OSCE monitor warns of unprecedented surge in Ukraine violence

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has issued a fresh warning that a surge in violence in Ukraine's east is pushing the conflict to levels not seen in months.

According to Press TV, the OSCE, which monitors the implementation of ceasefire agreements in Ukraine, warned Thursday of a "massive upsurge in violence" in eastern Ukraine, saying cases of truce violation committed by both Kiev's forces and pro-Russians have reached unbearable levels.

Alexander Hug, a top monitor of the OSCE, said in a statement that the organization had recorded a 75-percent increase in the number of ceasefire violations in recent weeks, adding that Ukrainian forces have lost at least eight soldiers since Sunday.

“Behind these dry facts lies a massive upsurge in violence,” Hug said.

The warnings come just a day after the OSCE hailed the progress in negotiations between the two sides of the conflict toward a New Year's truce agreement. Pro-Russia forces are yet to approve the agreement, which the OSCE says could stop shelling for at least the holiday season.

Thousands have been killed since the conflict began in Ukraine’s industrial east more than two years ago.

SS