Ukraine ceasefire deals can be assessed upon implementation - Klintsevich
MOSCOW. Dec 2 (Interfax) - The ceasefire agreements reached between the Ukrainian military and representatives of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) must not become a cover for troop re-grouping, says Frants Klintsevich, first deputy leader of the United Russia Party's faction in the State Duma and member of the lower house's defense committee.
"Of course, it is too soon to ring the bell. First of all, these agreements must be strictly complied with and not become a cover for the re-grouping of Ukrainian troops," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"The chances of de-escalating the situation will noticeably rise if similar agreements are also reached between the Ukrainian military and representatives of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR)," as it is "precisely there that the standoff between the parties to the conflict is has now been most fierce," Klintsevich said.
"We, in Russia, certainly welcome any steps towards peace. No ends can justify the massive loss of life, especially considering that a military solution to the conflict in southeastern Ukraine has no prospects," Klintsevich said.
The Ukrainian military and LPR representatives have agreed on a ceasefire on the line of contact from December 5 and withdrawal of heavy armor from December 6, OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) monitors said in their latest report posted on the Organization's website on Tuesday.