Sporadic clashes continue in Ukraine despite truce

(Vatican Radio/agencies)  Sporadic clashes in eastern Ukraine over the last day have killed at least 3 civilians and 2 Ukrainian soldiers – further eroding a four month old ceasefire.

Kiev sources say 13 others were wounded by pro-Russian separatists using heavy weapons in violation of the Mins  truce but regular skirmishes near Donetsk are claiming lives almost daily.

In line with the Minsk blueprint, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced local elections will take place on Oct. 25 with the aim of giving regions stronger powers. It is not clear whether elections could take place in rebel-held parts of Ukraine.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, on a visit to Kiev, said  Washington still supports the Minsk accord despite violations.

Power said Western sanctions imposed on Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis have had a devastating effect on the Russian economy. She said that while these had not immediately forced Russia to withdraw its forces and weapons from Ukraine, Russia would feel the effect of being isolated over time.

Moscow denies that it has troops on the ground and is arming the separatists in eastern Ukraine.