Ukraine's truce was tested by battles between government forces and separatists as Russia's opposition held a peace march to protest President Vladimir Putin's policy in the neighboring country.
The government in Kiev and the rebels traded accusations of cease-fire violations even after they agreed to create a buffer zone to strengthen the pact. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the demonstrations ended without serious incident. Estimates about the size of the crowd in the Russian capital ranged from 5,000 people, according to police, to 100,000, cited by Boris Nemtsov, a protest leader.
Daily clashes have threatened to capsize the truce since it was signed Sept. 5. The country's bloodiest conflict since World War II has left more than 3,200 dead and 8,000 injured, according to the United Nations. Fighting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions started after Russia annexed Crimea in March.
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