The Minsk ceasefire is once more on shaky ground, with the outbreak of fresh fighting in eastern Ukraine. Both the Ukrainian military and
ADVERTISEMENTThe Minsk ceasefire is once more on shaky ground, with the outbreak of fresh fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Both the Ukrainian military and pro-Russian rebels have accused each other of intensifying attacks in recent days.
Reports suggest at least six Ukrainian servicemen were killed between Monday and Tuesday (April 13-14), representing the heaviest loss in weeks for pro-Kyiv forces.
Some 12 were wounded in a surge in fighting, which has been largely concentrated around rebel-held Donetsk, according to government spokesperson Andriy Lysenko.
Meanwhile, pro-Russian officials say the Ukrainian military has repeatedly fired rounds of artillery at rebel positions, the separatist news agency DAN reports.
Report from @OSCE on renewed intensive fighting around #Donetsk & #Shyrokynehttp://t.co/ZvQtOVCJI0pic.twitter.com/IrGRHBSHPM
— Rodrigo Barbosa (@RodaLarga) April 14, 2015
‘Grave concern’
Foreign ministers from Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France have condemned the renewed conflict and expressed “grave concern” over the ceasefire violations, but vowed to continue discussions.
More than 6,000 people have been killed since fighting began in the east last April.