Three Ukrainian soldiers killed in fresh clashes in east

Renewed clashes between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine have left three soldiers dead.

Officials in Kiev said Tuesday that the three were killed as government forces suffered losses across various parts of the frontline separating areas under the control of pro-Russians in the east from the rest of the country.

Ukraine's military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said fierce clashes occurred in Donetsk, controlled by pro-Russians, while fighting raged in the southeastern government-held port city of Mariupol.

“We observe an escalation in these areas,” Lysenko said, adding that pro-Russians shelled some areas for several hours.

The pro-Russia forces rejected the statement as an accusation, saying Ukrainian troops shelled residential buildings in Donetsk. A news agency run by the pro-Russians said two civilians were injured in attacks by Ukrainian troops.

SS