2015-03-24 08:58:00

Eastern Ukraine sees clashes despite ceasefire


(Vatican Radio) Battles continue to rage between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine despite a ceasefire agreement, including around a seaside town and other areas, with officials saying at least two Ukrainian servicemen were killed.

The clashes come amid a renewed debate in Washington over whether to send defensive weapons to Ukraine's beleaguered army.   

Listen to Stefan Bos’ report:

Ukrainian soldiers and Russian-backed separatists face off in artillery and gun battles in Shyrokyne. Capturing this seaside town along the Azov Sea isn't much of a prize, but residents and soldiers claim the pro-Russian rebels forces want to move on to the nearby port city of Mariupol.

Capturing Mariupol would allow the separatists to create a land bridge between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed last year.

Just three defensive lines and a make-shift garrison separate Ukrainian soldiers from fierce fighting.

SCHOOL OCCUPIED

Reporters also saw soldiers hiding in a school here, where children's drawings decorate the walls. Elsewhere injured are rushed to a make-shift military hospital and officials said several Ukrainian troops have died in ongoing attacks.   

European observers are also investigating complaints from injured separatist rebels in a village near Donetsk where Ukrainian government forces have allegedly shelled the region numerous times.

The clashes have added to a sense of urgency among officials in Washington who have discussed whether to send weapons to Ukraine’s troubled military to help them fight pro-Russian separatists.

At the NATO military alliance headquarters in Brussels, Air force General Philip Breedlove has said defensive weapons shouldn’t be ruled out as Russia continues to supply arms and troops to pro-Russian rebels.

WESTERN WEAPONS?

“The West should consider all of our tools in reply," he said.

The official made clear he realized not all European countries agree with sending weapons. "Could it be destabilising? The answer is yes.

[But]also, inaction could be destabilising (…)," Breedlove said.

"We continue to see disturbing elements of air defence, command and control, resupply, equipment coming across a completely porous [Russian-Ukrainian] border,” he added.

In turn, Moscow has accused Kiev of violating a ceasefire in a conflict that has already killed more than 6,000 people and displaced at least one million more in Ukraine alone.








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