Russia in weapons deal for Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin has said Ukraine could regain some arms and equipment belonging to military units in Crimea that did not switch their loyalty to Russia.

Russian forces took control of Ukrainian military installations in Crimea this month after Moscow formally annexed the Black Sea peninsula. Some Ukrainian servicemen reportedly joined Russian forces, while others withdrew.

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu has told Mr Putin the Ukrainian withdrawal from Crimea is complete, Russian news agencies reported.

Mr Putin approved his minister’s proposal to turn over arms and equipment of the units still loyal to Ukraine, the reports said. No specifics were given on quantities, types of hardware, or timing.