The self-proclaimed head of the Donetsk national Republic (DND) Alexander Zakharchenko confirmed that if surrounded in Debaltsevo Ukrainian soldiers lay down their arms, they will be released.

"I promise to release them, let them give up, they are our countrymen, similar to the Slavs, as we abandoned commanders," Zakharchenko said at a press conference on the first day of the week, talking about soldiers blocked under debaltseve, Donetsk oblast.

sections: Politics