Donetsk, Nov 16 - DAN. DPR and LPR representatives at the Minsk talks confirmed the Republics’ commitment to the ceasefire announced in Donbass and the measures towards ensuring a lasting truce, said Victoria Talakina, spokeswoman for DPR delegation head Denis Pushilin, following the Contact Group meeting on Wednesday.
“The People’s Republics’ representatives supported the Contact Group’s decision confirming their commitment to the truce announced in connection with the beginning of the school year, and unconditional implementation of the measures towards ensuring comprehensive and indefinite ceasefire, which includes the fulfilment of all relevant orders,” Talakina said.
The DPR delegation head drew attention to the fact that Ukraine had not published orders for army personnel concerning the observation of the ‘school ceasefire’ which officially took effect in late August. DPR published the orders in question in the beginning of the autumn. Furthermore, the Republic’s forces have special truce sustaining groups.
“In case of weapon use by DPR armed forces, the senior members of the working groups must take urgent measures towards stopping fire, thoroughly investigating the incident and punishing those responsible,” Talakina said.
“Regrettably, Ukraine has not taken similar measures,” she said. “The DPR envoy insisted on the publication of the ceasefire orders for the Ukrainian army. Until their publication, the Republics have the right to doubt the orders given in these documents and their very existence.”
A new ceasefire accord came into effect in Donbass at 25 August midnight. It was approved by Contact Group participants in Minsk ahead of the new school year, and was dubbed school year ceasefire. Though tensions on the contact line eased in the first hours, Ukrainian forces continue to deliver strikes. Reports on Wednesday said Ukrainian force violated the ceasefire 57 times over the past 24 hours firing nearly 1,800 ammunition rounds at the Republic’s territory, including MLRS Grad rounds.*jk