Ukraine: 3 soldiers killed, 28 wounded in eastern Ukraine

At least three soldiers were killed and 28 people, including 14 soldiers, were wounded early Monday in clashes between soldiers and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, despite a cease-fire reached in early September.

The spokesman of the Information-Analytical Center of the National Security and Defense Council, Andrei Lysenko, said that during the last 24 hours separatists violated the cease-fire at least 41 times and during the attacks three soldiers lost their lives.

The spokesman also stated that the Donetsk airport and many houses in residential areas were damaged in the attacks.

According to a statement made by the Donetsk Municipality, at least 14 civilians were severely injured on Sunday night.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has escalated in spite of the cease-fire agreement signed by the Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian separatists on Sept. 5 in Belarus' capital of Minsk. The agreement was intended to put an end to the conflict which has left thousands dead.

Between mid-April and Oct. 6, at least 3,600 people have died and 8,700 people have been wounded during the conflict between the Ukrainian government and the rebels, the UN Human Rights Office said in a report last month.

www.aa.com.tr/en