Pro-Russia protesters said they were not able to counter Ukrainian government forces in the fierce battle which broke out in the Krasny Liman region, early on Thursday.

According to Press TV, quoting a pro-Russian commander, they were faced with a huge superiority in heavy armor on the government side at Yampil.

"We beat off the first attack and destroyed one tank. But it is difficult to take on 20 tanks. The battle is going on," he said.

The recent clashes come a day after the Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko announced that he would soon order a unilateral truce in the country's troubled east, as part of a broader plan to end the bloodshed in the region.

The truce bid will be offered on Friday.

Ukrainian troops have been carrying out military operations since mid-April to suppress pro-Russia protesters in the east of the country.

EA