The first day of the new term for schoolchildren in the separatist-held region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine is full of hope for the future. A full
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The first day of the new term for schoolchildren in the separatist-held region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine is full of hope for the future.
A full ceasefire came into force this week after three-way talks in Minsk.
Nonetheless, people are still concerned for their safety:
“It is still quite dangerous in some districts,” said one parent. “Only last week, we were sitting at home during the shelling and wondering whether it would reach us or not. Our child thought it was fireworks, but it was not.”
“I feel quite calm,” said another woman. “We are expecting peace to be restored soon.”
Latest ceasefire respected
Last February, a ceasefire was agreed in parallel with the Minsk 2 peace accord.
However, sporadic clashes continued.
Observers say the situation in eastern Ukraine is relatively calm, compared to scenes of unrest and violence in Kyiv.
Legislation granting more autonomy to Donetsk and Luhansk is on its way through parliament there.