KIEV, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Some 2,652 Ukrainian troops have been killed since fighting erupted in the country's eastern regions three years ago, said the Defence Ministry on Friday.
"The three years of battles for Ukraine's freedom, independence and territorial integrity have claimed the lives of 2,652 servicemen and officers of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Border Service," ministry spokesman Andriy Lysenko told a media briefing.
A total of 9,578 Ukrainian soldiers were wounded, he added.
The conflict started in eastern Ukraine on April 14, 2014 when government troops launched offensives to regain control of the cities and towns seized by pro-independence insurgents. The fighting has claimed the lives of some 10,000 people, civilians and combatants on both sides included.
Despite a cease-fire, at least 21 civilians and 69 government troops have been killed this year. The insurgents have not commented on their losses.
