Despite a looming cease-fire deadline, Ukraine said Friday that at least 11 people were killed and dozens wounded in fighting in the past 24 hours. Photo: AP. Ukraine descended into further violence on Friday as Kiev and Russia-backed separatists tried to expand and defend their territory before a cease-fire brokered by European leaders was due to come into effect. Eleven Ukrainian soldiers died and 40 more were wounded in the past 24 hours in the eastern battle zone , military spokesman Col. Andriy Lysenko said. Battles were fierce near the Ukrainian-held cities of Debaltseve and Mariupol. At least 10 people were killed elsewhere, including a 7-year-old boy, according to local officials. The truce , seen as a possible last chance to put an end to a surge in the deadly fighting, is set to come into effect Sunday. But a previous deal in September collapsed, and doubts about the […]