Rebels in eastern Ukraine have released four out of eight international observers kidnapped last month.<br /><br />The monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were freed by members of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic at a hotel in the city.<br /><br />The other four remain in captivity in neighbouring Luhansk region.<br /><br />It is hoped that what is described as a goodwill gesture could help resolve the conflict:<br /><br />“We don’t expect anything in return. We freed them without any demands. We hope that the international community will understand us,” said Alexander Borodai, “prime minister” of the self-proclaimed republic, a Russian who has fended off allegations that he is working for Moscow.<br /><br />Pro-Russian separatists are said to have seized a military base in Donetsk – there are no reports of injuries – and to have attacked a checkpoint in Slovyansk. One soldier is reported killed in that attack. <br /><br />The Interfax news agency says pro-Russian separatists have agreed to take part in more peace talks on Friday with international members of the so-called “contact group”.<br /><br />It comes as a ceasefire dating from last Monday is due to expire. President Poroshenko has said he may not extend it if he thinks the rebels only want to buy time.<br /><br />The UN says it thinks more than 400 people have been killed in the fighting.
