Full ceasefire takes effect in eastern Ukraine

A Ukrainian serviceman is seen at a position on the front line near the town of Novotoshkivske in Luhansk region, Ukraine July 26, 2020. Picture taken July 26, 2020. Iryna Rybakova/Press Service of Ukrainian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT.

KYIV (Reuters) - A full and comprehensive ceasefire between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists has entered into force in eastern Ukraine, opening the prospect of an end to military and civilian casualties, the two sides said on Monday.

Ukrainian, Russian and OSCE negotiators last week agreed on a full ceasefire in eastern Ukraine from Monday, putting on hold the military conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2014.