Ukraine: At least five killed in Donbas region March 4

Event

Violent clashes between Ukrainian armed forces and separatist fighters were reported in Donbas region on Monday, March 4. According to local sources, separatist fighters attacked Ukrainian positions in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. One Ukrainian soldier and at least four separatist fighters were killed in the fighting. Similar clashes are to be expected in eastern Ukraine over the near term.

Context

Clashes between Ukrainian state forces and the separatists have been taking place on a regular basis despite several 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

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 stated that foreigners entering Ukraine from Russia through rebel-controlled territory will not be allowed through any checkpoints into government-controlled territory.