U.N.: Hundreds dead since Ukraine cease-fire

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- At least 331 people have been killed in eastern Ukraine since the start of a cease-fire Sept. 5, the United Nations reported Wednesday.

Although no large offensive maneuvers occurred after the cease-fire agreement was signed -- by the Ukrainian army or by pro-Russian separatists -- artillery fire takes place almost daily. At least 3,660 people have died since the conflict began in April, and another 8,756 have been wounded, the United Nations said.

Both sides are currently in a 24-hour "quiet period," starting Tuesday, a Ukrainian military spokesman in Kiev said, although a rebel leader denied any agreement on a truce within the truce.

Three Ukrainian troops were killed and 12 injured in fighting within the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Army spokesman Col. Andriy Lysenko reported Wednesday.

"We see some progress in terms of a decrease in the intensity of shelling by heavy artillery."

The U.N. report described a serious humanitarian issue within eastern Ukraine, noting both sides have been accused of human rights violations.

"Armed groups continued to terrorize the population in areas under their control, pursuing killings, abductions, torture, ill-treatment and other serious human rights abuses, including destruction of housing and seizure of property. There have also been continued allegations of human rights violations committed by some volunteer battalions under government control."

It also said troops from Russia were seen arriving in Ukraine in the two weeks before the cease-fire, although the Russian government has denied sending troops to the region.