Fighting continues in Ukraine

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his concerns about the ongoing fighting in Ukraine where the army and pro-Russian separatists are reportedly involved in fresh battles. 

Listen to Stefan Bos' report: 

The pontiff said it was crucial to secure dialogue and peace in Ukraine as an increasingly volatile conflict has seen European monitors detained by rebels in the country's restive east.

"It is with a very sad heart that I pray for the victims of continuing tensions in some regions of Ukraine" adding that he also thought of the victims of violence in the Central African Republic.

Pope Francis moving prayers in St. Peter's Square followed statements by a leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin.

He told thousands of supporters his forces were ready for battle after Kyiv made clear it would continue what it called “anti-terrorist” operations. 

PLEDGING ADVANCE 

Pushilin said: “We have the entire southeast [of Ukraine] ahead of us…I’m sure we will advance further.”

The crowd agreed singing songs from the Soviet-era and chanting “Donbass, Russia,” referring to the region where the separatist movement is strong. 

Yet the battle has meant suffering on both sides. At least scores of pro-Russia rebels were killed in recent days. 

And Ukraine is holding three days of mourning for the at least dozen servicemen and a general who died when their army helicopter was shot down near the town of Sloviansk on Thursday. 

An elderly woman is grieving near the pictures of soldiers whose lives were cut short by what appears a civil war in several areas.     

MORE SUFFERING

More suffering is expected. Ukraine's government claims Russian fighters have joined the battle in the east, though Moscow denies any involvement. 

Pro-Russia rebels have also been linked to the abduction this week of as many as eight international observers of Europe's security organization OSCE.   

Amid the misery in Ukraine, its president-elect Petro Poroshenko will hold emergency talks with his American counterpart Barack Obama. 

They are due to meet in Warsaw next week when both leaders attend events marking the anniversary of the end of Communist rule in Poland, which was occupied by Russian forces for decades.