Violence is still raging in east Ukraine. Videos and pictures on social media show the Ukrainian army battling the pro-Russians in Slaviansk, while the AFP reports a soldier claims the Luhansk international airport received its “worst rebel attack.”
The man, only identified as Sergiy, told the AFP the attack occurred on Saturday night and early Sunday morning. No one in the Ukrainian army was injured or killed.
“It was clear the rebels were trying to destroy the building which controls the power supply to the airport,” he said. “It’s the first time we have had an attack of this kind. Up till now, we’ve only had a few skirmishes.”
The “Luhansk People’s Republic” along with the “Donetsk People’s Republic” claimed independence from Ukraine after a referendum on May 11. The leaders claim citizens overwhelmingly voted in favor of independence, but reports from the referendums revealed many voting violations.
AFP reached out to the LPR, but no one confirmed an attack.
In Slaviansk, pro-Russian attacks and the anti-terrorist operation by the Ukrainian army continued Sunday morning.
#Slavyansk region, many areas have no electricity/water; locals have no choice than collect water from a fountain. pic.twitter.com/5wEwFvsB5N
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) June 8, 2014
There are many injured w/gunshot&shrapnel wounds in #Slavyansk, ambulances are working risking being shot by RU/proRU pic.twitter.com/eDeynckPhM
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) June 8, 2014
#Slovyansk, there are a lot of destruction and fires: shell set fire to building Kupechesky dom (Merchant’s house) pic.twitter.com/39WD4niuHn
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) June 8, 2014
Another shell hit apartment house – 150 meters from #Slovyansk City Council occupied by Russian/pro-Russian militants pic.twitter.com/z7578EDERm
— Ukraine Reporter (@StateOfUkraine) June 8, 2014
Disturbing video from today’s #Slovyansk. It’s still unclear though who’s shelling residential areas therehttps://t.co/KDJ4PIrnXQ
— Maxim Eristavi (@MaximEristavi) June 8, 2014
#Ukraine ATO forces fighting pitched battles with pro-#Russia rebels in #Sloviansk today https://t.co/HDOlL5huLs http://t.co/iVNZoXA8Td
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) June 8, 2014
#Ukraine Military TV footage showing Ukr forces firing on insurgents from BTR-4 and using mortars in #Sloviansk http://t.co/EDy4C2VHeu
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) June 8, 2014
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