Ukraine, separatists report rise in eastern fighting

Ukraine's military and pro-Russian separatists accused each other on Wednesday of escalating violence in eastern Ukraine in defiance of a ceasefire deal, as Ukraine reported one of its soldiers killed in a direct attack. Renewed violence would also make it less likely that the European Union lifts sanctions against Russia based on a review before the end of the year, though Russia has repeatedly denied it is backing the rebels in east Ukraine. "Separatists have been making direct attacks on our