| Revision as of 02:43, 13 February 2015 view sourceKnowledgekid87 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers96,775 edits Undid revision 646891558 by Ritsaiph (talk) Im not saying you are wrong but per WP:BRD you should discuss this on the talkpage before having this bit stay.← Previous edit | Revision as of 04:08, 13 February 2015 view source Ritsaiph (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,018 edits NeilN believes that removing certified information isn't characterized as Vandalism. .Next edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| {{pp-semi|small=yes}} | |||
| {{about|the armed conflict in the Donbass region of Ukraine|the concurrent unrest across Ukraine|2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine}} | |||
| {{EngvarB|date=June 2014}} | |||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2014}} | |||
| {{Infobox military conflict | |||
| | partof = the ] | |||
| | image = ] | |||
| | caption = Depicts the expansion and contraction of insurgent-controlled territory over the duration of the conflict, and also shows the flightpath and crash site of ].<br><small> (For a more detailed map, ])</small> | |||
| | date = {{Start date|df=yes|2014|04|06}} – present<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=04|day1=06|year1=2014}}) | |||
| | place = ], <small>includes:<br>] and ] ] of Ukraine</small> | |||
| | coordinates = | |||
| | map_type = | |||
| | map_relief = | |||
| | latitude = | |||
| | longitude = | |||
| | map_size = | |||
| | map_marksize = | |||
| | map_caption = | |||
| | map_label = | |||
| | territory = | |||
| | result = | |||
| | status = ''Ongoing'' | |||
| * Government forces recaptured ], ], ], ], ], ], ] amongst other cities, and regained a {{convert|75|mi|km|disp=flip|adj=on}} stretch of the border with Russia.<ref name="mariupol"/> | |||
| * ]{{#tag:ref|See<ref name="NATO Russia moves artillery into Ukraine">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/23/world/europe/russia-moves-artillery-units-into-ukraine-nato-says.html|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20141006122452/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/23/world/europe/russia-moves-artillery-units-into-ukraine-nato-says.html?_r=1|archivedate=6 September 2014|title=Russia Moves Artillery Units into Ukraine, NATO Says|work=The New York Times|date=22 August 2014|accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="NATO Russia artillery fires Ukr forces">{{cite news|author=Denver Nicks |url=http://time.com/3160900/nato-russia-artillery-ukraine/ |title=NATO: Russia Artillery Fires on Ukraine Forces |work=Time |date=22 August 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Russian Column enters southeast">{{cite web|author=Jim Heintz Associated Press |url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-plans-billion-boost-defense-spending-25102664 |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140825144115/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-plans-billion-boost-defense-spending-25102664 |archivedate=25 August 2014 |title=Ukraine: Russian Tank Column Enters Southeast - ABC News |publisher=ABC News |accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="Column from Russia">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28924945 |title=Ukraine crisis: 'Column from Russia' crosses border |publisher=BBC |date=1 January 1970 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/08/fighting-ukraine-coastline-intensifies-201482718054359321.html|title=Fighting for Ukraine's coastline intensifies|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=27 August 2014|accessdate=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2014/08/29/actualidad/1409295572_291508.html|title=La OTAN condena la guerra secreta rusa (NATO condemns the Russian secret war)|work=El País|language=Spanish|date=29 August 2014|accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sol.pt/noticia/114066|title=Exército russo invade leste ucraniano|publisher=Sol|language=Portuguese|date=28 August 2014|accessdate=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/fsp/mundo/183013-tanques-russos-invadem-ucrania-diz-otan.shtml|title=Tanques russos invadem Ucrânia, diz Otan|publisher=Folha de S.Paulo|language=Portuguese|date=29 August 2014|accessdate=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="REU24372">{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/25/ukraine-crisis-idINL5N0QV33V20140825 | title=Ukraine Accuses Russia of Opening New Front Before Putin-Poroshenko Meeting | agency=Reuters | date=25 August 2014 | accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/08/28/7036002/|title=ДНРівець: За нас воюють російські військові "у відпустці" (Russian military war "on vacation")|publisher=Ukrainska Pravda|date=28 August 2014|accessdate=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/over-100-russian-soldiers-killed-eastern-ukraine-russian-155412872.html|title=Over 100 Russian soldiers killed in eastern Ukraine: Russian rights activists|agency=Reuters|date=28 August 2014|accessdate=31 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/ukraine-mounting-evidence-war-crimes-and-russian-involvement-2014-09-05|title=Ukraine: Mounting evidence of war crimes and Russian involvement|publisher=Amnesty International|date=7 September 2014|accessdate=8 September 2014}}</ref>}} (denied by Russia)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/ukraine-la-revolte/20140901.OBS7733/ukraine-kiev-evoque-une-invasion-russe-directe.html|title= L'Ukraine s'attend à une "grande guerre" avec la Russie|work=Le Nouvel Observateur|language=French|date=1 September 2014|accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| * DPR/LPR counter-offensive halted Ukrainian advance, retook many areas | |||
| * ] signed on 5 September 2014.<ref name="Peace">{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29082574|title= Ukraine and pro-Russia rebels sign ceasefire deal|publisher=BBC|date=5 September 2014|accessdate=5 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| *According to Ukrainian officials, Russia withdraws 70% of the troops it had in Ukraine<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ukraine says Russia withdrawing forces from east, sees boost for peace |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/10/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0H50YB20140910 |agency=Reuters |date=10 September 2014 }}</ref><ref name=GD11sept/> | |||
