Six killed in eastern Ukraine

(Vatican Radio) The city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine is mourning at least six people who were killed in renewed shelling despite a ceasefire agreed between government troops and pro-Russian rebels. The incident came while the NATO military alliance and its partners began a major drill some 1,600 kilometers, or 1,000 miles, away from the conflict.  

Listen to Stefan Bos' report: 

 

The “Rapid Trident” drill involving more than 1,000 troops from 15 NATO and non-NATO countries happens far away from fighting between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Yet a Ukrainian officer claims the international exercise near Lviv on the Polish-Ukrainian border is focused on that conflict, which so far killed at least 3,000 people.

“This year’s military exercise will concentrate on the particular aspects of the undeclared or “hybrid” war, which is happening in the east of Ukraine," said Ukrainian army colonel, Oleksandr Syvak. He adds the conflict will play a role in military drill. Ukrainian troops will also share their experiences gained during what he calls the anti-terrorist operation against the rebels.”

ARMING UKRAINE?

They gather after Ukraine's government said NATO member states have begun arming the nation, though several NATO members have denied delivering weapons. 

The drill underscores Western concerns over Russia's alleged active involvement in the conflict, though Moscow denies it. NATO secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen said at least around 1,000 Russian troops remain in eastern Ukraine to support pro-Russian rebels.

And, in a phone call Monday, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw Russian soldiers for a peace plan to work. Her call came amid several deadly ceasefire violations.

Local authorities said Monday that shelling killed at least six people and injured 15 others in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk.

It was the worst reported violence since the ceasefire between Ukrainian troops and rebels took effect on September 5.