(VOVworld) – The Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine on Friday reached an agreement in Minsk, Belarus, to observe a ceasefire in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, as soon as the Easter and the May holidays begin.

Ukrainian soldier stands at the separation line in Donetsk Oblast. (Photo: Ukrafofo)

Special Envoy Martin Sajdik of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) described the agreement as a very important step, voicing the hope the ceasefire would become permanent. Sajdik said this is the 8^th ceasefire agreement since autumn 2014. The Contact Group called on OSCE to point out parties who violate the agreement on its reports. Sajdik added that the Contact Group has failed to reach an agreement on prisoner exchange. Russia’s representative to the Trilateral Contact Group Boris Gryzlov said that elections in Donbass should be held in accordance with the OSCE standards. It means Kiev must end its military campaign as well as economic blockade of Donbass area.