Tensions escalated in Ukraine with explosions, soldiers killed, and mortars fired at a minister

middle Tension over a possible Russian invasionResidents of Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine held by separatists, said they heard a series of explosions on Saturday night (19), in Brazil, and dawn Sunday (20), in the eastern European country.

Reuters reported the explosions, which did not specify – based on reports from residents – the source of the attacks. The local separatist authorities and the Ukrainian government have yet to comment on the alleged shootings.

Tension surrounding Russia’s imminent invasion of Ukrainian territory ended on Saturday with the deaths of two Ukrainian soldiers who were on the front lines against conflicts sparked by pro-Russian separatist groups.

In more than a month of crisis between the two countries, these were the first military casualties. Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the clashes and taken to hospital. Their health condition has not been reported.

The Group of Seven, which includes the most industrialized economies in the world, On Saturday, he called for Moscow to “choose the path of diplomacy.” and “a significant withdrawal of military forces from the borders of Ukraine and full respect for international obligations.”

As a first step, we expect Russia to implement the announced reduction of its military activities along Ukraine’s borders. We have not seen any evidence of such a reduction,” said excerpts from the organization’s statement, stressing that Russia will be judged based on its actions.

Attack on a minister and journalists

Denis Monastirsky, Ukraine’s interior minister, and a group of journalists were hit by mortar shells in the east of the country on Saturday, according to CNN International.

No one was injured when about 12 mortar shells fell a few meters from the group.

Monastirsky said at a press conference after the fact that the Russian army was advancing on Ukrainian territory.

The Ukrainian minister stressed that “the Russian occupation forces recorded 70 violations of the ceasefire regime, 60 of them using weapons prohibited under the Minsk agreements.”

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