| * DPR forces capture the airport of Donetsk<ref>http://time.com/3681508/donetsk-airport-destruction-ukraine/</ref> and start a new offensive against Ukranian positions in late January. <ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11365982/Ukraine-Separatist-forces-in-Donetsk-cannot-maintain-offensive-without-Russian-support.html</ref> | |||
| | combatants_header = | |||
| | combatant1 = | |||
| {{flag|Donetsk People's Republic}}<br>{{flag|Lugansk People's Republic}}<br>{{flag|Russia}}{{#tag:ref|See<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gardels|first1=Nathan|title=Russia Has Already Invaded Ukraine: Strobe Talbott|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nathan-gardels/strobe-talbott-russia-ukraine_b_5688516.html?utm_hp_ref=tw|work=The Huffington Post|date=18 August 2014|quote="They have already invaded Ukraine. I find it maddening and incomprehensible how governments and the media keep talking about the possibility, the danger, the threat of Russia invading. Russia invaded Ukraine early in the spring. Russia has been the force behind, and on the ground, with the separatists in eastern Ukraine."}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-gets-new-evidence-of-russian-soldiers-fighting-on-its-turf-photos-361543.html|title=Ukraine gets new evidence of Russian soldiers fighting on its turf (PHOTOS)|work=Kyiv Post|date=21 August 2014|accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russian-humanitarian-convoy-enters-ukraine-despite-warnings/2014/08/22/7b14fa8e-29e1-11e4-8593-da634b334390_story.html|title=NATO condemns Moscow's aid convoy, says Russian artillery firing at Ukrainian army|work=The Washington Post|date=22 August 2014|accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Ukr crisis convoy crosses border">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/22/us-ukraine-crisis-aid-convoy-idUSKBN0GM0IS20140822|title=Ukraine accuses Russia of invasion after aid convoy crosses border|agency=Reuters|date=22 August 2014|accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/23/world/europe/russia-moves-artillery-units-into-ukraine-nato-says.html?_r=1|title=Russia Moves Artillery Units into Ukraine, NATO Says|work=The New York Times|date=22 August 2014|accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|See<ref name="REUeuada" /><ref name="unian.net">{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.net/politics/911495-deputat-gosdumyi-putin-ne-mojet-ostanovitsya-inache-ego-nazovut-slabakom.html |title=Депутат Госдумы: Путин не может остановиться, иначе его назовут слабаком : Новости УНИАН |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |date=25 April 2014 |accessdate=3 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/washington-has-evidence-of-russias-readiness-to-supply-new-weapons-to-separatists-in-ukraine-357864.html|agency=Interfax-Ukraine|work=Kyiv Post|date=25 July 2014|title=Washington has evidence of Russia's readiness to supply new weapons to separatists in Ukraine|quote="We have evidence that Russia is firing artillery from within Russia to attack Ukrainian military positions"}}</ref><ref name=nytj9>{{cite news|last1=Kramer|first1=Andrew E.|title=Russians Yearning to Join Ukraine Battle Find Lots of Helping Hands|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/10/world/europe/russians-yearning-to-join-ukraine-battle-find-lots-of-helping-hands.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&smid=tw-nytimes|work=The New York Times|date=9 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="Toronto Star">{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/08/03/prorussia_rebels_plead_for_troops_as_ukrainian_army_advances.html |title=Pro-Russia rebels plead for troops as Ukrainian army advances |work=Toronto Star |date=3 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=wpproof>{{cite news|title=U.S. releases images it says show Russia has fired artillery over border into Ukraine|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-releases-images-it-says-show-russia-has-fired-artillery-over-border-into-ukraine/2014/07/27/f9190158-159d-11e4-9e3b-7f2f110c6265_story.html|work=The Washington Post|date=27 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=cnn22Apr>, "Ukraine: Photos show undercover Russian troops", by Arwa Damon, Michael Pearson and Ed Payne, 22 April 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/luhansk-border-guards-provide-osce-with-evidence-of-shelling-of-ukrainian-territory-from-russia-359818.html |title=Luhansk border guards provide OSCE with evidence of shelling of Ukrainian territory from Russia |work=Kyiv Post |date=8 August 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref>}}}}<br /><small>(denied by Russia)</small>{{#tag:ref|See<ref name="Toronto Star"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sputniknews.com/military/20140721/191082305/Russia-Denies-Smuggling-Military-Hardware-Into-East-Ukraine.html |title=Russia Denies Smuggling Military Hardware into East Ukraine |agency=RIA Novosti |date=21 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/usa/175980-us-images-russia-ukraine/|title=US releases satellite images 'proving' Russia is firing into Ukraine|publisher=RT|date=27 July 2014|accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="CNNrac">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/22/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html |title=Russian aid convoy into Ukraine called 'direct invasion' |publisher=CNN |date=22 August 2014 |accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref>}} | |||
| | combatant2 = | |||
| {{flag|Ukraine}} | |||
| | units1 = {{flagicon image|War Flag of Novorussia.svg}} ] | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Self defense of Donbass flag.jpg}} ] | |||
| **{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Vostok Battalion (Donetsk People's Republic).svg}} ] | |||
| **{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Orthodox Army.svg}} ] | |||
| **{{flagicon image|Flag of the Sparta Battalion.svg}} ] | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Flag of the St George Ribbon.png}} ] | |||
| **{{flagicon image|Don Cossacks National Guard Banner.jpg}} ]<ref> Svetlana Bolotnikova, ], 30 July 2014</ref><ref> Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 11 Issue: 149, ], 13 August 2014</ref> | |||
| **{{flagicon image|Flag of the Ghost Brigade.svg}} ] | |||
