Fighting Escalates, Death Toll Rises in Ukraine

The death toll in embattled eastern Ukraine is on the rise.

In the past 24 hours, pro-Russian separatists killed five Ukrainian soldiers in Debaltseve, northeast of Donetsk.

On Monday, one civilian died when artillery fire hit a two-story house. Fifteen civilians were killed over the weekend.  

Officials in Kiev say pro-Russian forces bombarded military and residential areas with rockets, mortar shells, and artillery fire.

Fighting has intensified after peace talks between the Ukrainian government and Russian-backed rebels collapsed.

Ukraine's prime minister says more than 1,000 residents have been evacuated from the town of Donetsk, a strategic railway hub being held by the government, but largely surrounded by rebel forces, leaving only one road open for escape.

More than 5,000 have been killed since the fighting began last April.