Ukraine accuses separatists of repeated ceasefire violations

Kiev, April 7: The Ukrainian military command on Tuesday accused the pro-Russian separatist militias of repeatedly violating the ceasefire that went into effect on February 15 in eastern Ukraine. The pro-Russians launched a total of 20 attacks on government military positions on Monday evening, Efe news agency reported citing a statement issued by the Ukrainian troops stationed in the conflict zone. The military command, which reported no casualties in the ranks of the government forces, said the separatist militias targeted positions of the Ukrainian troops outside the urban centres. “Our units did not fall into the provocations of the enemy and only opened fire as a response when there was a direct threat to the lives of our soldiers,” said the command. According to the latest UN report, more than 6,000 people have died during the conflict in eastern Ukraine. (IANS)