Ukraine crisis: Defense minister vows to take back Crimea

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Ukraine Crisis: Defense minister vows to take back Crimea

Ukraine’s president says he’s prepared to resume peace talks with pro-Russian separatists as early as Saturday, but the Ukrainian cabinet has been talking tough as fighting in the east intensifies. Stephanie Freid reports from Kiev.

The country’s newly appointed defense minister has vowed to take back the Crimean peninsula, while the president’s security advisor is saying Ukraine is about to enter a new phase of warfare in the East.

Ukraine Crisis: Defense minister vows to take back Crimea

Ukraine's president says he's prepared to resume peace talks with pro-Russian separatists as early as Saturday, but the Ukrainian cabinet has been talking tough as fighting in the east intensifies. Stephanie Freid reports from Kiev.

Ukraine, Russia and eastern Ukraine rebel leaders have proposed a meeting on Saturday to begin resolving differences, but in eastern Ukraine, there appears to be little prospect for peace anytime soon.

While appointing Ukraine’s new defense minister, President Petro Poroshenko said his army will achieve victory in the east. The newly appointed defense minister Valery Heletey then put Russia on notice by declaring Crimea will be next.

The president’s national security advisor also told the media that Ukraine is entering a new phase of war.

Parubiy also accused Russia of regrouping and rearming rebels in the east and outlined Ukraine’s strategy for re-taking control of the region, including a declaration of martial law in the two breakaway districts of Donetsk and Luhansk.