Fresh clashes have been reported in eastern Ukraine between government forces and pro-Russian fighters=,just a day before the country is due to hold a presidential election.
Separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine are threatening to block balloting in areas under their control, making the prospect for peace appear distant.
The clashes early on May 24 came as Kyiv continues an offensive to try to halt the separatist uprising.
In the Donetsk region, Associated Press reporters say they saw two dead Ukrainian soldiers near the village of Karlivka, and another body close to a nearby checkpoint set up by separatists.
It was not immediately possible to verify casualty claims made by separatists or government officials.
An observation mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe arrived in Kyiv on May 23 to monitor the May 25 vote.
Separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine are threatening to block balloting in areas under their control, making the prospect for peace appear distant.
The clashes early on May 24 came as Kyiv continues an offensive to try to halt the separatist uprising.
In the Donetsk region, Associated Press reporters say they saw two dead Ukrainian soldiers near the village of Karlivka, and another body close to a nearby checkpoint set up by separatists.
It was not immediately possible to verify casualty claims made by separatists or government officials.
An observation mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe arrived in Kyiv on May 23 to monitor the May 25 vote.