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Ukraine crisis: New ceasefire bid with 'Day of Silence' | Ukraine crisis: New ceasefire bid with 'Day of Silence' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A "Day of Silence" called by President Petro Poroshenko is being held in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to kick-start a much-violated ceasefire deal. | A "Day of Silence" called by President Petro Poroshenko is being held in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to kick-start a much-violated ceasefire deal. |
However, new talks between pro-Russian rebels and the Ukrainian government appear uncertain. | However, new talks between pro-Russian rebels and the Ukrainian government appear uncertain. |
The talks had been due to take place in Minsk, Belarus, on Tuesday. | The talks had been due to take place in Minsk, Belarus, on Tuesday. |
Both sides signed a truce in Minsk in September, but almost 1,000 people have been killed in fighting since then, the UN says. | Both sides signed a truce in Minsk in September, but almost 1,000 people have been killed in fighting since then, the UN says. |
Mr Poroshenko said last week that troops would observe the Day of Silence on Tuesday to try to boost the peace deal. | Mr Poroshenko said last week that troops would observe the Day of Silence on Tuesday to try to boost the peace deal. |
The Ukrainian army would stop shelling and would possibly withdraw heavy weapons if it was clear that militants did the same, Mr Poroshenko said. | The Ukrainian army would stop shelling and would possibly withdraw heavy weapons if it was clear that militants did the same, Mr Poroshenko said. |
Some pro-Russian rebels reportedly welcomed the pledge, but it is not known if all groups had agreed to the proposal. | Some pro-Russian rebels reportedly welcomed the pledge, but it is not known if all groups had agreed to the proposal. |
Since the conflict began in April, more than 4,300 people have died with almost one million displaced, the UN says. | Since the conflict began in April, more than 4,300 people have died with almost one million displaced, the UN says. |
Talks in doubt | Talks in doubt |
Authorities in Minsk said they had not received any confirmation that either the Ukrainian government or rebel representatives would attend new peace talks, which were planned to begin on Tuesday. | Authorities in Minsk said they had not received any confirmation that either the Ukrainian government or rebel representatives would attend new peace talks, which were planned to begin on Tuesday. |
Russian media reports say that the talks may now begin on Friday instead, but this has not been confirmed. | Russian media reports say that the talks may now begin on Friday instead, but this has not been confirmed. |
The previous Minsk agreement, brokered in September, projected a 30km (18 mile) military buffer zone in the east and limited self-rule for the separatists. | The previous Minsk agreement, brokered in September, projected a 30km (18 mile) military buffer zone in the east and limited self-rule for the separatists. |
However, the rebel-held Luhansk and Donetsk regions then held leadership elections on 2 November that Ukraine and the West refused to recognise. | However, the rebel-held Luhansk and Donetsk regions then held leadership elections on 2 November that Ukraine and the West refused to recognise. |
There have been near-daily clashes and exchanges of heavy weapons fire, leaving hundreds dead. | There have been near-daily clashes and exchanges of heavy weapons fire, leaving hundreds dead. |
Mr Poroshenko has travelled to Singapore, where he is set to make a speech, so will not be in Minsk on Tuesday. | Mr Poroshenko has travelled to Singapore, where he is set to make a speech, so will not be in Minsk on Tuesday. |
Meanwhile, the last pieces of wreckage from Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine, are due to arrive in the Netherlands for investigation. | Meanwhile, the last pieces of wreckage from Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was shot down over eastern Ukraine, are due to arrive in the Netherlands for investigation. |
Ukraine and its allies have accused Russia of supplying the missile used to bring down the plane, while Russia has denied involvement. | Ukraine and its allies have accused Russia of supplying the missile used to bring down the plane, while Russia has denied involvement. |
A total of 298 people died when the plane came down in July. | A total of 298 people died when the plane came down in July. |
The Ukraine crisis began a year ago, when then-President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned an agreement on closer trade ties with EU in favour of closer co-operation with Russia. | The Ukraine crisis began a year ago, when then-President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned an agreement on closer trade ties with EU in favour of closer co-operation with Russia. |
This decision sparked pro-EU protests in the capital Kiev, eventually toppling Mr Yanukovych in February. | This decision sparked pro-EU protests in the capital Kiev, eventually toppling Mr Yanukovych in February. |
In the weeks that followed, Russia annexed Crimea, in Ukraine's south, and pro-Russian separatists took control of Donetsk and Luhansk, declaring independence. | In the weeks that followed, Russia annexed Crimea, in Ukraine's south, and pro-Russian separatists took control of Donetsk and Luhansk, declaring independence. |
The crisis has caused a serious rift between Russia and Ukraine's Western supporters. | The crisis has caused a serious rift between Russia and Ukraine's Western supporters. |
Are you in eastern Ukraine? Have you been affected by the violence? You can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. If you are willing to talk to a BBC journalist, please include a contact number. | |
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