2955 soldiers of Armed Forces of Ukraine died from the beginning of the hostilities in the Donbas combat zone. The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko reported this on the regional council of the Rivne region, broadcasted by 112 Ukraine.

“Every day the Russian militants open fire at the combat lines, that is why already 2955 Ukrainian serviceman, including one of them, died this night, perished away in order we all could build the new and independent country”, - the President said.

Earlier, over the last 24 hours, the armed provocations of Russian occupants in Donbas claimed the lives of two servicemen of Ukraine's government troops. The enemy frequently used mortars to shell Ukrainian positions.

On Sunday, March 17, one Ukrainian fighter deceased in combat in Donbas. Another two sustained injuries.

The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that the pro-Kremlin occupants fired on positions of government troops ten times over the said period.

The enemy used mortars frequently; specifically, mines landed in Vodyane, Mariinka, Krymske, Novotoshkivske, Zolote-4, and Novoluhanske.