The death poll of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine has risen to seven the nations military said on Monday. This has been the deadliest clash in the Eastern part of war-torn Ukraine since mid-December.
The clashes coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts on improving U.S.-Russia relations which has alarmed Kiev while the conflict in it’s Eastern region remains un-resolved.
The pro-Russian rebels began attacking government positions on Sunday which escalated to a clash between the rebels and the Ukrainian military. The Ukrainian military report 5 killed in action and an additional 9 wounded. 2 more killed soldiers added to this number on Monday.
“The situation in the Avidiyivka Industrial zone is challenging. The enemy continues to fire at our positions with heavy artillery and mortars.” A Ukrainian military spokesman said during a interview.
Additionally, a pro-Russian website, DAN, reported that Ukrainian shelling killed one female civilian and wounded 3 more in the rebel held town of Makiyavka. Report could not be verified but this may be the reasoning behind the attacks.
Both sides accuse each other over the violation of a two-year-old ceasefire on a daily basis while NATO and Ukraine accuse Kremlin of supporting the rebels with troops and weapons, which Kremlin denies.
With Mr. Trump trying to rebuild stained ties with Russia for anti-terror operations in Syria, Ukraine grows anxious as NATO is a key supporter in their battle against the pro-Russian rebels.
Copyright Ulto Media Inc./Atlas News
Image: Newsweek
By Engin Tezcan