MINSK, Belarus — Ukraine and separatists mapped out a no-fire zone to strengthen a shaky cease-fire in the east as rebels continued to shell government positions, a munitions plant exploded and a Russian aid convoy reached Donetsk.
The agreement to create an 18-mile weapons-free swath was reached at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday in Minsk, Belarus, where former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma held a seven-hour meeting with the heads of the separatists, the Russian ambassador to Ukraine, Mikhail Zurabov and Heidi Tagliavini, a representative for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
“This was a long, but constructive, dialogue that allowed us to sign the important document,” said Kuchma this morning. “We will hope for the better while preparing for everything.”
Daily clashes in eastern Ukraine have rattled the cease- fire since it was signed Sept. 5, miring the country in its bloodiest conflict since World War II and leaving more than 3,000 dead. The insurrection in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk erupted after Russia annexed Crimea in March, pushing the national currency to the weakest in more than five years on Friday.
The no-fire zone brackets troop positions from both sides as of Friday. Weaponry on either side will be pulled back at least 9 miles, creating a buffer between the front lines. The OSCE will send monitors to the no-fire zone within 24 hours of the pact’s signing, according to Kuchma.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported on its Facebook account that as of 5:30 p.m. Saturday, sounds of explosions could still be heard after earlier reports that separatists were firing on Ukrainian positions “despite the cease-fire.”
Ukrainian forces were under attack in 13 locations in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, including the Donetsk airport. Government forces killed 20 armed rebels, the ministry said. The situation in Mariupol remained “stable,” with the city under control of Ukrainian forces.
Shelling of a chemical and munitions plant at about 10 a.m. Saturday caused a massive explosion and spurred speculation on social media that radiation was being emitted.
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