KIEV, Ukraine 

Two Ukrainian government soldiers were killed in clashes with pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country, an official said on Wednesday.

In a press conference in Kiev, presidential spokesman Alexander Motuzyanik claimed the separatists had violated the Minsk cease-fire agreement 40 times over a 24-hour period.

"Two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and 10 soldiers were wounded in clashes carried out by the separatists," he said.

The insurgents launched attacks using heavy weapons on several towns eastern Ukraine, he added.

February’s Minsk cease-fire agreement includes the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from combat areas, as well as all foreign-armed groups.

The agreement has failed to be implemented fully with daily reports of breaches and clashes as both parties blame each other for violating the accord.

More than 6,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists since April 2014, according to the UN.