World Bulletin / News Desk

Two Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in clashes with Russian-backed insurgents in the separatist east, the military said Friday, after a lull in bloodshed due to an Easter truce.

The pro-Western leadership in Kiev and the rebels agreed to a new truce that went into effect on April 1 and has largely held through the Easter holidays.

Ukraine reported the loss of one soldier in fighting on April 13 and two on April 3.

The month has been one of the most peaceful in more than three years of fighting that has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

The separatists have reported 10 combat losses since the latest temporary ceasefire was agreed with the help of negotiators from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Neither sides' toll claims could be independently confirmed.