Ceasefire in Ukraine comes into effect

Photo: AFP

A ceasefire, intending to end the conflict in the eastern Ukraine going on for 10 months now, came into effect on Sunday midnight, though violence post its imposition was reported. Both the sides announced the truce and it appeared to be adhered. However, in less than an hour and half shelling was reported, mainly around the besieged town of Debaltseve, where an artillery fire commenced.

According to chief monitor, reported CNN, Ertugrul Apakan of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, In the area around the city of Donetsk, there were reports of a mortar round, three uses of a multiple-launch rocket system and small-arms fire in the first hour of the ceasefire, but the “situation was calm”. There were also violations reported before dawn in the city of Luhansk.

Photo: AFP

OSCE has called on both the sides to strictly follow the ceasefire, and according to reports drones and satellite images will be utilized to monitor the holding of ceasefire. Meanwhile, France and Germany, in a joint press statement have asserted that this ceasefire is being observed in general, RT reported. The ceasefire in eastern Ukraine was being generally observed despite local incidents, which were quickly resolved, said the joint statement, issued by the Elysees Palace on Sunday.

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About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash