Fighting continues to escalate in east Ukraine as Russian soldiers and pro-Russian rebels violate the alleged peace agreement established in February as at least seven Ukrainian soldiers died and almost 30 were wounded in the fresh fights.
“In the past 24 hours the number of cease-fire violations by illegal military groups has risen,” explained Ukrainian military spokesman Oleksander Motuzyanyk on Sunday.
The majority of the attacks occurred at the Donetsk airport, Horlivka, and Maryinka. The attacks left one soldier dead and 21 wounded. An attack in and around Donetsk killed six Ukrainian soldiers and wounded 14 more on Saturday.
“The situation near the airport is particularly restive,” said military spokesman Andriy Lysenko. “Our enemies have thrown tanks, infantry combat vehicles and artillery into battle.”
The war started 14 months ago after Russia invaded the east and annexed Crimea. As of publication, almost 6,500 have died in the conflict, including civilians. Russia continues to deny they are sending soldiers or aid to the rebels, despite the evidence against them. The European Union and America finally admitted Russian soldiers exist in the east. Secretary of State John Kerry even confessed that Russian propaganda worked on him.
“We emphasize that rebels are also firing at residential areas,” continued Lysenko.
So far, fighting in June caused 50 deaths. More than 35 perished in fighting last week alone mainly in the quieter areas in east Ukraine.