Ukrainian officials are preparing for a possible evacuation of the eastern frontline town of Avdiivka amid renewed fighting with pro-Russian rebels. <br/><br/>Officials said if evacuation takes place, up to 8,000 people could be removed each day from the government-held town, which has no water or electricity. The Kiev government said seven of its soldiers died in clashes on Sunday and Monday, and fighting is continuing. Each side blames the other for the upsurge in violence.<br/><br/>It erupted despite an attempt to renew a ceasefire last month. Ukrainian forces said the outbreak began when rebels launched an attack on Avdiivka, which borders land controlled by the separatists.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov today said Ukrainian government troops had launched the attack on pro-Russian rebels across the Avdiivka front line. Such aggressive actions, supported by the armed forces of Ukraine, undermine the aims and the task of realising the Minsk accords.