Full truce takes effect in Ukraine's war-torn east

KIEV－Ukrainian and militia forces started a "full and comprehensive" cease-fire in war-torn eastern Ukraine on Monday, local media reported, a move that had been widely expected to bring more steps to resolve the 6-year conflict.

The representatives of Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe had agreed on establishing the cease-fire in Donbas just after midnight Kiev time on Monday, during a video conference of the Trilateral Contact Group on July 22.

The agreements provide for a ban on offensive and reconnaissance actions, the use of firearms, as well as the use of disciplinary measures for violations of the truce.

Ahead of the cease-fire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the conflict resolution in East Ukraine during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two heads of state agreed on the urgent need to implement additional measures to support the truce in Donbas.

They also touched on the need for the implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany and Russia in Paris, in the context of holding the next conference of the so-called Normandy Four in Berlin.

The conflict in East Ukraine has left nearly 13,000 people dead and 30,000 others injured since it broke out in April 2014.

Militia officials said on Sunday they had instructed their troops about the truce and issued a decree banning the use of weapons. Kiev said its forces "have begun preparations" for the truce.

If upheld, it would "pave the way for implementing other clauses" of the Minsk peace deal, the office of Ukraine's president had said, calling the truce a "breakthrough".

Brokered in 2015 by France and Germany, the Minsk peace plan envisaged that Ukraine can regain control over its border with Russia in the militia-held regions only after they are granted broad self-rule and hold local elections. The accord helped reduce the scope of hostilities, but Ukrainian forces and the militia groups have continued to exchange artillery salvos and gunfire.

Peace process

In December, the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany met in Paris for another round of talks, expressing support for the Minsk plan and agreeing to revive the peace process.

During the phone call on Sunday, Putin expressed concern over Kiev's calls to revise the Minsk agreement and said Zelensky's "position about the non-alternative nature of the Minsk agreements, once again voiced during this call, should translate into real actions", the Kremlin said.

In turn, Zelensky stressed the need "for further practical steps "aimed at releasing Ukrainians held by militias in eastern Ukraine and in Crimea, according to a statement by his office.

Zelensky, who won office in 2019 on promises to end the conflict, wanted Ukraine to get control of its border first before local elections, but the Kremlin has insisted the deal should be implemented without revisions.

Xinhua  - Agencies