The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (OSCE SMM) has recorded an increase in the number of ceasefire violations in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas for the period from 19.30 on December 7 to 19.30 on December 8, according to a reported published by the organization on December 9.

"In Donetsk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including about 560 explosions, compared with the previous reporting period (about 200 explosions)," the OSCE reported.

"In Luhansk region the SMM recorded more ceasefire violations, including, however, fewer explosions (about 70), compared with the previous reporting period (about 120 explosions)," the observers said.

The report also says that access to SMM remained limited both in disengagement areas and in other areas, in particular, at a checkpoint near "DPR"-controlled Verkhnioshyrokivske. In addition, the observers recorded damage to civilian properties from shelling near the Chervony Yar area of Luhansk city's Zhovtnevy district.