TCG agrees to return to ceasefire in eastern Ukraine

The Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) said that at the latest meeting the parties reached a common understanding on the need to restore ceasefire in the zone of hostilities.

That’s according to the delegation’s report on Telegram, seen by Ukrinform.

"Today, December 22, the Trilateral Contact Group held this year’s last meeting, allowing to express restrained optimism about the possible de-escalation in Donbas and unblocking of the peace process. The parties reached a common understanding on the need to restore the ceasefire within the relevant measures agreed on July 22, 2020, as evidenced, in particular, by OSCE representatives," the statement said.

Acting First Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Delegation to the TCG, Andriy Kostin, said: “For the first time over a long period, there is a real opportunity to ensure silence on the line of contact in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Ukrainian side is fully prepared for this. It is important that we see the other side's readiness to take this step. "

According to the Ukrainian delegation, this result is especially important in view of the upcoming winter holidays.

"It is traditional for our citizens to celebrate Christmas and New Year in peace and together with their loved ones. The security component is perceived as decisive. The ability to guarantee overall fulfillment of the relevant commitments and implement measures to strengthen the ceasefire, agreed on July 22 last year, will also mean the ability to walk a peaceful path on other necessary items, too," wrote the delegation.

The Ukrainian side also continues its work in all available formats toward the release of held persons, the opening of crossing checkpoints, and the implementation of other agreements in the interests of all Ukrainians on both sides of the line of contact.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at a joint briefing with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic expressed hope that the next meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group would address three main issues, including a ceasefire and a swap of held persons.

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