CRI听力:Fights Continued between Ukrainian Forces and Rebels amid Ceasefire

Fighting has flared between Ukrainian troops and rebel forces despite a unilateral ceasefire declared by the Ukraine government. CRI's Xie Zhao has the details.

Fights Continued between Ukrainian Forces and Rebels amid Ceasefire 

In the Donetsk region, which has declared independence from Kiev, rebels reported a morning shootout with Ukrainian troops north of Donetsk city.

Bakhtiyar Kamalov is one of the rebels.

"What ceasefire? What ceasefire? Yesterday they battered us all. They battered us all. I have seen a drone, for the first time in my life I've seen a drone."

Earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced a seven-day ceasefire starting from last Friday, saying the government will give amnesty to disarmed fighters.

But rebel leaders in Donetsk have already said they will not adhere to the ceasefire.

Ukraine's state border service also reported further rebel attacks on its posts in Luhansk region, which has also declared independence.

The clashes come after Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly expressed support for Ukraine's declaration of a cease-fire.

Putin is calling on both sides to negotiate a compromise.

"The truce should result in dialogue between all conflicting sides so that a compromise acceptable to everyone can be found and people residing in Ukraine's southeast feel that they are an integral part of the country, that they possess all rights of citizens of the state and these rights are among other things guaranteed by the country's fundamental law - the Constitution."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Poroshenko also called for a peaceful solution to the country's ongoing crisis.

The United Nations says at least 356 people have been killed across the country since May and 34,000 have fled their homes.

For CRI, I'm Xie Zhao.