United Nations Says Death Toll in Eastern Ukraine Up To 4,707

It says more than 5 million people are living in the conflict areas where they face rising hardships and some struggle to stay alive. At least 1,357 fatalities have been recorded since the much-ignored cease-fire began in early September.

The latest findings from the Geneva office, based on reports from a 34-member UN monitoring mission in Ukraine during November and other figures through Dec. 12, says large-scale offensives have halted since the cease-fire but skirmishes and indiscriminate shelling of populated areas continue.

The report Monday also notes lack of progress with several human rights investigations into alleged violations in Kiev, Kharkiv and Mariupol.