Twelve civilians die in eastern Ukraine, NATO concerned

(Vatican Radio) At least 12 civilians were killed Friday in a key city of eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists launched a major offensive against government troops. The latest deaths in rebel-held Donetsk came while the NATO military alliance warned Moscow it would deploy forces in six eastern European nations in response to Russia's alleged involvement in the conflict. 

Listen to the report by Stefan Bos:

 

Pro-Russian rebels were seen moving amid death and destruction. Backed by Russian tanks and heavily artillery they tried to gain more territory. On Friday however artillery fire shook their stronghold of Donetsk, killing a dozen civilians.   

City hall officials said at least five civilians died while waiting for humanitarian aid outside a community centre. Two other civilians were killed in the same neighbourhood when a mortar shell landed near a bus stop.

 

Earlier in the day, five people reportedly died in artillery fire west of Donetsk. 

BATTLES RAGING

It wasn't clear who was responsible, but battles have been raging between rebels and government forces. 

Men, woman and children are suffering on both sides. At times it's too much to handle for Col. Ihor Ilkiv of the Medical Service of Ukraine’s National Guard.

“Every day, around 40 or 50 wounded guys are brought in, two, three or more of them seriously. We also get about 10 or more civilians a day,” he says. 

The NATO military alliance accuses Russia of supporting the rebels with weapons and troops. 

RUSSIAN DENIAL 

Moscow denies the claims but it has acknowledged that Russian volunteers are in Ukraine's war-torn east. 

The escalating conflict is raising fears in nearby countries that Russia will look beyond Ukraine. 

That's why NATO Secretary General Jens Stolternberg said Friday the alliance would deploy small units in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania in what will be the first of their kind there.

Next week, defense ministers from the 28-nation alliance will discuss the full force of several thousand troops, which can react quickly to any hot spots in Europe.