Deadly attack on Ukraine border post

MOSCOW -- Ukraine's border guards service says a serviceman was killed and eight were wounded when a post on the border with Russia came under heavy mortar attack.

In a statement, the service says the attack took place before dawn Wednesday at the Novoazovsk post in the southeastern part of the Donetsk region. Donetsk is one of two eastern regions where Ukrainian forces are fighting pro-Russia separatists.

A 10-day unilateral cease-fire by the Ukrainian side expired late Monday after separatists rejected calls to lay down their weapons.

Border posts have become key strategic objects, as Ukraine claims the rebels are receiving support and reinforcements from Russia.

Ukraine says it retook control of one border post from rebels this week. The guards service said Wednesday the insurgents had mined the post with explosives.