The Ukrainian side and militants have agreed to cease offensive operations in eastern Ukraine by signing in Minsk a memorandum on implementing the program for the settlement of the situation in the conflict zone, RIA Novosti has reported, citing a memorandum signed by members of the trilateral contact group after talks in Minsk.
“The cessation of the use of weapons is considered common,” reads the first paragraph of the memorandum.
The Ukrainian side and militants also agreed to stop fighting on the current line of clashes.
“Units and military formations of the parties stop on the line of clashes as of September 19,” reads the second paragraph of the memorandum.
“The use of all types of weapons and offensive operations are banned,” reads the third paragraph.
The memorandum bans military aircraft flights over the security zone in Ukraine.
“Flights of aircraft and foreign aerial vehicles, except OSCE aerial vehicles, over the security zone are banned,” reads the seventh paragraph of the document.
A 30-kilometer security zone was determined. In addition, heavy weapons are to be removed for 15 kilometers. The parties also agreed to continue the exchange of prisoners of war.
In addition, it was agreed to withdraw foreign mercenaries from the conflict zone.
“We agreed on the withdrawal of all foreign mercenaries from the one and the other side,” second Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma said, referring to the last paragraph of the memorandum signed in Minsk at night.
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