As separatist leaders of two eastern Ukraine regions claim they are observing a ceasefire called by President Petro Poroshenko, a spokesman from the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic spoke about the president’s peace plan which includes a buffer zone, decentralisation, and early elections.

Vladimir Inogorodskikh, “Luhansk People’s Republic” spokesman said: “We don’t care about the peace plan, because we cannot accept its points. The Ukrainian government will not withdraw its armies from here, even with the negotiation. The proposed plans and suggestions were never discussed with anyone.”

The truce has been seen as the first real prospect of an end to fighting since separatist rebellions erupted in the east in April.

Many people approve.

An unnamed militia member said: “We think the peace plan is very good. According to this plan, civilians, women and children here will not be targeted or killed. But the Ukrainian forces have not stopped fighting. We will always support the way to peacefully stabilize the situation.”

Lina, a local Luhansk resident said: “Now the fighting has stopped. Everything is peaceful. You see, people on the street look down while walking.” Refering to the threat of air strikes, she added, “We used to look up in the air. Now we can lower our heads.”

Poroshenko’s ceasefire is part of his 15-point peace plan to end a pro-Russian insurgency in the east of Ukraine which threatens to break up the former Soviet republic.