(VOVworld) - The European Union on Tuesday condemned recent clashes in eastern Ukraine between separatists and government forces, calling the fighting a violation of the Minsk truce. The separatists and government troops began fighting three days ago around the town of Avdiivka.

(Photo: AP)

The confrontation escalated Monday night into Tuesday morning with the heaviest shelling seen in months. Both sides say at least eight people have died in the reignited conflict. Government authorities in Donetsk are reportedly planning an evacuation of 12,000 residents in Avdiivka, though no official plan has been put in place. In 2015, both sides in the conflict signed a cease-fire and agreed to pull back heavy weaponry, but they have violated the agreement several times since then.