DONETSK. Feb 10 (Interfax) - The Defense Ministry of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has confirmed an armed clash between militia forces and Ukrainian soldiers outside of Mariupol.
"As far as the southern direction is concerned, indeed, the Ukrainian army, represented by the Azov battalion, is engaged in fighting near Shyrokyne [outside of Mariupol]. Militiamen have not left their positions. The battle continues," Eduard Basurin of the Defense Ministry of DPR told reporters.