Ukraine: Pro-Russian separatists kill 2, injure 2

By Ali Cura

KIEV

Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and two others injured in 24 hours in attacks by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, a security official said Thursday.

"Two Ukrainian soldiers lost their lives and two others were injured during a military operation in the last 24 hours," said Alexander Motuzyanik from Ukraine's Anti-Terrorist Division.

Motuzyanik said although a cease-fire entered into effect at midnight Dec. 24, it was violated 15 times in Lugansk and Donetsk regions.

Crimea was formally annexed by Moscow in March 2014 after an illegal independence vote on the heels of violent anti-government protests which led to the overthrow of the then-President Victor Yanukovich.

The UN General Assembly had voted nearly unanimously to proclaim the Russian annexation as illegal.

Along with many UN countries, the U.S., the EU, and Turkey also do not recognize Crimea as Russian territory.

Fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russia separatists has seen around 9,750 killed, according to the UN.