Ukrainian troops set up additional reserve forces in Donbas to retaliate in case of violating ceasefire
The Ukrainian Joint Forces continue preparing to the complete and comprehensive ceasefire, which is due to start at 00:01 a.m. on July 27, along the disengagement line between the opposing sides in Donbas, the press center for the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said on Sunday afternoon.
"Especially seconded Ukrainian servicemen, most of whom have an extensive combat experience and directly dealt with specific issues during peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations, begin arriving on our defense frontline in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This step will primarily make it possible not to distract the personnel of units of the Joint Forces from fulfilling combat tasks and prevent possible provocations. At the same time, this will not deprive Ukrainian troops of the possibility of self-defense, as is guaranteed under Article 51 of the UN Charter," the JFO press center said in a statement on Facebook.
"Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces stand ready to adequately rebuff the enemy if the latter violates the agreements, for this purpose the Joint Forces command set up specific additional reserve forces," the JFO press center said.
Correspondents and camera crews of domestic and foreign media outlets are also expected to work at various sections of the disengagement line in order to objectively brief the Ukrainian society and the international community on the current situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the statement said.
At the last Wednesday's meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas, the negotiating parties agreed on a host of additional measures supervising the ceasefire, which, among other clauses, implies the ban on the activity of subversive and reconnaissance groups, and the ban on opening fire, including the sniper fire.