The shaky cease-fire between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government troops appears to have fallen apart around the small industrial town of Avdiyivka. In recent weeks, battles have erupted around the strategically important crossroads in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. European observers have reported the “highest level of cease-fire violations” since September 2015, with deaths reported on both sides. On April 2, photographer Maxim Tucker entered the area and spent a week documenting villages shattered by a conflict that is now entering its third year.
Avdiyivka: Eastern Ukraine's Latest Flash Point
Here is today's map of the security situation in eastern Ukraine, according to the National Security and Defense Council (click to enlarge):
A Russian court has rejected Oleksandr Kostenko’s application for parole citing his denial of legally absurd charges and the fact that he was placed in a punishment cell (on the pretext that he hadn’t greeted a prison official). The refusal to release a recognized political prisoner was not unexpected, however the grounds given have been rejected by Russia’s own Supreme Court and an appeal will be lodged.