The Ukrainian military says six of its servicemen have been killed and 14 others wounded in eastern Ukraine over the past 24 hours, threatening a fragile truce with pro-Russian separatists controlling parts of the country's east.
Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko told a briefing on June 13 that the soldiers had died as result of shelling by pro-Russian separatists as well as encounters with mines.
"The enemy threw tanks, armored personnel carriers and heavy artillery into battle. We emphasize that rebels are also firing at residential areas," he said.
Sporadic clashes have claimed lives almost daily on both sides in recent weeks, despite the cease-fire brokered in February by the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France.
According to the United Nations, the conflict has killed at least 6,400 people and forced more than 1 million others from their homes.
