"As a result of shelling in Yunokomunarivsk and Yenakiieve, nine civilians were killed and six sustained injuries,” Eduard Basurin told reporters.
The DPR continues to receive “disturbing reports” from its intelligence that Kiev is increasing the capacity of its troops near the contact line, the deputy commander added.
Meanwhile, Kiev accused Donbas forces of violating the ceasefire 16 times during the night.
After numerous violations of a previous ceasefire deal, signed last September, Kiev and independence supporters in eastern Ukraine agreed on a new and urgent peace deal in mid-February, and vowed again to withdraw heavy weaponry from the line of contact.
While both sides have since accused each other of sporadic provocations, international monitors in the region have reported that hostilities have declined since the new truce deal had come into force.