Russia seeks end to bloodshed in Ukraine

Russia Wednesday urged for immediate stop of bloodshed in eastern Ukraine, which claimed increasing lives with military operation there were gaining momentum.

"(Russian Foreign Minister Sergei) Lavrov pointed out that the authorities in Kiev have no justification for continuing their punitive operation in the southeast of the country, which now involves the use of heavy weapons and military aircraft and has led to dozens of fatalities, including among civilians," Xinhua quoted the Russian foreign ministry as saying.

Lavrov expressed his desire for stopping the killings during a phone conversation with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Lavrov made similar remarks during a separate phone call with US Secretary of State John Kerry.

During recent clashes between Ukraine troops and pro-government paramilitary in the rebellious Donetsk region up to 100 people, including civilians, have been reportedly killed.