Yesterday Russia and Ukraine appeared to have agreed on a price for Ukraine's purchase of natural gas, a sign that a total gas shutoff in the middle of winter might be avoided.

Despite yet another diplomatic breakthrough between Moscow and Kiev, the fighting continues. The Associated Press reports: 

Volodymyr Polyoviy, a spokesman for Ukraine’s national security council said that the civilian died and 16 others were wounded in rebel mortar fire on the town of Shchastya, damaging the local hospital and a vocational school.

He also said one serviceman was killed and eight wounded over the past day, but did not give details. Rebel fire continued in the vicinity of the airport in Donetsk, the largest rebel-held city, he said. Ukrainian forces have held the airport against rebels since May.