Seven Ukrainian soldiers killed in eastern regions amid surge in violence

KIEV (Reuters) - Seven Ukrainian troops were killed in the past 24 hours during fighting with pro-Russian separatists, making July the deadliest month for the Ukrainian military in nearly a year after a sharp increase in violence.

Another 14 were wounded, a military spokesman said. Clashes in Ukraine's eastern regions have surged in spite of an 18-month-old 'Minsk' ceasefire deal. International monitors have expressed unease at recent escalation.