Ukraine on Tuesday accused Russian-backed rebels in the east of violating the "Day of Silence," just hours after both sides acquiesced to pave the way for a lasting ceasefire, the fourth such attempt since peace talks in Minsk began in September.

Both sides agreed to the cessation of combat operations in the embattled Ukrainian region on Tuesday morning. Kiev officials confirmed the suspension was put in place at 10:00 a.m. while separatists acknowledged the ceasefire.

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By sundown however, Ukrainian forces reported at least 13 violations by militants striking at government positions, emphasizing two artillery assaults at the Donetsk international airport.

In complete disregard for an agreement that has been put in place, rebels have made use of light mortars, artillery and armored tanks in residential neighborhoods, Ukraine's eastern military operation press service said.

It was not immediately clear whether any soldiers had been wounded or killed from the incidents.

Ukrainians see the Day of Silence as a test of Russian-backed separatists' resolve in upholding a September truce that has so far, been repeatedly violated with an almost daily tally of government forces, civilian and rebel deaths, Reuters relayed.

Stakeholders had hoped the ceasefire would lead to an improved round of peace negotiations in Minsk.

In early September, representatives from the rebel group, Ukraine and Russia - with backing from the Organization for Security and Cooperation - came up with a 12-point outline for peace, which includes a ceasefire.

Even so, pro-Russia separatists have signified their disinterest for conciliation and have even held elections for their officials. Kiev has also blamed Russia for its persistence in aiding the rebels in eastern Donetsk, an allegation that Moscow has repeatedly denied.

Meanwhile, in an optimistic step towards the resolution of the crisis, Ukrainian authorities announced that Russia has restarted shipping natural gas to the country. Moscow had halted the shipments in June after a payment dispute that had fuelled tempers over the separatist crisis.

TagsUkraine crisis, pro-Russia separatists, Eastern Donetsk, Minsk ceasefire, Organization for Security and Cooperation, Day of Silence