Moscow urges Kyiv to respond to separatists' unilateral ceasefire
Moscow has urged Kyiv to respond to the ‘silence’ mode initiative of Donetsk and Luhansk in order for a long-term ceasefire to be implemented in Donbas. This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation.
The ministry noted that the decision of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) to declare this ceasefire is an important step in stabilizing the situation.
“We regard this decision as an important and concrete step aimed at consolidating the ‘silence’ regime which was declared by the parties involved on the 1st of September, which was also the beginning of the new academic year. It will also assist in stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone which will eventually result in peace in the south-east area of Ukraine in accordance with the Minsk Agreements,” the ministry added.
The ministry also said that Moscow is counting on the assistance of partners in the Normandy format in this matter.
“We hope that our partners in the Normandy format will support this step, and that the SMM OSCE will provide practical assistance for the introduction of a complete silence in this region,” the press service concluded.
The heads of the DPR and the LPR had previously made statements regarding the start of a unilateral ceasefire, which will begin at midnight on the 15th of September. Based on this, separatist units will be forbidden to open fire in response to attacks.