MOSCOW, December 3 (Sputnik) — About 8,000 independence fighters from the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics have been killed since the launch of the military operation in the east of Ukraine, the press center of Kiev's special operation reported.
"Casualties among the militants estimate approximately 8,000 people since the beginning of the anti-terrorist operation," the statement published on the Facebook page Wednesday said.
In April, Kiev forces started a military operation against independence supporters in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 4,000 people, while more than 460,000 have been displaced, according to UN estimates.
