Ukrainian soldiers look out from a tank at a position some 60 km from the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, July 10, 2014. Ukrainian forces regained more ground but sustained further casualties on Thursday in clashes with separatists, while two Western allies urged Russia's Vladimir Putin to exert more pressure on the rebels to find a negotiated end to the conflict. REUTERS-Gleb Garanich
Rebels Kill 30 Ukrainian Soldiers As EU Ponders Sanctions -- Bloomberg
Separatist fighters killed about 30 Ukrainian soldiers in a rocket attack near the border with Russia as the European Union prepared to expand a list of people it has sanctioned for supporting the insurrection.
The troops were hit by fire from Grad rocket systems near Zelenopillya, a village about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Ukraine’s eastern frontier, Interior Ministry adviser Zoryan Shkiryak said in televised remarks. A day earlier, the ministry said Ukrainian forces killed more than 50 insurgents in air strikes near Donetsk, the country’s largest eastern city, where rebels said they may have to evacuate 100,000 civilians.
“The destruction there is significant,” Shkiryak said on Channel 5. “Up to thirty were killed. It’s not excluded that the number will rise.”
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More News On heavy Fighting And Causalties Being Reported Throughout Eastern Ukraine
Ukraine conflict: Many soldiers dead in 'rocket strike' -- BBC
Thirty Ukrainian troops possibly killed in rebel missile attack- government adviser -- Reuters
Missile strike by pro-Russians kills 30 Ukrainian troops -- Irish Times
Separatist Rocket Attack Said to Kill 30 Ukrainian Troops -- New York Times
Report: At least 30 Ukraine troops dead in attack -- AP
Ukraine conflict: Many soldiers dead in 'rocket strike' -- BBC
Self-Defense Forces Say Donetsk Airport Under Fire All Night, Ukraine Army Suffers Losses -- RIA Novosti
Independence Supporters Announce Downing of Ukrainian Air Force Attack Plane -- RIA Novosti
Deadly Ukraine attacks as Russia shuts border -- Al Jazeera
Five Coal Miners Killed in Ukraine as Bus Hit by Mortar Fire -- Moscow Times/Reuters
My Comment: The above Bloomberg article gives a hint that Ukraine President Poroshenko may be changing his conditions for peace talks with eastern rebels .... he is no longer mentioning the need for them to lay down their arms. But this is one report among many .... and I do not see any desire among both sides for any meaningful talks. But I am getting indications that Ukraine President Poroshenko may be hesitating on launching a full frontal assault on a major city like Donetsk .... the costs would be high and this may not be the legacy that he will want to be remembered for.
As to the fighting .... the sources that I trust are telling me that Ukraine forces are under constant attack throughout the region. Snipers and ieds are being used to deadly effect .... but it is also true that the Ukraine military and militias are holding ground and are consolidating their positions.