More Serbs join pro-Russian forces in Ukraine

More Serbs join pro-Russian forces in Ukraine

DONETSK -- Prime Minister of the self-proclaimed Republic of Donetsk (DNR) Aleksandr Zakharchenko has said that 14 Serbs on Monday joined the separatist forces.

"The forces that come to us, they are all volunteers. For example, on Monday 14 Serbs arrived," said Zakharchenko at a news conference in Donetsk, as reported by Interfax.

Officials in Belgrade last week appealed on Serbian citizens not to join wars abroad, and also announced new legislation that would criminalize this behavior.

Zakharchenko previously explained that the forces under his command received weapons from Russia, but this was later denied in Moscow.

"It is our equipment, the equipment we took over from the Ukrainian troops. That's enough for us. Basically, it's a trophy," he said.

Zakharchenko also said that Kiev will have to recognize the DNR as an independent state, "because it is no longer possible to look for some form of autonomy."

According to him, the DNR is willing to take part in constructive discussions and to lay down arms if Kiev offers acceptable proposals.

In such a case, the DNR representatives will talk to Kiev on an equal footing, said Zakharchenko, stressing that otherwise the pro-Russian forces are ready to fight to the end, protecting their homes and families, according to Itar-Tass.

Leaders of the pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine have also warned their soldiers against desertion, treason, espionage, subversive activities and surrender of weapons to the enemy, and said this can be punished by death.

The acting Chief Public Prosecutor of the DNR was heard saying in a video published by the pro-Russian forces that...