DONETSK. June 22 (Interfax) - The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has called the 'bread truce' an important step as part of efforts to reduce tensions in the conflict in Donbas, but said it does not expect that Kyiv will observe it in full.
"It [the 'bread truce'] is a significant and important step in order to prevent a seasonal escalation, and it is certain that this mechanism will help reduce tensions and alter the tendency toward an upsurge in strikes... Do I believe that it will help ensure a complete ceasefire? No, I don't, unfortunately. We are dealing with Ukraine, a country that is unable to reach agreements," DPR chief negotiator Denis Pushilin told reporters.
"The tendencies indicate that Ukraine will shoot anyway, but, hopefully, to a lesser extent," Pushilin said.
At its meeting in Minsk on Wednesday, the Trilateral Contact Group reached an agreement on a so-called 'bread truce', which is a ceasefire for the duration of the harvesting period, from June 24 through August 31.