"The Ukrainian side of the JCCC has created an ad hoc group that is engaged in rebuilding Donbas infrastructure only, but it is unacceptable when people work under fire," he said.
"I regret to say that the JCCC's Russian team cannot ensure a full ceasefire by the militants during mine clearance operations and repairs to the power girds, water and gas pipelines in certain priority areas," Taran said.
"This situation leads to delays in the infrastructure rehabilitation process. Workers' safety is a key requirement the Ukrainian side of the JCCC insists on," he said.
According to Taran, as soon as repairs begin in militant-held territory in Luhansk and Donetsk regions where Ukrainian citizens still live, the Ukrainian Armed Forces strictly abide by the ceasefire in accordance with the Minsk agreements.
But when they start rebuild infrastructure in Ukrainian-controlled territory, the Donbas militants start to cynically shell the repair teams.
Taran said that, despite the Minsk agreements, the number of attacks by illegal armed groups, especially during the New Year and Orthodox Christmas holidays, had increased significantly.
