After we took all possible steps to inform and warn Kiev about our readiness to resort to the extreme measure of response to the violations of the Additional Measures by the Ukrainian side, Ukrainian representatives have finally paid attention to our demand, DPR Plenipotentiary Representative and Foreign Affairs Minister Natalya Nikonorova stated on September 7.
“Firstly, DPR People’s Militia representatives register a certain activity of Ukrainian armed forces at the entrenchments near Shumy. It is not yet known precisely what the Ukrainian side is going to do and whether this activity is aimed at dismantling the structures or, on the contrary, at hardening them. This area is being monitored, the Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic is kept posted on any further update.
Secondly, Mr. Kravchuk sent us a letter. It is indicative that although this paper is dated September 2, we received it no sooner than on September 5. Taking into account the importance of the issue raised in this letter, such delays in correspondence are unacceptable as they may lead to escalation in the security area.
Taking into account these facts, as well as remaining committed to the agreements reached within the Contact Group, the leadership of the Donetsk People’s Republic decided to postpone the start of the operation on the elimination of the Ukrainian entrenchments near Shumy to 10:00 on September 9, 2020. Representatives of Ukraine still can eliminate the illegal fortifications themselves and send a report on the fact of their dismantlement by 22:00 on September 8, 2020.
We recommend that the Ukrainian leadership focus on these activities to rectify the violations, rather than on making more fake statements in the media that the Ukrainian side allegedly has not violated anything. The Donetsk People’s Republic acts responsibly and conscientiously when fulfilling its obligations under the agreements reached at the Minsk venue, but we are not willing to leave unattended the fact that the Ukrainian authorities overtly sabotage these agreements,” Nikonorova emphasized.
