Russia is trying to blame Ukraine for violating the ceasefire. Such an opinion on Wednesday, December 20, before the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, was expressed to the journalists by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak.

According to him, yesterday the Russian officers left, and the situation on the front deteriorated, shelling began from rocket launcher systems, from artillery systems caliber 152 mm. After that, the true face of Russia became visible and it became clear why such a decision was made.

Russia will now accuse Ukraine of violating the ceasefire, although in principle they are only waiting for it and themselves are violating the ceasefire regime, the minister said, adding that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are ready to change the situation.

Recall, the Joint Center for the Control and Coordination of the Ceasefire - a group to monitor compliance with the Minsk Protocol, which includes representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian sides, as well as militants from the so-called republics. The Center started its work on September 26, 2014 in the city of Soledar, Donetsk region.

As reported URA-Inform, Russia decided to withdraw its representatives from the SCCC December 19.

According to Russian officers, this decision was made in connection with the new procedure for the entry into Ukraine of Russian citizens planned for January 1, 2018, including the introduction of a preliminary electronic notification of the intention to visit the country.