Ukraine: At least four Ukrainian soldiers killed in Donbas October 10-11

Event

According to Ukrainian military officials, four soldiers were killed in two separate incidents in the Donbas region on Wednesday, October 10, and Thursday, October 11. Local sources report that two of the soldiers were killed by a landmine, while two others were killed by artillery shelling. Further clashes between Ukrainian military forces and separatist militants are possible in the Donbas region over the coming days.

Context

Tensions remain high in Ukraine as clashes between Ukrainian state forces and the separatists have been taking place on a regular basis in the Donbas region despite a number of ceasefire agreements made since 2014. According to the UN, more than 10,300 people have died since the eastern Ukraine conflict erupted in April 2014, soon after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The fighting has displaced more than 1.6 million people. The rebels remain in control of a large swath of territory in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts, which are mainly Russian-speaking regions.

Advice

Individuals in the Donbas region are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

Due to the ongoing conflict, many Western governments advise against travel to Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, in particular, the cities of Mariupol, Donetsk, Makiyivka, Horlivka, Debaltseve, and Luhansk, as well as areas along the Russian border. The Ukrainian government has declared that foreigners entering Ukraine from Russia through rebel-controlled territory will not be allowed through any checkpoints into government-controlled territory.