| {{flagicon image|Flag RNU.svg}} ]<ref>{{cite web| title = A Nazi division from Russia is fighting in Ukraine and continues to recruit| url = http://euromaidanpress.com/2014/08/27/a-nazi-division-from-the-russian-national-unity-is-fighting-in-ukraine-and-continues-to-recruit/| date = August 2014| accessdate = 2015}}</ref><br><br> | |||
| {{flagicon image|Banner of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (obverse).svg|size=23px}} ]<br>{{small|(denied by Russia)}}<br> | |||
| {{Collapsible list | |||
| |bullets = yes | |||
| |title = <small>Foreign volunteers:</small> | |||
| |Belarusian<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rosbalt.ru/exussr/2014/07/16/1292918.html |title=How Belarusians are fighting in Ukraine (in Russian) |publisher=Rosbalt.ru |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| |Russian<ref name=nytchech>{{cite news|title=Russians Revealed Among Ukraine Fighters|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/28/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=3|newspaper=The New York Times|date=28 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ingushetia leader: Ingush 'volunteers' fight in east Ukraine |url=http://qha.com.ua/ingushetia-leader-ingush-volunteers-fight-in-east-ukraine-131580en.html |agency=Crimean News Agency |date=6 June 2014 |accessdate=26 June 2014}}</ref><ref>. Krasnoye TV. 11 November 2014</ref><ref>. ]. 12 November 2014</ref> | |||
| |Serbian<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bloknot.ru/v-mire/dobrovol-tsy-iz-serbii-edut-na-donbass.html|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140811010327/http://bloknot.ru/v-mire/dobrovol-tsy-iz-serbii-edut-na-donbass.html|archivedate=11 August 2014 |title=Добровольцы из Сербии едут на Донбасс | Volunteers from Serbia going to Donbass |publisher=Bloknot.ru |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Serbian volunteers inSerbia">{{cite web|url=http://inserbia.info/today/2014/08/at-least-100-serbs-fight-in-ukraine-on-pro-russian-side/|title=At least 100 Serbs fight in Ukraine on pro-Russian side|publisher=inSerbia|date=6 August 2014|accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| |]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/The-Two-Sides-of-Volunteers-in-Ukraine-20140821-0048.html |title=The Two Sides of Volunteers in Ukraine |publisher=] |date=21 August 2014 |accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=French fighters join rebel stronghold in Donetsk|url=http://english.cntv.cn/2014/08/26/VIDE1409023802978432.shtml|publisher=]|accessdate= 30 August 2014|date=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/15/separatist-fighter-russia-eastern-ukraine-interview |title=I was a separatist fighter in Ukraine |work=] |date=15 July 2014 |accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="Abkhaz">{{cite web|url=http://lb.ua/news/2014/05/28/268065_gospogransluzhba_sredi_terroristov.html|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140529090427/http://lb.ua/news/2014/05/28/268065_gospogransluzhba_sredi_terroristov.html|archivedate=29 May 2014|script-title=ru:Госпогранслужба: среди террористов есть абхазцы|publisher=LB.ua|language=Russian|date=28 May 2014|accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=vbj1>{{cite news|last1=BACZYNSKA|first1=GABRIELA|title=More foreign fighters break cover among Ukraine separatists|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/01/us-ukraine-crisis-vostok-idUSKBN0EC1LL20140601|agency=Reuters|date=1 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Uzbeks Adding To Ranks of Ukraine's Pro-Russian Separatists |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-uzbeks-joining-separatists/25435259.html |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=25 June 2014 |accessdate=8 July 2014}}</ref><ref name=ftchch>{{cite news|last=Weaver|first=Courtney|title=Chechens join pro-Russians in battle foreast Ukraine|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/dcf5e16e-e5bc-11e3-aeef-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=intl|newspaper=Financial Times|date=27 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| }} | |||
| | units2= | |||
| ] ]: | |||
| *{{Flagicon image|Ensign of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.svg}} ] | |||
| *{{flagicon image|ДПСУ прапор.jpeg}} ] | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Security Service of Ukraine.png}} ] | |||
| ] ]: | |||
| *{{flagicon image|Flag_of_the_National_Guard_of_Ukraine.svg}} ] | |||
| **] | |||
| {{Collapsible list | |||
| |bullets = yes | |||
| |title = <small>Foreign volunteers:</small> | |||
| |Belarusian<ref name="volunteers">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ukraine's battalion 'Donbas': Belarusian volunteers hoist national flag |url=http://belsat.eu/en/wiadomosci/a,20401,ukraines-battalion-donbas-belarusian-volunteers-hoist-national-flag.html |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140620205607/http://belsat.eu/en/wiadomosci/a,20401,ukraines-battalion-donbas-belarusian-volunteers-hoist-national-flag.html |archivedate=20 June 2014|newspaper=Belsat TV |date=18 June 2014 |accessdate=13 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Belarusian volunteers joining Ukraine's fight against pro-Russian militants |url=http://naviny.by/rubrics/english/2014/07/07/ic_articles_259_185968/ |newspaper=Belarus News |date=7 July 2014 |accessdate=13 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Soldier of Belarusian squad Pahonia: We are going to win |url=http://charter97.org/en/news/2014/7/11/106480/ |newspaper=Charter 97 |date=11 July 2014 |accessdate=13 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| |Georgian<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=23 Georgian Volunteers Joined Azov Batallion in Ukraine |url=http://www.chechencenter.info/n/44-european-news/2175-23-georgian-volunteers-joined-azov-batallion-in-ukraine.html |newspaper=Chechen Center |date=16 June 2014 |accessdate=13 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Volunteers Bolster Ukraine's Fighting Force |url=https://iwpr.net/global-voices/volunteers-bolster-ukraines-fighting-force |newspaper=Institute For War & Peace Reporting |date=26 June 2014 |accessdate=13 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| |Others<ref name="volunteers"/><ref>{{cite web|publisher=RTS|title=Albanski dobrovoljci u Donjecku|trans_title=Albanian volunteers in Donetsk|language=Serbian|url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/10/Svet/1665023/Albanski+dobrovoljci+u+Donjecku.html|date=4 August 2014|accessdate=6 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| }} | |||
| | combatant3 = | |||
