Four Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and at least 30 injured in clashes between the Ukrainian army and separatists. The Ukrainian military has lost control of key parts in the east of the country which it is now trying to regain.

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, a region outside of Kiev's control, plans to hold a referendum on independence on Sunday. 

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Ukraine has accused Russia of directing the separatists, providing them with weapons and ground support. Experts, however, believe that Russia does not want to annex eastern Ukraine similar to Crimea, but merely to stir up discontent. 

Read more at Reuters.