26 Ukrainian soldiers killed on frontlines in 2021 

KIEV- Twenty-six Ukrainian soldiers have been killed on the frontlines in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass since the beginning of the year, Ukrinform news agency reported on Sunday.
The number shows the scale of conflict escalation, with only five soldiers killed in the second half of 2020 following the announcement of a ceasefire, Ukrinform quoted Ukrainian President’s press secretary Iuliia Mendel as saying.
Still, “we are seeking negotiations in the Normandy format and will move towards peace in all possible diplomatic ways,” Mendel said.
The ceasefire was announced in eastern Ukraine on July 27 last year. However, the situation worsened after armed confrontation between the Donbass insurgents and Ukrainian government forces escalated at the beginning of the year.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began in April 2014, has claimed some 14,000 lives and left as many as 40,000 wounded.  (Xinhua)