The aftermath of unusually intense shelling on the rebel stronghold, Donetsk.<br/> <br />Ukrainian government forces may be trying to achieve a breakthrough in fighting with pro-Russian separatists by Sunday, Ukraine's Independence Day.<br/> <br />Most of the shelling was on the city's outskirts but explosions were also heard in the city center.<br/> <br />At least three people were killed.<br/> <br />As government forces tighten their grip on rebels in the east, cities and towns face shortages of food and supplies.<br/> <br />Avdiivka, north of Donetsk, was retaken by the army in early August, but the fighting still goes on, and the city's cut off from all water and power.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) AVDIIVKA RESIDENT, OLEG, SAYING:<br/> <br />"There's no water, no electricity, nobody does anything. Pensions are not paid. The famine will start soon if it hasn't already."<br/> <br />The intensified shelling on Donetsk came just hours before German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Ukraine's leaders in the capital Kiev.
