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Ukraine launches talks, but its foes are missing
Ukraine Werm
Local citizens collect parts of a seized APC that was set alight during fighting between insurgents and government troops at Oktyabrskoye village, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, Wednesday. At least six servicemen were ambushed and killed and eight others wounded Tuesday afternoon outside Kramatorsk, the Ukrainian defense ministry said. - photo by Associated Press
KIEV, Ukraine — The Ukrainian government launched talks Wednesday on decentralizing power as part of a European-backed peace plan but did not invite its main foes, the pro-Russia insurgents who have declared independence in the east. That deliberate oversight left it unclear what the negotiations might accomplish. In his opening remarks, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov said authorities were "ready for a dialogue" but insisted they will not talk to the separatists who have seized buildings and fought government troops across eastern Ukraine.
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