Ukrainian forces repel two fresh attacks on Donetsk Airport

Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled two attacks by pro-Russian rebels on Donetsk International Airport.

The latest attacks come despite a ceasefire agreement signed nearly a month ago.

Ukraine National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko was quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying that the army had overcome the attacks with no casualties, although various unconfirmed reports suggest at least nine Ukrainian soldiers have been killed.

Reuters further quoted the military spokesman Andriy Lysenko as saying that the tank fire from the separatists struck a large armoured carrier last week during rebel attempts to storm the airport, which is held by government forces.

In recent days, the Donetsk airport has become the centre of battles.

Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko earlier called the ceasefire after his troops suffered big battlefield losses against the separatists supported by Russia in August, amid pressure from Western governments.

Moscow, meanwhile, has continued to deny its involvement in the affair.

While the truce deal is being implemented, the European Union diplomats continue to place sanctions on Russia, the international daily reported.

Officials from Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are also working to create a buffer zone between the separatists and Ukraine’s military, which could lower the intensity of clashes.