Ukraine and Russia's representatives in trilateral peace talks are calling for an end to all hostilities in the region by midnight, August 31, ahead of the start of the new school year.
Following talks in Belarus between Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), all three parties are calling for a total end to hostilities, coinciding with the first day of school in September. The first day of school, or Day of Knowledge as it is known in some former Soviet states, is regarded as an important send-off for new pupils in particular, as schools put on elaborate and lengthy ceremonies to kick off the year.
