Ukraine and the pro-Russian forces in its eastern rebel regions are accusing each other of major escalation over the past day, with mutual allegations of shelling and other violations of the ceasefire agreement.

A section of a major gas pipeline was also blown up near the city of Lugansk, which is in pro-Russian hands. The Ukrainian army claims a soldier was killed in the incidents. In Lugansk and Donetsk, local authorities are organizing an evacuation of civilians and have urged the men to prepare to defend the regions.

The rise in tensions comes as Russia has massed serious reinforcements on the border, and US President Joe Biden again claimed that it is preparing to attack any day now.