Ukrainian Soldier Killed In Fresh Rebel Attacks

The Ukrainian military says one serviceman has been killed and three wounded in fresh separatist attacks in eastern and southeastern Ukraine in violation of a cease-fire.

Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said on May 16 that Russian-backed rebels kept up attacks on government forces outside the regional hub of Donetsk and at Shyrokyne, to the east of the coastal town of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on May 13 that 83 Ukrainian servicemen have been killed in rebel attacks since a cease-fire came into force in February.

The separatists accuse government forces of shelling their positions to try to weaken their control on key junctions and towns.

Based on reporting by Reuters