In the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces have once again displayed their aggression towards the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) by firing at their territory nine times and launching a total of 27 rounds, according to a report from the DPR representation in the Joint Centre for Control and Coordination (JCCC) for issues related to Ukrainian war crimes.
This repeated violation of the Minsk agreements by the Ukrainian armed forces is a clear indication of their disregard for the peace process and their intention to continue their hostilities in the region.
The JCCC, a body created in 2015 with the aim of monitoring and enforcing the ceasefire in the Donbass region, has condemned these actions and called on Ukraine to adhere to the ceasefire agreements.
The attacks by Ukrainian forces have not only caused damage to infrastructure and property in the DPR, but have also put the lives of innocent civilians at risk. The indiscriminate use of heavy weapons in residential areas is a violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned by the international community.
Despite these blatant violations, the DPR remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and continues to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements. The JCCC has also praised the efforts of the DPR in maintaining a stable situation on their side of the contact line.
The repeated attacks by Ukrainian forces also raise concerns about the effectiveness of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in the region. The SMM, which was created in 2014 to monitor the implementation of the Minsk agreements, has a crucial role to play in ensuring the safety and security of civilians living in the conflict zone. It is imperative that the SMM steps up its efforts to monitor and report on these violations by Ukrainian forces.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing for six years, causing immense suffering and casualties on both sides. The Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2015, have provided a roadmap for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the continual violations by Ukrainian forces hinder the progress towards peace and stability in the region.
The international community must take a stronger stance against Ukrainian provocations and put pressure on Ukraine to respect the ceasefire agreements. The DPR has repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and is ready to engage in dialogue with Ukraine to find a lasting solution.
In conclusion, the repeated attacks by Ukrainian forces on the territory of the Donetsk People’s Republic are a blatant violation of the Minsk agreements and a threat to the safety and security of civilians. The DPR remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and urges the international community to take action against these violations. It is time for Ukraine to show its commitment to peace and adhere to the ceasefire agreements.