Second Day Of Ceasefire Between Ukraine And Russian-Backed Rebels Cut Short

The momentary ceasefire between Ukraine's military and Russian-back separatist groups ended on Wednesday afternoon after violent clashes erupted in the region, according to Reuters.

Established on Tuesday, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko called for a "Day of Silence" as part of the country's attempt to establish peace talks with the rebel forces. The two forces followed the agreement which significantly reduced the clashes in Ukraine's war-torn eastern region, DW has learned.

"To the extent that we are seeing a lessening of shelling, and we will continue supporting the silence regime and hope that shelling will reduce sharply and lead to zero," Ukraine military's spokesperson Andriy Lysenko said during a press conference.

He then told the AFP news agency that if the ceasefire continues, then Ukraine will consider withdrawing its artillery in the conflict-ridden region.

"Once there has been a day without a single shot, it will signal we can start the process of withdrawing heavy weapons," he said.

However, on Wednesday afternoon, hopes of establishing a peaceful resolution between the two forces vanished after the Ukrainian military reported that they were attacked by the separatist group.

On Thursday, Poroshenko appealed to the Russian government to withdraw its troops and stop supporting the separatists. The Ukrainian president made the statement while in Australia to visit Prime Minister Tony Abbott, First Post reported.

"Please stop the fire," Poroshenko said in a press conference. "Please release the hostages. Please withdraw your troops from my territory."

Following Poroshenko's appeal, Abbot announced that Australia is ready to support Ukraine.

"The side we take is the side of freedom, democracy and self-determination," he said during the conference. "And plainly, freedom, democracy and self-determination are currently at risk in parts of Eastern Europe."

"Please close the border," he added. "And I promise if you close the border, within one, two, three weeks, we have peace and stability in Ukraine. Very simple."