Ukrainian army suspends operation of some Donbas checkpoints over shelling threat

The mechanism of crossing from and into Donbas territories beyond Kyiv's control will remain unchanged until the government decides differently, but certain restrictions have been put into place due to the increased threat of shelling and sabotage, spokesman for the army operation in eastern Ukraine Andriy Lysenko said.

"The admission regime has not been changed. However, checkpoints on these roads will be temporarily shut down over the increased threat of shelling and acts by sabotage groups. This is being done to save the lives of our citizens," he said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian government will soon issue a resolution setting norms for the admission of citizens travelling to and from the "occupied territory", Lysenko said.

Ukrainian authorities decided earlier to limit passenger and cargo traffic across the line dividing territories controlled by Ukraine and the militia. Seven checkpoints will be operational but they may be shut down in the case of a security threat.

Two checkpoints suspended operations on Monday because of gunfire.