THE ceasefire between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists is on the whole undisturbed though there has been some shelling in the rebel city of Donetsk. As in Gaza, here also doubts assail the prospect of durability of the peace in the wake of six months of conflict. The peace deal was approved by envoys from Ukraine, the separatist leadership in Eastern Ukraine, Russia and Europe’s Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) watchdog. The terms of peace include an exchange of prisoners and the creation of a humanitarian corridor for refugees and aid. People in Ukraine are tired of fighting and the Ukrainian President, Petro Porosheno has ordered his forces to stop hostilities. He emphasized that human life was of the greatest value and that everything possible and impossible should be done to stop bloodshed. Donetsk separatists are also committed to the ceasefire. Poroshenko has advocated decentralization of powers to appease Eastern Ukraine. All heavy weaponry is expected to be withdrawn shortly. Mikhail Zurabov, Russian ambassador to Ukraine, has hailed the deal, especially the exchange of over 1000 prisoners. Putin has agreed obviously to avert toughening of sanctions against Russia by EU leaders.
There are still misgivings on both sides. Kiev says that its forces have been trying to repel a big offensive to take a region whose port is essential for Ukraine’s steel exports. This is only part of the hit on its economy. Ukrainian commanders denied the separatist claim that its forces had entered the region. Russia denies sending troops and weapons to Ukraine which NATO refuses to accept. The UN estimates the number of casualties in the conflict to be over 2,600. NATO leaders are reported to have decided to mobilize forces to counter future Russian offensives. One hopes however that war drums will cease to disturb the present state of calm.
