Ukraine says 8 troops killed in 24 hours despite peace deal and looming cease-fire deadline

Russia-backed separatists pay respects to their comrade during a funeral at a cemetery in the east Ukrainian village of Mospino, near the city of Donetsk, Ukraine, on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015. The militiaman was killed during recent fighting between Russia-backed separatists and government forces. Guns will fall silent, heavy weapons will pull back from the front, and Ukraine will trade a broad autonomy for the east to get back control of its Russian border by the end of this year under a peace deal hammered out Thursday after all-night negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (The Associated Press)

Ukrainian government troops ride a tank on a road towards Debaltseve near the town of Artemivsk, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. The fighting between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces has continued despite the agreement reached by leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Thursday. Much of the fighting had taken place near Debaltseve, a key transport hub that has been hotly contested in recent days. The leaders agreed to implement a cease-fire, set to take effect on Sunday, at one minute after midnight. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (The Associated Press)

An early morning view of the city of Donetsk, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. The fighting between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces has continued despite the agreement reached by leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Thursday. The leaders agreed to implement a cease-fire, set to take effect on Sunday, at one minute after midnight. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek) (The Associated Press)

Ukraine says that eight troops have been killed and 34 wounded overnight, despite a peace deal and a looming cease-fire deadline.

Vladislav Seleznyov, spokesman for the Ukrainian army general staff, said in comments carried by Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Friday that much of the fighting had taken place in Debaltseve, a key transport hub that has been hotly contested in recent days.

Fourteen people were injured in fighting in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk in the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. local time, according to municipal authorities.

The fighting has continued despite the agreement reached by leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on Thursday. The leaders agreed to implement a cease-fire, set to take effect on Sunday, at one minute after midnight.