International

Ukraine’s ceasefire holds

Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels have maintained a period of ceasefire into Saturday, holding back fighting after more than four months of bloodshed, The Associated Press reported.

Kiev reached the truce Friday with separatist rebels that included withdrawal of heavy weaponry, the release of prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid to ravaged cities in eastern Ukraine.

{mosads}Ukraine has been in a state of tension for months, particularly the Eastern region of the country, where separatists want to join Russia.

The rebels have taken control of Donetsk but The Associated Press reported that Friday night was a period of calm despite the mounting tensions in the region.

However, both the rebels and Ukrainians are accusing the other side of violating the ceasefire agreement.

The AP estimated that more than 2,600 civilians have been lost in the area since the violence started.