According to Zakharchenko, the demilitarization of the village of Shyrokyne involves the withdrawal of militant troops, while Ukrainian troops would remain in their positions.
On April 15, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation reported that the representatives of Ukraine, the Russian Federation and the OSCE mission discussed the demilitarization of the village of Shyrokyne prepared by the Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine Alexander Hug.
On April 17, the Defense Ministry presented key provisions of the Shyrokyne demilitarization proposals to Alexander Hug during the tripartite working meeting.
"The Ukrainian side said it was ready to ensure the demilitarization of the area on condition of a complete ceasefire for a defined period of time. Among other things, it will let the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) deploy a permanent observation point," the statement said.
On the same day, the Azov regiment announced it was against the demilitarization of the village of Shyrokyne, describing this step as irresponsible and harmful.
"The withdrawal of Ukrainian troops and organization of a point for monitoring the ceasefire in the village of Shyrokyne would mean the loss of the Ukrainian territory even if there is the presence of the OSCE mission. To give the village of Shyrokyne will mean to voluntarily open the gates to Mariupol. Nearly half a million of its inhabitants will be under threat. The state risks losing important strategic industrial facilities located in the city," the regiment said.
