DPR considers Donetsk shelling as deliberate violation of Easter ceasefire by Kiev

Donetsk, Apr 11 – DAN. Kiev forces intentionally aggravated the situation along the contact line, said DPR envoy to the negotiations Denis Pushilin.

"We estimate Kiev's actions as a provocation and a deliberate derailment of the Easter ceasefire," he said in a statement sent to DAN.

The past 24 hours have become the most intense in the context of security situation in the past months.

Kiev forces have carried out mortar and artillery strikes on Donetsk outskirts and the Spartak village this morning, expending almost 600 rounds targeting DPR territory in the past 24 hours, including 152mm artillery rounds. Nearly 40 buildings have been reported damaged.

The Easter ceasefire initiated by the DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko was supported by the Contact Group members and came into force at midnight March 30. The Ukrainian side violated it at 9.35 a.m. by targeting Kominternovo with mortar rounds.*ot