(CNN)Kiev will ask the Hague tribunal to investigate alleged "crimes against humanity" in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced Monday. There has been a surge in fighting between Ukraine government forces and pro-Russian separatists in recent days. On Saturday, at least 30 civilians were killed in shelling in the southeastern city of Mariupol, while eight people died when a transit stop in the city of Donetsk was shelled Thursday. Both sides blamed the other for the deaths. Speaking after a meeting with the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Poroshenko said "the actions of Russian-backed terrorists and regular Russian troops" had caused Ukrainians to suffer.
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Ukraine's President says Kiev will ask Hague tribunal to investigate alleged crimes
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov blames Kiev for civilian deaths in Ukraine
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Kiev and the U.S. blame pro-Russia separatists for shelling that killed civilians last week
Lavrov said there was no other path to resolve Ukraine than direct dialogue between @placeholder's conflicting sides.