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5 civilians killed in artillery fire in Donetsk as fighting continues in eastern Ukraine

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Ukrainian soldiers carry the coffin bearing the body of serviceman Ruslan Baburov, who was killed in fighting against Russian-backed separatists, during a commemoration ceremony in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. Ukraine's government said Sunday that 13 of its troops were killed and another 20 wounded in a day of fighting across the east. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov) (The Associated Press)

Volunteers of the Aidar battalion picket in front of the Ministry of Defense as they protest against a decision to change the leadership of the battalion in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. The Aidar battalion, a volunteer force, and the Defense Minister have agreed that the battalion will be divided into two units. Both of them - one headed by the old leader - will be incorporated into the Defense Ministry and will continue fighting in the country's east against pro-Russian separatists. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov) (The Associated Press)

People pay their final respects to Ruslan Baburov who was killed in fighting against Russian-backed separatists, during a commemoration ceremony in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. Ukraine's government said Sunday that 13 of its troops were killed and another 20 wounded in a day of fighting across the east. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov) (The Associated Press)

Authorities in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine say at least 5 people have been killed and 13 injured by artillery fire in the past day.

The city hall said in a statement early on Tuesday that artillery fire has damaged homes in four districts of the city.

Hostilities between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government troops resumed in January after a month of relative calm. Their main offensive is now directed at Debaltseve, a railway junction once populated by 25,000 people that lies between the rebel-held cities of Luhansk and Donetsk.

Recent talks to settle the conflicts broke down on Friday with both sides blaming each other for derailing the peace process to end a conflict that has killed more 5,100 people.