Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko asserted their independence on Thursday, saying he would urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to order pro-Moscow separatists to stand down during their meeting next week.

Despite sustaining heavy losses, government forces marched on to rebel strongholds in the eastern region of the country. They have fought with the separatists since April and Poroshenko vowed to continue fighting to uphold Ukraine's independence, Reuters relayed.

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Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit Kiev on Saturday as an act of support for the Ukrainian president. However, she will also call on Poroshenko to order a ceasefire to avoid incurring a negative reaction from Putin, according to diplomats.

Poroshenko is set to lead a highly emotional Independence Day program on Sunday with veterans participating in a military parade. Ahead of the occasion, the Ukrainian leader talked tough, telling reporters he would call on Putin to have the rebels withdrawn from eastern Ukraine.

Kiev accuses Russia of fueling the insurgency and armed the rebels in Ukraine. Moscow, on the other hand, denies the allegations.

Elsewhere, the Ukrainian government continues to incur losses as 16 interior ministry special forces members were killed in Ilovaisk near Donetsk. Still, Poroshenko spoke defiantly, saying they have to remain strong to secure their position in the truce talks.

Poroshenko said they need to be strong and to unite in order to achieve victory. He asserted Ukraine's capability to defend their sovereignty and independence.

The Ukrainian president is also gearing up for the October elections in which he looks forward to rid the government of Russian-backed leadership. He is also preparing to form a new coalition that would implement reforms and purge the government of cronyism and corruption.

In February, citizens staged street protests that ousted of former President Viktor Yanukovich. This, however, led to Moscow's invasion of Crimea and the pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine.

Poroshenko declared his intention to dissolve parliament on Sunday in preparation for the October polls. He said the elections will be the best "reboot" for the Ukrainian government.

TagsPetro Poroshenko, angela merkel, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Crimea, Reuters, Moscow, Donetsk, Ilovaisk, Viktor Yanukovich