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Ukraine's president: 'very cautious optimism' about Russia cease-fire

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expressed "very cautious optimism" Thursday concerning the status of peace talks with Russia and the planned implementation of a cease-fire on Friday.

By JC Finley
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, pictured with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on September 4, 2014, commented on the status of peace talks with Russia, telling reporters at the NATO Summit in Wales "I have a very careful optimism about that." (Flickr/State Department)
1 of 2 | Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, pictured with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on September 4, 2014, commented on the status of peace talks with Russia, telling reporters at the NATO Summit in Wales "I have a very careful optimism about that." (Flickr/State Department)

CARDIFF, Wales, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko commented on the status of peace talks with Russia on Thursday, telling reporters at the NATO Summit in Wales, "I have a very careful optimism about that."

Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Poroshenko thanked America for its "continued support and solidarity with Ukraine."

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Acknowledging the complexity of the crisis, Poroshenko said "we have slight hopes" about "our proposal for the immediate ceasefire and the implementation." The proposal will be discussed at Friday's meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group, which includes Russia. Poroshenko added: "we cross the fingers..."

Poroshenko announced earlier Thursday that a cease-fire and the start of a peace plan in Ukraine will be implemented Friday.

Although Ukraine is not a NATO member, Poroshenko is an invited guest at the NATO summit in Wales.

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