★ Ukrainian army violates Christmas ceasefire, shells northern Donetsk

Donetsk, Dec 29 – DAN. Ukrainian armed formations shelled northern Donetsk today after Christmas ceasefire came into force shortly after midnight, the DPR mission to the JCCC said.

“Shelling was recorded at 12.30 p.m. originating from Ukrainian positions, direction of Peski, targeting Zhabitchevo with small arms.”

Over the past 24 hours Ukrainian army violated the ceasefire 17 times firing 170 shells.

Earlier the Contact Group endorsed the Christmas ceasefire in Donbass in effect from December 29, 2018 1:01 a.m. GMT+3.

December 2018 saw tensions rising as Ukraine announced martial law trying to postpone presidential election. DPR Head Denis Pushilin said in his live TV Q&A on Thursday that DPR’s large-scale intelligence and mass media campaign against plotted offensive in Donbass foiled plans of the Ukrainian military.

DPR Foreign Ministry voiced a hope for peaceful holidays in Donbass in light of the recent recommitment to ceasefire. *ot

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