Pro-Russian rebels in Donetsk end ceasefire with Ukraine ahead of elections

Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donetsk have announced the end of a ceasefire, ending a period of relative calm as the country braces for parliamentary polls. Addressing reporters on Thursday, the Prime Minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, said “The truce has been observed by us alone. But the day before yesterday we started to respond as well.”

It is clear that attempts to destabilise the situation will continue and be provoked by the Russian side. They did not succeed during the presidential election [in May] but their plans have remained.

Ukraine Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said: “We need full mobilisation of the whole law-enforcement system to prevent violations of the election process and any attempts at terrorist acts during the elections.” Violence has decreased since pro-Moscow fighters and Kiev signed the ceasefire, known as the Minsk memorandum, on September 19.

World pro-russian