Ceasefire observed in Donbass as of 10.30 a.m.

Donetsk, Dec 29 – DAN. The Christmas ceasefire is observed as of 10.30 a.m., the DPR mission to the JCCC said.

"No ceasefire violations have been registered starting from 1.01 a.m., GMT+3; as of 10.30 a.m. GMT+3 the silence regime is observed," the report reads.

Kiev has already blamed the DPR for violations.

"We officially inform that no report on violations has been filed by Ukraine through the OSCE SMM. DPR People's Militia observe the ceasefire," DPR statement said.

Over the past 24 hours Ukrainian army violated the ceasefire 17 times firing 170 shells.

Earlier the Contact Group endorsed the Christmas ceasefire in Donbass in effect from December 29, 2018 1:01 a.m. GMT+3.

December 2018 saw tensions rising as Ukraine announced martial law trying to postpone presidential election. DPR Head Denis Pushilin said in his live TV Q&A on Thursday that DPR's large-scale intelligence and mass media campaign against plotted offensive in Donbass foiled plans of the Ukrainian military.

DPR Foreign Ministry voiced a hope for peaceful holidays in Donbass in light of the recent recommitment to ceasefire. *ot