Ukraine paid high price in struggle for independence - Poroshenko

Ukraine has paid a high price over the past four-and-a-half years of the war in its struggle for independence - thousands of military and civilians killed, and tens of thousands of those wounded.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said this at an international volunteer and veteran forum "Ukraine Is Where We Are," according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We also realize that over these four-and-a-half years, Ukraine has paid a very high price in its struggle for independence. Thousands of dead Ukrainian soldiers, volunteer fighters, volunteers, killed by snipers, artillery shells, mortars and multiple launch rocket systems, as well as thousands of civilians. Tens of thousands of those wounded and those who suffered from severe psychological trauma," Poroshenko said.

He also observed a minute of silence for the fallen heroes.

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