Ukraine Ready To Pull Small-Caliber Weapons Out Of East

The Ukrainian government says it will pull out small-caliber weapons from the war-torn east in two days' time if the cease-fire holds.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak made the announcement on October 1 in Kyiv.

On September 29, Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe agreed on the withdrawal of tanks and other weapons from the front line, with rebel leaders in Donetsk and Luhansk signing on to the agreement on September 30.

A February deal calling for a pull-back of large-caliber artillery -- along with a cease-fire -- has been largely observed.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine between Russia-backed separatists and government forces has left more than 7,900 dead since April 2014.

Based on reporting by AP and Interfax