Ukraine: Government and separatists agree ceasefire in eastern Ukraine from July 27 /update 1

Event

The Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts have agreed on a complete ceasefire in the region, starting from Monday, July 27. The ceasefire agreement was a key requirement demanded by European leaders as a necessary step before holding a summit on the six-year-long conflict. Several past ceasefires between separatist forces and the government have failed.

Despite the decreased risk of clashes due to the ceasefire, tensions are likely to remain high in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in the medium term.

Context

Clashes between Ukrainian state forces and separatists have been taking place on a regular basis despite several ceasefire agreements made since 2014.

Advice

Those in the area are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to the far east of Ukraine, including the cities of Donetsk, Horlivka, Makiyivka, Mariupol, and Luhansk.