Ukraine sustains heavy losses after surge in Donbas hostilities - Basurin

DONETSK. March 9 (Interfax) - Over 700 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and almost 800 injured during fighting in Donbas, a representative of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) militia, Eduard Basurin, told reporters on Wednesday.

He also said which units had the biggest losses.

The DPR had been attacked almost 20 times since midnight; a civilian was injured, he said.

Also, 16 civilians were withdrawn from the besieged town of Mariupol, he said.

"Our defenders evacuated 16 peaceful residents. Currently their lives are not at risk," Basurin said.

Also "in Mariupol, eight members of Ukraine's 36th naval infantry brigade surrendered weapons voluntarily," he said.