(VOVworld) - The Ukrainian national guard launched Tuesday an offensive against pro-Russian separatists near the southeastern port city of Mariupol.

Ukrainian servicemen unload Grad rockets from a truck before launching them towards pro-Russian separatist forces outside Debaltseve, eastern Ukraine February 8, 2015 (Photo: Reuters)

On Saturday, Kiev said rebels appeared to be massing forces for attacks on strategic towns, including Mariupol, which lies on the Sea of Azov between rebel-controlled areas and the Crimean peninsula. Meanwhile, rebels carried out rocket attacks on a key military base and a residential area in Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine, killing at least six civilians and injuring 26 others. But a rebel representative denied this attack saying the force did not launch any attack in Kramatorsk.

Russian envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin said the deployment of the UN peacekeepers in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine is possible as it will involve forces from different countries. But Churkin said in reality no political resolution has been discussed regarding the Ukrainian crisis. He said the deployment is not suitable now, especially since the “Normandie” summit took place in Minsk on Wednesday.

China voiced its opposition to US plans to supply Ukraine with arms, saying people in the country’s restive east are at the moment in “more need of peace” than lethal arms.