Ukraine says humanitarian situation in war-torn Avdeevka improves

The humanitarian situation in Avdeevka town, which has in the past few days seen fierce fighting between government troops and pro-independence insurgents, has slightly improved, Ukrainian authorities said Thursday.

Water and heating in the town were partially restored following a three-day interruption, said the State Service for Emergencies. The work to restore electricity is still under way, the agency said.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said a special operation has started to clear mines and unexploded ordnance in Avdeevka.

In recent days, the government-controlled Avdeevka on the outskirts of the rebel stronghold of Donetsk has seen fierce battles, which put the town on the brink of humanitarian crisis.

Shelling has damaged more than 70 private houses and a number of public infrastructure facilities, leaving the residents of the town without heating, electricity and water amid winter temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius.

The situation in eastern Ukraine has worsened during the weekend, with international monitors reporting a significant increase in cease-fire violations and widespread use of multiple-launch-rocket systems, which are prohibited under the Minsk peace agreement.

The warring sides blamed each other for the escalation of fighting in a conflict that has claimed some 10,000 lives since April 2014. Endi