Russia-backed separatists did not give security guarantees to the employees of the mobile operator Vodafone-Ukraine for repairs to restore mobile communications in Donetsk region, the press service of the Ministry for Temporary Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons has said.
“As of February 1, no security guarantees have been received from the representatives Russia-backed separatists for performing repair and restoration works in the separatist-held territory of Donbas. Vodafone representatives state that there is no supply of electricity for equipment in the occupied territory of Donbas,” the statement reads.
“The issue of the restoration of mobile communications in the territory of certain areas of Donetsk region was discussed at the meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk. Unfortunately, all attempts by the Ukrainian side to restore communication with the occupied part of Donetsk region are blocked by Russia-backed separatists,” the ministry said.
In addition, it emphasized the provision of safe access to the Ukrainian side for repair teams in the area of the village of Olenivka, which would “repair the technical devices on the part of the Donetsk region that is not controlled by Ukraine and restore the possibility of communication between citizens of Ukraine.”
