Donbass Negotiators Agreed on a Ceasefire

On July 27, additional measures to support and observe the ceasefire in Donbass will come into force for the entire period until the conflict in eastern Ukraine is fully resolved. The Trilateral Contact Group for a peaceful settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine (Ukraine, OSCE, Russia) agreed on Wednesday, July 22, on a complete ceasefire in Donbass. It is reported that from July 27, additional measures to support and comply with the ceasefire will come into force for the entire period until a complete comprehensive settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. These measures include a ban on offensive and reconnaissance and sabotage activities, the use of aircraft, a ban on the use of fire, including sniper fire, a ban on the deployment of heavy artillery and equipment in populated areas and near infrastructure facilities. The negotiators stressed that a complete ceasefire is a basic prerequisite for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and paves the way for implementing other provisions of these agreements. Kiev handed over lists for the release of prisoners At the meeting, the Ukrainian side also handed over lists of persons for mutual release. In Kiev, they expressed the hope that the observance of the “regime of silence” will become the basis for holding elections in Donbass. In addition, the Ukrainian side expects to receive from the DPR the lists of prisoners for exchange in the near future. The meeting of the contact group was held in a video format. The next meeting will take place on 19 August.