Ukrainian forces are reported to have repelled two fresh assaults by pro-Russian rebels on the airport in the eastern city of Donetsk.<br /><br />The strategic site has become the centre of battles in recent days . Despite the violence there the European security monitors from the OSCE say the cease-fire signed September 5 is mostly holding.<br /><br />On Sunday nine Ukraine soldiers are said to have been killed when separatist shelling hit their armoured vehicle making it he largest lost of life among Ukrainian soldiers in a single incident since the ceasefire came into force.<br /><br />European Union diplomats, meanwhile have decided to keep sanctions on Russia in place while the truce deal is still being implemented. <br /><br />According to NATO Russia still has hundreds of troops in Ukraine despite a “significant” force withdrawal. <br /><br />Russia denies having any military presence within Ukraine.
