One Ukrainian soldier was killed in clashes in the country’s east, the military said on Sunday, as fighting between government forces and pro-Russian forces intensifies after weeks of relative calm.

One Ukrainian soldier was killed in clashes in the country's east, the military said on Sunday, as fighting between government forces and pro-Russian forces intensifies after weeks of relative calm.

The soldier was killed and eight others wounded after shelling some 10 kilometers (six miles) north of the de facto rebel capital Donetsk, Ukrainian army spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said.

On Saturday, Ukraine reported the death of five soldiers, the highest military death toll since the beginning of the 10-week truce.