MOSCOW. Dec 26 (Interfax) - Attacks are being registered in the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics despite the agreement on a holiday 'ceasefire,' DPR envoy in the negotiations Denis Pushilin said.
"The contact group issued a statement at the most recent meeting saying that a ceasefire regime should be resumed for the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, it currently cannot be said that the ceasefire regime has resumed," Pushilin told a press conference on Monday.
"However, it can be stated that the number of attacks declined sharply after the agreement took effect on [December] 24," he said.
Pushilin said provocation flash-points now remain in the populated areas of Shyroka Balka, Horlivka, and Debaltseve.
"All these populated areas are buzz words and we are now registering attacks there, including with heavy artillery, which has to be withdrawn. We are doing everything possible using the instruments available there to achieve a ceasefire. We are giving attention to all breaches, we are trying to stimulate somewhere, give attention," Pushilin said.
He also said he has doubts about the development of the Minsk process in 2017.
"Big concerns can be voiced about the fact that the position will not change much. I don't see any preconditions of what should happen for Ukraine to suddenly begin fulfilling the Minsk agreements. Accordingly, the settlement process will be delayed," Pushilin said.
Pushilin said not a single agreement has been implemented.
"The biggest achievement is that the Minsk process was not disrupted, although Ukraine probably had such intentions. Unfortunately, not a single item has been implemented, there is even some regress," Pushilin said.
"Donetsk and Luhansk are consistently demonstrating their wish to speak, look for compromises, and Ukraine is doing the opposite," he said.