| Author (Corporate) | International Crisis Group |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Europe Briefing |
| Series Details | No.81, July 2016 |
| Publication Date | 18/07/2016 |
| Content Type | Report |
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The 500km line of separation between Russian-supported separatist districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and the rest of Ukraine is not fit for purpose. The ceasefire negotiated at the February 2015 Minsk talks is being violated daily and heavily. Tens of thousands of well-armed troops confront each other in densely populated civilian areas. The sides are so close that even light infantry weapons can cause substantial damage, let alone the heavy weapons they regularly use. This presents major risks to civilians who still live there – about 100,000 on the Ukrainian side alone, according to an unofficial estimate – often next door to troops who have taken over unoccupied houses. It also heightens the risk of an escalation. Kyiv, Moscow and the separatists all bear responsibility for the security and well-being of civilians living along the front line. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/eastern-europe/ukraine/ukraine-line |
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| Countries / Regions | Russia, Ukraine |
