our right to independence and development," the president declared.

The conflict, which began earlier this year, has heightened tension between Russia and the West and fears that Moscow was flexing its military might in the republics of the former Soviet Union.

Before the conflict, the Ukrainian territory of Crimea acceded to Russia, leading to sanctions against Moscow by the US, the European Union and others.

Clashes between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops continue in eastern Ukraine despite a truce that was signed by the two sides in September.

In the latest development, three soldiers were wounded in attacks launched by the rebels Monday on positions of the Ukrainian army in the conflict zone, according to the military.

Fighting has intensified after the separatists held elections Nov 2 despite warnings from the Ukrainian authorities.

--IANS/EFE

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