Five killed in eastern Ukraine clash: media

Source:Xinhua Published: 2014-4-20 16:03:20

Five people were killed early Sunday during a clash between gunmen and pro-Russia protesters in eastern Ukraine's town of Slavyansk, the Russian state television reported.

A group of unidentified gunmen attacked a checkpoint controlled by pro-Russia protesters, resulting in the death of three protesters and two gunmen, the state-run Rossiya 24 news station reported.

Tensions in eastern Ukraine have been escalating last weekend following an armed confrontation between Ukrainian security forces and pro-Moscow protesters, who demanded a referendum on autonomy and closer ties with Russia.

Concerned about the situation in eastern Ukraine, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union concluded talks in Geneva Thursday after signing a statement, asking all sides to refrain from violence, intimidation or provocative actions as part of initial steps to restore order in the country.

Posted in: Europe

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