MainNews -

Disengagement of forces started near Petrovske, Donetsk region

In the case of an escalation, the military will return to their positions.

Disengagement of forces started near Petrovske, Donetsk region
Photo: EPA / UPG
Photo: Photo: dsnews.ua

The disengagement of forces in the Bohdanivka-Petrovske section of the frontline, Donetsk region has started pursuant to agreements reached in Minsk, the head of the Donetsk regional civil and military administration Pavlo Zhebrivskyy said in a 7 October FB statement.

"On the disengagement of troops at the Bohdanivka-Petrovske section of the frontline: the process has just started. Under the agreement, the troops will be pulled back for one kilometer on either side [of the frontline]. I should like to reassure the residents of the Donetsk region - nothing terrible is happening," Zhebrivskyy wrote.

"The area will remain under the control of the Ukrainian authorities, under the supervision of our reconnaissance and the OSCE monitors. In case the aggressor violates the deal, maximum in 10 minutes our troops in full combat readiness will regain their former positions, and take control of all the territory."

"Though I hope that there won't be necessary," he added.

On September 21, the participants of the Tripartite Contact Group signed a framework document on the withdrawal of forces and weaponry involved in the conflict zone in Donbass in three areas. The agreed area were in the areas of Stanytsya Luhanska, Zolote and Petrovske.

The disengagement of forces in Donbas was conditioned by the observance of ceasefire at these for the duration of seven days.

To date, the disengagement takes place only in the area of Zolote. In Stanytsya Luganska, it is planned to begin on Sunday, 9 October.

Read LB.ua news on social networks Facebook, Twitter and Telegram