The Trilateral Contact Group has confirmed its commitment to a full and indefinite ceasefire in Donbas starting from 00:01 on March 5.

"The Trilateral Contact Group, with the participation of the representatives of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions… stressing the importance of ensuring peace and calm for the population caught in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and guided by earlier agreements and obligations of the sides, re-affirm their full commitment to a comprehensive, sustainable and unlimited ceasefire, starting from 5 March 2018 at 00 hrs. 01 min. (Kyiv time)," reads the statement by the OSCE's representative in the TCG, Martin Sajdik, made available to Interfax-Ukraine on March 2.

The Trilateral Contact Group stressed the importance of the issuance of, and compliance with, the respective ceasefire orders; the effective use of disciplinary measures for ceasefire violations; no firing, including return fire; avoiding forward movements and reconnaissance missions.

The group also said that it was important to strictly forbid, in particular, firing to and from populated areas, the presence and use of heavy weapons in and close to populated areas and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and public premises.

The TCG reasserted their joint and firm commitment to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.