(VOVworld) – The UN has called on all parties to the conflict in eastern Ukraine to stop the violence and return to the negotiating table.

UN Chief Ban Ki-moon (Photo: AP)

UN chief Ban Ki-moon made the call on Sunday as fighting escalated near the Donetsk airport. The fighting has already caused numerous casualties and is likely to breach a cease-fire called in September, 2014. Ban said further deterioration of the situation that will lead to heavy loss of life and civilian suffering must be avoided at all cost.