Kiev: 325 Ukranian Soldiers Killed Since April

At least 325 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since it launched an anti-terrorist operation against pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine, according to officials in Kiev.



The death toll was announced months after Ukraine's former acting President, Oleksandr Turchynov, ordered the launch of an "anti-terrorist" operation against pro-Russian separatists in April, aimed at bringing the country's restive east back under government control.



"With the latest casualties, the death toll rose to 325, and the injured to 1,232," said Andrey Lysenko, the speaker of the National Security and Defense Council. 



Heavily-armed, pro-Russia militants have fortified themselves in dozens of cities in eastern Ukraine since the launch of the operation.



Sporadic but increasingly intense fighting continues as Ukrainian troops attempt to restore federal authority in areas held by separatist forces.



More than 500 people have been killed since pro-Russian separatists in the eastern regions of Ukraine declared their intent to break away from Kiev in March. 



http: //www.aa.com.tr/en - Kiev