Ukraine's Poroshenko warns of 'colossal threat' of new clashes

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko warned Thursday of the "colossal threat" of a resumption of major clashes in eastern Ukraine where at least 24 people have died in renewed fighting between government forces and pro-Russian rebels. Fresh clashes erupted near the rebel stronghold of Donetsk on Wednesday, reviving fears in Kiev that the separatists may be gearing up for a new push into government-controlled territory, four months after agreeing to a truce. "There remains a colossal threat of resumption of large-scale fighting on the part of Russian terrorist groups," Poroshenko said in his annual address to parliament, referring to the insurgents.

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