| | commander1 = {{Flagicon|Donetsk People's Republic}} ]{{WIA}} <br /> {{Flagicon|Donetsk People's Republic}} ]<br> {{Flagicon|Donetsk People's Republic}} ]<br /> {{flagicon|Donetsk People's Republic}} ]<br/>{{flagicon|Donetsk People's Republic}} ]{{POW}}<br /> {{Flagicon|Lugansk People's Republic}} ]<br>{{Flagicon|Lugansk People's Republic}} ]{{WIA}}<br>{{flagicon|Russia}} ]<br /><small>(denied by Russia)</small>{{#tag:ref|See<ref name="Toronto Star"/>}}<br>{{Flagicon|Russia}} ]<br>{{Flagicon|Russia}} ]<br>{{Flagicon|Russia}} ] | commander2 ={{flagicon|Ukraine}} ] <br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ] <br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ] <br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ] <br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ] <br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<ref>, ''Kyiv Post'' (8 May 2014)</ref> <br /> {{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]<br>{{flagicon|Ukraine}} ]{{WIA}} | |||
| | commander3 = | |||
| | strength1 = 20,000 fighters,<ref>. Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 9 July 2014</ref> including 3,000–4,000 Russian volunteers<ref>. Information Telegraph Agency of Russia. 28 August 2014</ref><br/><small>(according to the separatists)</small><br />~10,000 fighters<ref name="usetoday-20140712">. ''USA Today''. 12 July 2014.</ref><br /><small>(according to experts)</small><br />7,500+ Russian infantry<br /><small>(NATO sources)<ref> News.com.au</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/29/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|title=Putin: You better not come after a nuclear-armed Russia|date=29 August 2014|publisher=CNN|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/try-it-now/?articleId=20231549|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140903130307/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/try-it-now/?articleId=20231549|archivedate=2014-09-03|title=Russian forces breach Ukrainian border|work=The Globe and Mail|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref></small> | |||
| | strength2 = 50,000 servicemen<ref> //], 11 August 2014</ref> | |||
| | strength3 = | |||
| | casualties1 = 1,411 killed,<ref name="7000people"></ref><ref></ref><br>733 captured<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref><br/><small>(according to the separatists)</small><br>8,000 killed,<ref name="1427soldiers"/><br>131 missing,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/families-of-131-missing-russian-servicemen-contact-sbu-advisor-to-sbu-chief-368275.html|title=Families of 131 missing Russian servicemen contact SBU - advisor to SBU chief|work=Kyiv Post|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref><br>744 captured<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sputniknews.com/europe/20141210/1015696828.html|title=By the end of 2014, Kiev may exchange about 500 independence supporters for 684 servicemen in a prisoner swap with the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk.|work=Sputnik News|accessdate=10 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/754832|title=Prisoner swap between Donetsk militias and Ukrainian troops to be resumed soon|work=TASS|accessdate=20 October 2014}}</ref><br/><small>(according to the government)</small> | |||
| | casualties2 = 1,540<ref>{{cite web|url=http://memorybook.org.ua/index.htm|title=Шановні відвідувачі!|work=Герману Шаповаленко, | |||
| Євгену Ворох, Юрію Гірченко|accessdate=17 January 2014}}</ref>–2,322<ref>2,000 killed (6 April–18 September; 17 since 5 September), 189 killed (5 September–8 December), 150 killed (9 December–28 January), total of 2,322 reported killed</ref> killed,<br>4,322 wounded,<ref name="1427soldiers">{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv-post-plus/at-least-1373-soldiers-killed-in-russias-war-against-ukraine-3-378173.html|title=At least 1,427 soldiers killed in Russia's war against Ukraine|work=Kyiv Post|accessdate=29 January 2014}}</ref><br>1,664 missing,<br>1,648–2,484 captured<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-militants-free-1800-prisoners-373508.html|title=Ukraine militants free 1,800 prisoners|work=Kyiv Post|accessdate=29 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/239471.html|title=Militants free 964 Ukrainian soldiers - SBU|agency=Interfax-Ukraine|accessdate=12 December 2014}}</ref> and 20,000 deserted or defected<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zn.ua/UKRAINE/milicii-donbassa-nuzhno-20-tys-chelovek-dlya-zameny-predateley-i-dezertirov-149826_.html|title=Donbass militsiya needs 20,000 to replace deserters and traitors - Avakov|publisher=zn.ua|date=29 July 2014|accessdate=6 August 2014}}</ref><br/><small>(according to the government)</small><br>31,448 killed and wounded,<br>1,701 captured,<br>13,500 deserted or missing<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda-tv.ru/2014/09/02/82429|title=Roundup Novorossia September 1, 2014 (video)|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref></ref><ref></ref><ref></ref><br/><small>(according to the separatists)</small> | |||
| | casualties3 = 5,358 killed overall<ref name="OCHA">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-ukraine-crisis-20150203-story.html|title=U.N. condemns Ukraine shelling, raises conflict's death toll to 5,358|work=Chicago Tribune|date=3 February 2015|accessdate=3 February 2015}}</ref><br>(including 304 foreign civilians)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/07/17/malaysian-airlines-crash-ukraine-russia/12779763/ | title= 298 killed after Malaysian airliner shot down in Ukraine | work=] | date=17 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russia-warns-ukraine-of-irreversible-consequences-after-cross-border-shelling/2014/07/13/d2be1bb0-0a85-11e4-8341-b8072b1e7348_story.html | title=Russia warns Ukraine of 'irreversible consequences' after cross-border shelling | work=] | date=13 July 2014 | accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28901386|title=Ukraine crisis: Lithuania envoy killed in Luhansk|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sputniknews.com/russia/20140904/192636959/House-Speaker-Moscow-to-Consider-Kiev-Accomplice-to-Stenin.html|title=House Speaker: Moscow to Consider Kiev Accomplice to Stenin Murder if It Protected Killer|agency=RIA Novosti|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ---- | |||
