Donetsk Ready to Withdraw Tanks, Arms From Contact Line to Ease Tension

DPR negotiator Denis Pushilin said that eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic is prepared to withdraw tanks and weapons with 100-millimeter caliber or less from the contact line in order to ease tensions in the region.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) is prepared to withdraw tanks and weapons with 100-millimeter caliber or less from the contact line in order to ease tensions in the region, DPR negotiator Denis Pushilin told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

"We have always been in favor and are now ready to take Russia's initiative. This is completely logical and will help lower the temperature on the line of contact," Pushilin said.

On Sunday, monitors of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Ukraine reported intense gunfire in the east of the country, including tank rounds, small arms and machine gun fire.

On Monday, the Normandy Four foreign ministers expressed support for the withdrawal of less than 100-millimeter caliber arms and tanks from southeastern Ukraine (Donbas), proposed by the OSCE.

In February, the warring sides agreed to a ceasefire after marathon talks between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.

Despite the withdrawal of heavy artillery from the contact line between Kiev forces and Donbas independence supporters, stipulated in the Minsk accords, opposing parties continue to report truce violations in the region.