Civilians, soldiers die in Ukraine fighting, Putin in Crimea

Reuters reports fighting flared in Eastern Ukraine overnight, including near the strategic port city Mariupol, which is still under Kiev’s control. Kiev accused Russian-backed separatists of using howitzer artillery against civilians on the outskirts of Mariupol. Reuters also reports Putin is visiting Crimea on Monday to promote tourism. Putin’s visit comes just one week in advance of Ukrainian Independence Day and critics see it as a deliberate insult.

 

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