In Ukraine flashpoint cities, residents doubt lasting peace

In flashpoint cities of eastern Ukraine, uneasy residents voiced doubt Saturday that the ceasefire deal would bring lasting peace after five months of devastating conflict that has ruined the lives of so many. Supporters of both the Ukrainian forces and the pro-Moscow insurgents who have been at war across the industrial east since mid-April also remained on edge despite the calm generally prevailing. Both the Ukrainian military and rebel leaders accused the other of breaking the ceasefire soon after it took effect on Friday at 1500 GMT.

It’s only a matter of time (before the truce is broken) because our Russian ‘brothers’ won’t stop until they finish their dirty work.

Alexei Maximov, a metal factory worker in the strategic port city of Mariupol

The West accused Russia of sending in troops and heavy weapons to back the new push by the rebels, who until last week had been losing ground to Kiev’s forces in the east. According to an AFP toll compiled from UN and government figures, the fighting has killed nearly 2,800 people since mid-April and forced at least half a million from their homes. Dozens of towns now stand in ruins and once-powerful factories and coal mines that form the backbone of Ukraine’s economy have ground to a halt.

Nothing has actually changed.

38-year-old Russian Vladyslav Lobzin

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