Ukraine Fighting Intensifies Ahead of Separatist Vote

Seven Ukrainian soldiers were killed and heavy shelling erupted Saturday across the country’s south-east on the eve of separatist elections backed by Russia, but condemned by Kiev and Western govts. Losses in the last 24 hours ‘as a result of fighting were six servicemen killed and 10 wounded,’ Volodymyr Polyovy, spokesman for the National Security and Defence Council, said. Hours later, military officials said another soldier had died and six were wounded in shelling by Grad multiple rockets. Polyovy said the deaths showed separatist forces ‘continue to violate the ceasefire agreement’ signed in an attempt to defuse a crisis that has led to the worst tensions between Russia and the West. 

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