DONETSK, December 24. /TASS/. The movement of the frontline away from Donetsk this year has significantly reduced the frequency of shelling by Ukrainian forces, Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), reported.

"Numerous settlements were liberated this year, especially during the second half. The liberation of Avdeyevka has brought very positive changes, including a noticeable decrease in shelling," Pushilin stated during a press conference in Donetsk.

He also noted that shelling in Donetsk’s Kirovsky and Petrovsky districts is expected to diminish further once Kurakhovo is liberated.