| 593,622–814,000<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/03/world/europe/more-than-a-million-ukrainians-have-been-displaced-un-says.html |title=More Than a Million Ukrainians Have Been Displaced, U.N. Says |work=The New York Times |date=2 September 2014 | accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> Ukrainians fled to Russia,<br>633,523 people displaced within the country<ref name="OCHA"/> | |||
| | notes = | |||
| | campaignbox = | |||
| {{Campaignbox Ukrainian crisis}} | |||
| {{Campaignbox Post-Soviet conflicts}} | |||
| }} | |||
| The '''War in Donbass''' (also called the '''War in Ukraine''' or '''War in Eastern Ukraine''') is an armed conflict in the ] region of ]. From the beginning of March 2014, demonstrations by ] and anti-government groups took place in the ] and ] oblasts of Ukraine, together commonly called the "Donbass", in the aftermath of the ] and the ] movement. These demonstrations, which followed the ], and which were part of a wider group of ], escalated into an ] between the ] of the self-declared ] and ] People's Republics (DPR and LPR respectively), and the ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/armed-pro-russian-insurgents-in-luhansk-say-they-are-ready-for-police-raid-343167.html |title=Armed pro-Russian insurgents in Luhansk say they are ready for police raid |work=Kyiv Post |date=12 April 2014 |last=Grytsenko |first=Oksana}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ukraine-special-forces-sent-eastern-city-retake-buildings-082049113.html |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140414125950/https://ca.news.yahoo.com/ukraine-special-forces-sent-eastern-city-retake-buildings-082049113.html |archivedate=2014-04-14 |title=Ukraine to deploy troops to quash pro-Russian insurgency in the east |work=Yahoo News Canada |date=14 April 2014 |agency=Associated Press |last=Leonard |first=Peter | accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref> Prior to a change of the top leadership in August,<ref name="jamestown-20140815">, ], ], 15 August 2014</ref> the separatists were largely led by Russian citizens.<ref name="REUeuada">{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/27/us-ukraine-crisis-rebels-insight-idUSKBN0FW07020140727 |title=Pushing locals aside, Russians take top rebel posts in east Ukraine |agency=Reuters |date=27 July 2014 |accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref> Russian paramilitaries are reported to make up from 15% to 80% of the combatants.<ref name="REUeuada"/><ref>. 27 June 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.censor.net.ua/resonance/295448/rossiyiskiyi_naemnik_polovina_opolchentsev_iz_rossii_mne_pomogayut_sponsory_my_vozmem_lvov |title=Российский Наемник: "Половина Ополченцев - Из России. Мне Помогают Спонсоры. Мы Возьмем Львов" |publisher=M.censor.net.ua |date=26 July 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Interview: I Was A Separatist Fighter In Ukraine|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-i-was-a-separatist-fighter/25455466.html|accessdate=29 August 2014|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Whisked Away for Tea With a Rebel in Ukraine|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/world/europe/whisked-away-for-tea-with-a-rebel-in-ukraine.html?_r=1|accessdate=29 August 2014|work=The New York Times}}</ref> | |||
| Between 22 and 25 August, Russian artillery, personnel, and what Russia called a "humanitarian convoy" were reported to have crossed the border into Ukrainian territory without the permission of the Ukrainian government. Crossings were reported to have occurred both in areas under the control of pro-Russian forces and areas that were not under their control, such as the south-eastern part of ], near ]. These events followed the reported shelling of Ukrainian positions from the Russian side of the border over the course of the preceding month.<ref name="NATO Russia artillery fires Ukr forces" /><ref name="Column from Russia" /><ref name=autogenerated1></ref><ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web|author=JIM HEINTZ Associated Press |url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-plans-billion-boost-defense-spending-25102664 |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140825144115/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-plans-billion-boost-defense-spending-25102664 |archivedate=25 August 2014|title=Ukraine: Russian Tank Column Enters Southeast - ABC News |publisher=ABC News |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="NYT2782014">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/world/europe/ukraine-russia-novoazovsk-crimea.html | title=Ukraine Reports Russian Invasion on a New Front | work=The New York Times | date=27 August 2014 | accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref> ] ] said that the events of 22 August were a "direct invasion by Russia of Ukraine".<ref name="Ukr crisis convoy crosses border"/> Western and Ukrainian officials described these events as a "stealth invasion" of Ukraine by Russia.<ref name="NYT2782014"/> As a result of this, DPR and LPR insurgents regained much of the territory they had lost during the preceding government military offensive. A deal to establish a ceasefire, called the ], was signed on 5 September 2014.<ref name="BBC2908"/> Violations of the ceasefire on both sides were common. Amidst the solidification of the line between insurgent and Ukrainian territory during the ceasefire, ]s took control of swathes of land on the insurgent side, leading to further destabilisation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-rebels-disunited-front-run-warlords-124041693.html Ukraine rebels warlords|title=Ukraine rebels a disunited front run by warlords|agency=Associated Press |date=10 November 2014 |accessdate=10 November 2014}}</ref> The ceasefire completely collapsed in January 2015, with renewed heavy fighting across the conflict zone, including at ] and ]. A new ceasefire, called ], was agreed to on 12 February 2015. | |||
| {{TOC limit|3}} | |||
| ==Background== | |||
| {{main|2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine|Historical background of the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine#Donbass}} | |||
| {{Further|Donetsk People's Republic|Lugansk People's Republic}} | |||
| ===Donetsk Oblast=== | |||
| ], 9 March 2014]] | |||
