Ceasefire under threat as Independence Day imminent

Ukraine’s military says a ceasefire had been fully observed in eastern separatist territories overnight, but warned that pro-Russian rebels were using the truce to regroup for new attacks on government positions.

Ukrainian and Russian-backed separatist forces have drawn back some heavy weapons from the front line in the east in compliance with a ceasefire deal, although officials in Kiev accused rebels of falling short of requirements.

Ukrainian military and separatist representatives exchanged dozens of prisoners under cover of darkness at a remote frontline location, kicking off a process intended to usher in peace to the conflict-ridden east.

Ukraine’s military and Russia-backed separatist rebels have accused each other of continuing to mount attacks a week after a ceasefire was called.

Moscow pledges ‘adequate’ response as EU extends sanctions

A ceasefire between pro-Russian separatists and government forces in eastern Ukraine has been breached as mortar fire struck an apartment block in the rebel-held city of Donetsk.

Ukraine is “still in a state of war” with neighbouring Russia despite a cease-fire between Kiev’s forces and Moscow-backed rebels in the east, the country’s prime minister said shortly after a second convoy of Russian trucks rolled into Ukraine.

A ceasefire between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian government troops appeared to be largely holding in eastern Ukraine, a day after shelling and clashes rattled nerves and imperilled the peace deal.

Russian military forces have been spotted in both major rebel-held cities in eastern Ukraine, an official said, prompting Ukraine to declare it now has to fight the Russian army, not just the separatists.

Pressure is mounting on Russia after it was accused of sending tanks, artillery and troops into Ukraine and Western powers said Moscow “outright lied” about its role and dangerously escalated the conflict.

The Ukrainian military said yesterday that more Russian soldiers had crossed the border into eastern Ukraine, entering the small town of Amvrosiyivka in five armoured infantry carriers and a truck.

Nine troops were killed in overnight fighting in the streets of a town neighbouring the rebel stronghold of Donetsk, a Ukrainian official said.

Ukraine said its artillery destroyed part of a Russian armoured column that entered its territory on Thursday night and said its forces came under shellfire from Russia yesterday in what appeared to be a major military escalation between the ex-Soviet states.

Airstrikes and artillery fire between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops in the eastern city of Donetsk have brought the violence closer than ever to the city centre as Kiev’s forces move in on the rebel stronghold.

Russia’s foreign ministry said that a Ukrainian shell hit a Russian border town, killing one person and seriously injuring two others.