As tensions at the border escalate, a Ukrainian soldier was killed fighting alongside pro-Russian separatists.
Since 2014 when Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula, Kiev has faced a pro-Moscow rebellion in two regions that border Russia.
Russia has gathered troops in the vicinity of Ukraine’s borders. For weeks, it has been accused by the West of planning to invade. It has warned Moscow that it will face severe sanctions if it launches an attack.
As tensions continue to rise on the Ukrainian border, a Ukrainian soldier was killed fighting alongside pro-Russian separatists. Pictured: Russian rocket launcher firing during Orenburg military drills
According to the Ukrainian army, separatists have attacked its positions using grenade launchers as well mortars. Image: Russian military drills
Ukrainian soldiers claimed that separatists attacked their positions with mortars and rocket launchers.
It stated on Facebook that one serviceman had died and that another soldier sustained injuries.
Kiev and its allies allege Russia of aiding the rebels militarily. Moscow disputes these accusations.
This latest death means that Ukraine has now lost 65 people in its simmering conflict since January 1, according to an AFP tally based only on official numbers. That compares with 50 deaths for the whole of 2020.
Moscow and Kiev’s allies claim that Russia is supporting rebels militarily. Moscow refutes these claims
Russia has gathered around 100,000 soldiers on the Russian side of its border.
US President Joe Biden warned Vladimir Putin that he would not tolerate any sanctions if Russia attacked Ukraine.
On Thursday, European Union leaders urged Moscow not to increase its military presence and to return to the talks led by France or Germany.
More than 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict in east Ukraine so far.