08 Jun 2017 | 04:24 AM UTC
Ukraine: Recent fighting kills four soldiers June 5-7
Fighting continues in the Donbass region with four soldiers being killed between June 5 and 7
Event
Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) and Russian-backed separatist forces continue to clash in the Donbass region. According to military officials, four soldiers were killed during fighting between Monday, June 5, and Wednesday, June 7. At least 11 soldiers were also wounded during the same time period. In Luhansk oblast, fighting has increased around Krymskye and Frunze, with separatist forces firing automatic grenade launchers and artillery at Ukrainian positions. Separatists also continue to regularly attack ATO positions in Avdiivka, Donetsk oblast. Civilian infrastructure has been damaged in the area and a ceasefire guaranteed by Russia on Tuesday, June 6, and June 7 allowed workers to restore power to Donetsk Filtration Center with provides water to residents in the area. However, local official reported there was some shelling in the area despite the ceasefire.
Context
Fighting continues to take place between Ukrainian and separatist forces in eastern Ukraine despite the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on April 1. In accordance with the Minsk protocol (September 2014) and Minsk II (February 2015) a ceasefire has officially been in place for several years in eastern Ukraine (Donbass region) between Russian-backed separatists, who advocate closer ties with Russia, and the Ukrainian government. However, despite these agreements, fighting is regularly reported in the region. On April 23, an International Observer with the European Security (OSCE) was killed and two others were wounded by a landmine near Pryshyb (30 km [18.6 mi] northwest of Luhansk).
More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict since 2014. Ukraine has reported the deaths of 19 soldiers since April 1, while Russian separatists announced the deaths of ten soldiers in April
Advice
Due to ongoing fighting between government forces and pro-Russian rebels in the east of the country, many Western governments advise against travel to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (Donbass region), as well as areas along the Russian border.
