KIEV, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine is ready to consider the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping troops in the conflict-hit eastern region of Donbas, according to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
"We believe that the deployment of the UN peacekeeping operation can contribute to restoring peace and security in the east of Ukraine," it said in a statement.
At the same time, the ministry said the presence of international peacekeeping forces in Donbas is possible only after extensive consultations with Kiev and if certain conditions are met.
Kiev demands the withdrawal of foreign troops and weapons from Ukraine and the restoration of its control over the Ukraine-Russia border, it said in the statement in response to a proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier in the day, Putin said Russia may ask the United Nations to send peacekeepers to the frontline area in eastern Ukraine in order to ensure the safety of international observers, who monitor a cease-fire.
Previously, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has repeatedly voiced his support for a possible international peacekeeping operation in the conflict area.
The confrontation since April 2014 between government troops and pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine has claimed about 10,000 lives.
