Ukraine says one soldier killed amid tensions on Russia border

Blinken warns Russia of consequences if it acts ‘recklessly’

The Ukrainian military said that a soldier was killed and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels on Sunday, as hostilities rise sharply in the east. As of the reported attack, Ukraine says 27 soldiers have been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border. Russia denies Western claims that it has sent troops into eastern Ukraine to help the rebels, but officials say the Army could intervene if Ukraine tries to retake the area by force. The troops buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West.