| Attempts to seize the Donetsk Regional State Administration (RSA) building began since ] erupted in the ] and ] regions of Ukraine, in the wake of the ]. Pro-Russian protesters occupied the Donetsk RSA from 1–6 March, before being removed by the ] (SBU).<ref name="march6cbs">{{cite news | url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukrainian-city-of-donetsk-epitomizes-countrys-crisis/ | title=Ukrainian city of Donetsk epitomizes country's crisis | publisher=CBS News | date=6 March 2014 | accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/c427c7dc-a558-11e3-8070-00144feab7de.html | title=Oligarch tries to stamp Kiev authority on restive east | work=Financial Times | date=6 March 2014 | accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref> On 6 April, 1,000–2,000 people gathered at a rally in Donetsk to demand a status ] similar to the ] in March.<ref name=BBC100a6414>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26910210|title=Ukraine: Pro-Russians storm offices in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv|publisher=BBC News|date=6 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=rtapr6>{{cite web|url=http://rt.com/news/ukraine-donetsk-protest-russia-733/|title=Pro-Russian protesters seize govt buildings in Ukraine's Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkov|publisher=]|date=7 April 2014}}</ref> The demonstrators stormed the RSA building, and took control of its first two floors. They said that if an extraordinary legislative session was not held by regional officials to implement a status referendum, they would take control of the regional government with a "people's mandate", and dismiss all elected regional councillors and members of parliament.<ref name="NovDnUa1">{{cite web|url=http://novosti.dn.ua/details/221959/|script-title=ru:Воскресный штурм ДонОГА в фотографиях|language=Russian|website=novosti.dn.ua|date=6 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="UPravda1">{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/6/7021524/|script-title=uk:Донецькі сепаратисти готуються сформувати "народну облраду" та приєднатися до РФ|language=Ukrainian|work=]|date=6 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://novosti.dn.ua/details/221964/|script-title=ru:Сепаратисты выставили ультиматум: референдум о вхождении Донецкой области в состав РФ|language=Russian|website=novosti.dn.ua|date=6 April 2014}}</ref> As these demands were not met, the activists held a meeting in the RSA building, and voted in favour of independence from Ukraine. They proclaimed the ] (DPR).<ref name=BBCtha>, ] (7 April 2014)</ref> | |||
| ===Luhansk Oblast=== | |||
| Unrest in Luhansk Oblast began on 6 April, when approximately 1,000 activists seized and occupied the ] building in the city of ], following similar occupations in the cities of ] and ].<ref name="globalpost.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140416/ukraines-eastern-hot-spots |title=Ukraine's eastern hot spots |publisher=GlobalPost |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-over-a-dozen-towns-held-by-pro-russian-rebels-in-east-ukraine-1983679 |title=Over a dozen towns held by pro-Russian rebels in east Ukraine & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=30 April 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Protesters barricaded the building, and demanded that all arrested separatist leaders be released.<ref name="globalpost.com"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21601048-government-kiev-has-no-obvious-counters-russian-inspired-occupations-industrial |title=The Ukraine crisis: Boys from the blackstuff |work=The Economist |date=19 April 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Police were able to retake control of the building, but the demonstrators regathered for a 'people's assembly' outside the building and called for a 'people's government', demanding either federalisation or incorporation into the ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Alan Yuhas and Tom McCarthy |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/16/crisis-east-ukraine-city-by-city-guide-map |title=Crisis in east Ukraine: a city-by-city guide to the spreading conflict |work=The Guardian |date=16 April 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=1T+02:00 16:43 21 April 2014 |url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/201534.html |title=Luhansk prosecutors launch probes into federalization support rallies |agency=Interfax-Ukraine |date=21 April 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> At this assembly, they elected ] to the position of "People's Governor".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vesti-ukr.com/donbass/48519-v-lugansve-vybrali-narodnogo-gubernatora |title=В Луганске выбрали "народного губернатора" | Донбасс | Вести |publisher=Vesti.ua |date=22 November 2013 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Two referendums were announced, one on 11 May to determine whether the region should seek some form of autonomy, and a second scheduled for 18 May to determine whether the region should join the Russian Federation, or declare independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/21/7023176/ |title=У Луганську сепаратисти вирішили провести два референдуми | Українська правда |work=Ukrayinska Pravda |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The ] (LPR) was declared on 27 April.<ref name="en.itar-tass.com">{{cite news|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/729768 |title=ITAR-TASS: World - Federalization supporters in Luhansk proclaim people's republic |agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia |date=20 May 2010 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Representatives of the Republic demanded that Ukrainian government provide amnesty for all protesters, enshrine Russian as an official language, and hold a referendum on the status of the region.<ref name="en.itar-tass.com"/> They issued an ultimatum that stated that if Kiev did not meet their demands by 14:00 on 29 April, they would launch an insurgency in tandem with that of the ].<ref name="en.itar-tass.com"/><ref>{{cite web|author=OSCE Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe |url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/118153 |title=Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine - based on information received up until 28 April 2014, 19:00 (Kyiv time) |publisher=OSCE |date=29 April 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==History== | |||
| {{See also|Timeline of the war in Donbass (April–June 2014)|Timeline of the war in Donbass (July–September 2014)|Timeline of the war in Donbass (October–December 2014)|Timeline of the war in Donbass (January 2015–present)}} | |||
