Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine accused Kiev on Thursday of shelling their territory with mortars, according to RIA.
According to the Russian news agency, officials of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) claimed Ukrainian forces opened fire on five settlements and accused Kiev of "making attempts to escalate the conflict." The Ukrainian government denied the claims.
On Wednesday, the Kremlin warned Ukrainian forces are very likely launch a military operation in Donbass.
