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Spain Arrests Eight Combatants For Fighting In Ukraine


Spain has arrested eight Spanish citizens for fighting along pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine's eastern regions.

Spanish police officials say the eight Spaniards, whose names were not disclosed, were detained on February 27 in six regions across Spain: Asturias, Catalonia, Extremadura, Murcia, Navarra and Madrid.

A police statement says the eight were accused of several offenses but gave no details.

Media in Spain cites sources close to the investigation as saying that the charges could include possession of weapons of war, complicity in homicide and violating Spain's neutrality in the Ukraine conflict.

Pro-Russian forces in the eastern Donbass region are battling those of the pro-European Ukrainian government. The conflict has killed at least 5,800 people since April.

The conflict has raised tensions between the West and Moscow to heights reminiscent of the Cold War.

Based on reporting by AP and El Pais

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