Kiev, Dec 10 (IANS/EFE): The Ukrainian military command Wednesday claimed that pro-Russian separatists had violated a ceasefire 17 times in its first day in the eastern region of the country.
In an online statement, the command stressed that in compliance with the truce which went into effect Tuesday, its forces did not use artillery in response to the separatists' violations.
According to the command, there were no reports of casualties among Ukrainian troops, but seven civilians were wounded by the separatists.
The truce declared Tuesday is the second in the rebel zone since the outbreak of the conflict in April.
An earlier ceasefire agreed in September was largely ineffectual and fighting continued.
A total of 4,300 combatants and civilians have died in the conflict pitting the Ukrainian government against the pro-Russian separatists.