Ceasefire Went into Effect in Donbas

Ukraine sent military personnel to Donbas who participated in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN. Washington and London hope to maintain the ceasefire. A full and all-encompassing ceasefire went into effect on the demarcation line in Donbas at midnight, local time (coincides with Moscow time) on Monday, July 27. It was agreed upon by the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) on the settlement in eastern Ukraine, consisting of representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Moscow and Kiev. Meanwhile, Ukraine sent to Donbas military personnel who participated in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the UN. As reported on the Facebook page of the Joint Forces Operation (JF) of Ukraine, some of them have already arrived “on the first line of defense”. “First of all, such a step will prevent distracting the personnel of the JF units from performing combat missions and possible provocations,” the statement stressed. At the same time, Kiev pointed out that the ceasefire does not deprive the Ukrainian military of the right to respond if the enemy violates the agreement. On July 26, the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky discussed additional measures to comply with the silence regime by telephone. US Supports Ukraine’s Efforts Washington and London have already responded to the ceasefire coming into effect. “The United States actively supports Ukraine’s determined efforts to fully implement the ceasefire,” the website of the United States Embassy in Kiev reads. “Compliance with the ceasefire will give respite to civilians who have suffered from more than six years of violence and will pave the way for a full and comprehensive settlement of the conflict created by Russia in eastern Ukraine,” Washington said. British Ambassador: Russia must fulfill its obligations In turn, British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons welcomed the agreement within the Trilateral Contact Group on extra ceasefire measures. “I really believe that this will be realized, and civilians in Donbas will see a steady decrease in violence,” the diplomat said. “Russia must fulfill its obligations, including influence on the armed formations that it supports in Ukraine,” the diplomatic representative added. In turn, Pope Frances on July 26 prayed for the new ceasefire to finally hold. The office (of the administration - Ed.) of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated earlier last week that if upheld, the ceasefire will pave the way “for implementing of other clauses” of the Minsk agreements. A new ceasefire agreement was reached on July 22 at the TCG meeting. More than 14,000 people have been killed during the six-year conflict since 2014 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea.