Rebels kill soldiers then release captives

In an act of goodwill, as the rebels want the world to see it, pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine have released four out of the eight international observers they had kidnapped more than a month ago.

Those released were taken to a Donetsk city hotel while the other four are still being held captive in the Luhansk region.

Alexander Borodai, one of pro-Russian leaders, said: ‘We don’t expect anything in return. We freed them without any demands. We hope that the international community will understand us.’

Meanwhile, even though the ceasefire has not come to an end, the fights continue as fierce as ever. During an overnight battle, a military post near Kramatorsk had been attacked by rebels who killed four Ukrainian government troops and left another five injured.

The ceasefire which the rebels have initially pledged to respect is due to end tonight at 10 pm and efforts to extend that term have received no response so far.

The conflict in Ukraine has taken around 400 lives so far, according to estimates made by the Human Rights Group.