Ukraine, Rebels Observe 'Day of Silence' | WPN World People News

The Ukrainian army and pro-Russian rebel forces are laying down their arms in an attempt to revive a September cease-fire.

A spokesman confirmed the military has suspended hostilities as part of Tuesday's so-called "Day of Silence." Rebel leaders have also promised to abide by the truce.

But it is not clear when the warring sides will hold peace talks. Kyiv had tentatively planned for the negotiations to be held Tuesday in Minsk, Belarus. Rebel leaders insist they be postponed until Friday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told RIA Novosti news agency the talks will be held in the "coming days," though he said any easing of tensions in eastern Ukraine is a long way off.

The Russian-backed rebels and Ukrainian government both have regularly violated the September 5 cease-fire, leaving nearly 1,000 people dead.

Kyiv accuses Moscow of providing arms and other support for the Russian-speaking rebels. Russia denies this charge. The dispute has severely strained ties between the two neighbors.

On Tuesday, Ukraine reported it has received its first shipment of Russian natural gas since June, when Moscow cut off the supply over a price dispute.

Source: Voice of America