DONETSK. Aug 31 (Interfax) - The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has proposed withdrawing Ukrainian nationalist battalions from the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata sector of the contact line for stabilization purposes, DPR negotiator Denis Pushilin said at the Thursday videoconference of the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine.
"At today's videoconference, the Donetsk People's Republic reiterated its commitment to the 'school truce' and welcomed measures suggested by the participants aimed at avoiding escalation of tensions on the contact line and punishing culprits behind ceasefire breaches," Pushilin told reporters on Thursday.
About 80% of recorded shooting incidents have happened through the fault of Ukrainian servicemen stationed in the Avdiivka-Yasynuvata and Avdiivka-airport sectors, he said.
"What is more, we have proposed withdrawing Ukrainian volunteer battalions for the purpose of stabilization in that area. The school truce may become the longest, if not open-ended, truce but both conflicting sides should make an effort," Pushilin said.
The Donbas conflicting sides agreed last week to declare a 'school truce' on August 25 to mark the beginning of a new school year.
Eduard Basurin of the DPR Defense Ministry accused the Ukrainian army of breaking the 'school truce'.