Kyiv Not Fully Committed to Ceasefire: Russia
“Throughout the ceasefire period a concentration of Ukrainian troops was observed almost along the entire front line,” Pankin said.
The withdrawal of heavy weapons and tech gear from the front line has not begun, he added.
Kyiv’s allegations of the presence of Russian troops and weapons in Ukraine contradict the real situation on the ground, Pankin stated, adding that this misinformation is spread to justify Kyiv’s own failures, RT reported.
“Apparently, Kyiv’s fear of the self-defense forces is so great that it tries to justify their own failures and massive transfer of personnel and equipment to the front lines by loudly claiming alleged Russian weapons and army,” Pankin explained.
“A more logical explanation is the presence of increasingly fortified positions of the self-defense forces, noted by the OSCE, in the regions that are being increasingly exposed to attacks by security forces.”
The deputy UN envoy also expressed Russia’s concern over the annulment of the law giving special status to the Lugansk and Donetsk regions by Ukrainian authorities, adding that the law is “a cornerstone of the Minsk protocol.”
The lack of reaction from the OSCE on the actions of Kyiv’s forces has only added fuel to the fire, Pankin stated.
Kyiv said on Wednesday that it is sending more troops into eastern Ukraine out of fear that militias might start a new military offensive.
Meanwhile, the US called for greater international pressure on Russia to adhere to the Ukrainian ceasefire during the UNSC meeting.