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Ukraine to create humanitarian corridors Ukraine to create humanitarian corridors in east
(about 3 hours later)
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has ordered the creation of humanitarian corridors for civilians to flee areas of the east hit by conflict. Ukraine's new President Petro Poroshenko has ordered the creation of humanitarian corridors for civilians to flee areas of the east hit by conflict.
In a statement, the presidency said ministers had been ordered to set up "all necessary conditions for civilians who want to leave". In a statement, the presidency said ministers had been told to establish "all necessary conditions for civilians who want to leave".
Violence between pro-Russia militants and Ukrainian forces has left more than 200 people dead, officials say. Violence between pro-Russia militants and Ukrainian forces in the east has left more than 200 dead, officials say.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov welcomed Mr Poroshenko's announcement.
The move to create corridors meets one of Russia's main demands.The move to create corridors meets one of Russia's main demands.
But Mr Poroshenko has still not accepted the Kremlin's request to allow Russian aid into the east - a move that Kiev fears could be used to arm the rebels.But Mr Poroshenko has still not accepted the Kremlin's request to allow Russian aid into the east - a move that Kiev fears could be used to arm the rebels.
Mr Poroshenko said at his inauguration on Saturday that he would provide safe passage for "Russian militants" out of Ukraine. At his inauguration on Saturday, Mr Poroshenko said he would provide safe passage for "Russian militants" out of Ukraine.
On Tuesday his office clarified this further, saying in a statement that "to avoid new victims in the zone of the anti-terrorist operation, the president has ordered the responsible ministers to bring about all necessary conditions for civilians who want to leave".On Tuesday his office clarified this further, saying in a statement that "to avoid new victims in the zone of the anti-terrorist operation, the president has ordered the responsible ministers to bring about all necessary conditions for civilians who want to leave".
The government has also been ordered to provide transport, food and medical supplies for local officials to be able to handle the expected inflow of displaced people into other areas of Ukraine.The government has also been ordered to provide transport, food and medical supplies for local officials to be able to handle the expected inflow of displaced people into other areas of Ukraine.
The move to create these corridors may allay concerns from human rights groups about Kiev's use of tanks and air power to suppress the pro-Russian militia.The move to create these corridors may allay concerns from human rights groups about Kiev's use of tanks and air power to suppress the pro-Russian militia.
Gas dispute
Mr Poroshenko has said he plans to end nearly two months of fighting by the end of this week.Mr Poroshenko has said he plans to end nearly two months of fighting by the end of this week.
But at the moment, violence is continuing in two eastern regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, where separatists have declared independence.But at the moment, violence is continuing in two eastern regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, where separatists have declared independence.
Some of the worst attacks have been in and around the towns of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.Some of the worst attacks have been in and around the towns of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Pro-Russia gunmen are holding several government buildings, and Ukrainian troops are taking part in a "counter-terror operation".Pro-Russia gunmen are holding several government buildings, and Ukrainian troops are taking part in a "counter-terror operation".
Ukraine's new leader has called for daily meetings on the situation, involving representatives from Kiev, Moscow and the Organization for Security and Co-operation and Europe. Gas dispute
Ukraine's new leader has called for daily meetings on the situation in the east, involving representatives from Kiev, Moscow and the Organization for Security and Co-operation and Europe.
Analysts say it is vital for Ukraine and Russia to work together.Analysts say it is vital for Ukraine and Russia to work together.
The fighting is concentrated in regions which have extensive trade and cultural ties with Russia.The fighting is concentrated in regions which have extensive trade and cultural ties with Russia.
The countries are also locked in a dispute over gas.The countries are also locked in a dispute over gas.
Russia had given Ukraine a deadline of Tuesday to pay some of its fuel debts or face a supply cut, but so far it appears that gas supplies to Ukraine - and from there to the European Union - remain stable.Russia had given Ukraine a deadline of Tuesday to pay some of its fuel debts or face a supply cut, but so far it appears that gas supplies to Ukraine - and from there to the European Union - remain stable.
Are you in Ukraine? Will you benefit from the humanitarian corridors? Please send us your comments. You can email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'Ukraine.Are you in Ukraine? Will you benefit from the humanitarian corridors? Please send us your comments. You can email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line 'Ukraine.