Ukrainian Soldier Killed, 3 Wounded in Eastern Ukraine
KYIV – A soldier was killed and three others wounded in the last 24 hours in the east of Ukraine, the secretary of the Ukrainian National Security Council and Defense, or RNBO, Oleksandr Turchynov, disclosed on Friday.
Turchynov told reporters that the ceasefire was violated 22 times in the last 24 hours, warning that the ceasefire in force in the conflict zone is at risk due to “provocations” by the pro-Russian militias operating in the eastern regions of the country.
The official said that he does not rule out that such provocation could lead to the resumption of combat in the area, noting that Ukraine’s international partners have been informed that the country will act accordingly if this continues.
In late September, Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russian separatists operating in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk agreed to withdraw their tanks and light artillery at least 15 kilometers from the line of separation of forces.
The measure creates a 30 kilometers safe area, where pro-Russian militias and Ukrainian troops can only maintain fighters armed with light weapons.