Ceasefire largely holding in eastern Ukraine

The ceasefire in eastern Ukraine was largely holding on Saturday.

But in rebel-held Donetsk, separatist leaders have accused Kyiv of violating the truce just hours after coming into force.

Ukraine said rebels had fired on government positions ten times.

Some locals don’t expect the truce to last.

For others, it’s raised hopes of an end to fighting that has caused the worst standoff between Moscow and the West since the Cold War ended.

“Trust or no trust, it doesn’t matter,” said Tatiana who lives in Donetsk. “I hope for the best. Whether we want it or not, it’s not up to us. None of the people want it (war). The people don’t care.”

“I don’t think it will last,” said Donetsk resident Oleg. When asked why, he said: “Because Comrade Poroshenko does not keep his word. It’s not just me, most people from Donesk have the same opinion.”

If the fragile truce holds it will give all parties in the conflict the time they need to hammer out a more long-term peace plan.