"The Abakumov and Skochinsky mines have lost power, trapping 379 people. The Sokol market has also been hit. The Emergencies Ministry has been dispatched," Basurin said, according to Interfax.

“At present, around 15 people are dead from the moment the first provocation started at 3:34 a.m.,” the Donetsk news agency cited Basurin as saying, following artillery fire in the area overnight.

As a result of the shelling, two mines have lost power, trapping some 400 people underground.

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