Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has said that 42,500 separatists and Russian soldiers are stationed in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have been battling pro-Russian rebels since April 2014.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Kyiv says 42,500 rebels, Russian soldiers stationed in east Ukraine
A pro-Russian rebel of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic sits atop a tank before taking part in rehearsals for the Victory Day parade in Donetsk on May 5.