| After having gained control of the Donetsk RSA and having declared the Donetsk People's Republic, pro-Russian groups vowed to fan out and take control of strategic infrastructure across Donetsk Oblast, and demanded that public officials who wished to continue their work swear allegiance to the Republic.<ref>, ''Separatists in Ukraine's Donetsk vow to take full control of region'', by Gabriela Baczynska, 14 April 2014.</ref> By 14 April, pro-Russian separatists had taken control of government buildings in many other cities within the ], including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27008054 | title=East Ukraine crisis | publisher=BBC News | date=13 April 2014 | accessdate=13 April 2014 | quote="11:19:Pro-Russian forces have now also taken control of the town council building in Mariupol in the Donetsk region, according to a Ukrainian news website. This would mean five towns or cities in eastern Ukraine have now had government buildings taken over by pro-Russians: Mariupol, Yenakiyeve, Kramatorsk, Druzhkovka and Sloviansk."}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1241376/ukraine-fatal-clashes-as-protests-spread |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140413140949/http://news.sky.com/story/1241376/ukraine-fatal-clashes-as-protests-spread |archivedate=13 April 2014 |title=Fatal Clashes As Protests Spread |publisher=Sky News |date=13 April 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="gorlovkafox">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/04/14/deadline-for-pro-russian-gunmen-to-leave-ukraine-government-buildings-passes/ |title=Another government building in eastern Ukraine attacked by pro-Russia militants |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=14 April 2014 |accessdate=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="zhdanovka">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/activists-easily-seize-local-council-building-in-donetsk-regions-zhdanovka-343434.html | title=Activists easily seize local council building in Donetsk region's Zhdanovka | work=Kyiv Post | date=14 April 2014 | accessdate=14 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===First standoff=== | |||
| In response to the widening unrest, the acting Ukrainian President, ], vowed to launch a major "anti-terror" operation against separatist movements in Donetsk Oblast.<ref name="news.biharprabha.com">{{cite news|title=Pro-Russian Group in Donetsk declare independence from Ukraine|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/04/pro-russian-group-in-donetsk-declare-independence-from-ukraine/|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|accessdate=7 April 2014}}</ref> The Minister of Internal Affairs, ], said on 9 April that the unrest in Donetsk Oblast would be resolved within forty-eight hours, either through negotiations or the use of force. President Oleksandr Turchynov signed a decree to retake the Donetsk RSA building, and place it "under state protection,"<ref name="cnn.com">, ''Ukraine unrest will be resolved by force or talks in 48 hours, minister says'', by Laura Smith-Spark and Kellie Morgan, 10 April 2014.</ref><ref name="Ukrainska Pravda">{{cite news | author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=9 April 2014 |script-title=uk:Турчинов наказав взяти під держохорону будівлю Донецької ОДА |trans-title=Turchynov ordered to take the Donetsk Regional State Administration building under state protection |language=Ukrainian |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/9/7021915/ |newspaper=Ukrainska Pravda |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140826105357/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/9/7021915/ |archivedate=26 August 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref> and offered amnesty to the demonstrators if they laid down their arms.<ref>, ''Турчинов готов освободить сепаратистов без криминала, если они сложат оружие '', 10 April 2014.</ref> | |||
| ===Expansion of territorial control=== | |||
| Unmarked separatist militants seized the Donetsk city office of the ] on 12 April without resistance.<ref name=kpslov /> Following negotiations between the militants and those in the building, the chief of the office resigned from his post.<ref>{{cite news|title=Сепаратисти змусили керівника Донецької облміліції піти у відставку|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/12/7022201/|newspaper=Ukrainska Pravda|date=12 April 2014}}</ref> Officers from the ] special police force, which had been dissolved by the government following the February revolution, took part in the seizure on the separatists' side.<ref>]], ''Донецкий "Беркут" перешел на сторону митингующих '', 12 April 2014.</ref><ref name=teleapr12 /> Following this seizure, the militants began to expand their control across the city. The municipal administration building was stormed and occupied by the insurgents on 16 April.<ref name="april16wapo">{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2014/04/16/4d36b1b6-c532-11e3-b574-f8748871856a_story.html | title=Ukrainian troop defections escalate tensions in eastern Ukraine | work=The Washington Post | date=16 April 2014 | accessdate=16 April 2014}}</ref> Further actions by the separatists resulted in the capture of the offices of the regional state television network on 27 April.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/27/us-ukraine-separatists-tv-idUSBREA3Q0CZ20140427 | title=Separatists seize control of TV HQ in east Ukraine city | agency=Reuters | date=27 April 2014 | accessdate=28 April 2014}}</ref> After capturing the broadcasting centre, the militants began to broadcast Russian television channels. On 4 May, the flag of the Donetsk People's Republic was raised over the police headquarters in Donetsk city proper.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.net/politics/914424-donetskie-militsioneryi-povesili-na-gorupravlenii-separatistskiy-flag.html |title=Донецкие милиционеры повесили на горуправлении сепаратистский флаг : Новости УНИАН |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Sloviansk==== | |||
| {{main|Siege of Sloviansk}} | |||
| ] | |||
| Separatist militants took control of the city administration building, police offices, and SBU building in ], a city in the northern part of Donetsk Oblast, on 12 April.<ref name="kpslov">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/armed-pro-russian-extremists-seize-police-stations-in-donetsks-slavyansk-shaktarysk-fail-to-take-donetsk-prosecutors-office-343195.html | title=Armed pro-Russian extremists launch coordinated attacks in Donetsk Oblast, seize buildings and set up checkpoints | work=Kyiv Post | date=12 April 2014 | last=Rachkevych | first=Mark}}</ref><ref name="kp.ru">{{Cite journal |title=Аваков: В Славянске неизвестные захватили здания милиции |journal=Komsomolskaya Pravda |date=12 April 2014 |url=http://www.kp.ru/online/news/1709579/ }}</ref> After militants took over the city, Sloviansk mayor Nelya Shtepa briefly appeared at an occupied police station, and expressed support for the militants.<ref name=kpslov /> Others gathered outside the building, and similarly voiced their support for the militants. They told Ukrainian journalists who were reporting on the situation to "go back to ]".<ref name="kpslov"/> Nelya Shtepa was later detained by the insurgents, and replaced by the self-proclaimed "people's mayor" ]. The separatists gained control of the city's police weapons cache and seized hundreds of firearms, which prompted the Ukrainian government to launch a "counter-terrorism" operation to retake the city.<ref name=teleapr12 /><ref>{{cite news | url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2014/04/13/counter-terrorism-operation-announced-in-sloviansk/ | title=Counter-terrorism Operation Announced in Sloviansk | work=Euromaidan Press Office | date=13 April 2014 | last=Babiak | first=Mat}}</ref> This government counter-offensive began on the morning of 13 April.<ref>{{cite web|last=Salem |first=Harriet |url=https://news.vice.com/article/sloviansks-peoples-mayor-rumored-to-be-detained-by-own-forces-in-ukraine |title=Sloviansk's 'People's Mayor' Rumored to Be Detained By Own Forces in Ukraine | VICE News |publisher=News.vice.com |date=10 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> As a result, an entrenched standoff between pro-Russian forces and the ] ensued, marking the start of combat in Donbass.<ref name="BBC17DEC">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30518054 | title=The Russians fighting a 'holy war' in Ukraine | publisher=BBC News | date=17 December 2014 | accessdate=17 December 2014}}</ref> The city remained under siege until 5 July, when Ukrainian forces recaptured it, with an estimated 15–20,000 people displaced by the fighting.<ref name=5BBC7/><ref>{{cite web|author=Alec Luhn in Slavyansk |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/12/ukraine-humanitarian-crisis-tens-of-thousands-flee |title=Ukraine's humanitarian crisis worsens as tens of thousands flee combat in east |work=The Guardian |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Kramatorsk==== | |||
| {{Main|Battle of Kramatorsk}} | |||
| In ], a city in northern Donetsk Oblast, separatists attacked a police station on 13 April, resulting in a shootout.<ref name=pravdaapr12>{{cite news|title=На Донбасі сепаратисти і міліція влаштували перестрілку|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/12/7022218/|newspaper=Ukrainska Pravda|date=12 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="reutersa12">{{cite news | author1=Conor Humphries | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/13/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA3A1B520140413 | title=Ukraine gives rebels deadline to disarm or face military operation | agency=Reuters | date=13 April 2014 | author2=Thomas Grove}}</ref> The fighters, members of the ], later captured the police station. They removed the police station's sign and raised the flag of the Donetsk People's Republic over the building.<ref name=militaproof /> They then issued an ultimatum that stated that if the city's mayor and administration did not swear allegiance to the Republic by the following Monday, they would remove them from office.<ref name=militaproof /><ref>, ''В Краматорске сепаратисты установили флаг "Донецкой республики" '', 12 April 2014.</ref> Concurrently, a crowd of demonstrators surrounded the city administration building, captured it, and raised the Donetsk People's Republic flag over it. A representative of the Republic addressed locals outside the occupied police station, but was received negatively and booed.<ref name=militaproof /> | |||
| After a government counter-offensive as part of the "anti-terror" operation in Donetsk Oblast on 2–3 May, the insurgents were routed from Kramatorsk's occupied SBU building.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.net/politics/914397-ukrainskie-voyska-vyishli-iz-kramatorska-smi.html |title=Украинские войска вышли из Краматорска - СМИ : Новости УНИАН |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |date=4 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Despite this, Ukrainian troops quickly withdrew from the city for unknown reasons, and the separatists quickly regained control. Sporadic fighting continued until 5 July, when the insurgents withdrew from Kramatorsk.<ref name="BBCkramawith"/> | |||
| ====Horlivka==== | |||
| {{main|Battle of Horlivka}} | |||
| Militants attempted to seize the police headquarters in ] on 12 April, but were halted. '']'' reported that police said that the purpose of the attempted seizure was to gain access to a weapons cache.<ref name=MVDWeapons>, ''У Горлівці міліція відбила атаку сепаратистів на "зброю МВС" '', 12 April 2014</ref> They said that they would use force if needed to defend the building from "criminals and terrorists".<ref>, ''Горловские милиционеры во всеоружии и готовы обороняться '', 12 April 2014.</ref> By 14 April, however, militants had successfully captured the building after a tense standoff with the police.<ref name="gorlovkafox"/> Some members of the local police unit defected to the Donetsk People's Republic earlier in the day, whilst the remaining offices were forced to retreat, allowing the insurgents to take control of the building.<ref name="gorlovkaeuronews">{{cite news | url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/04/14/live-ukraine-pro-russian-attack-police-hq-in-horlivka/ | title=Pro-Russian attack police HQ in Horlivka as Kyiv's deadline expires | work=Euronews | date=14 April 2014 | accessdate=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=gorlovkaeuronews/><ref name="rtapril14">{{cite news | url=http://rt.com/news/kiev-clashes-rioters-police-571/ | title=Ukraine turmoil | publisher=RT|location=Russia | date=14 April 2014 | accessdate=14 April 2014}}</ref> The local chief of police was captured and badly beaten by the insurgents.<ref>, ''Аваков: Керівник міліції Горлівки - справжній офіцер – побитий, але живий '', 14 April 2014.</ref> A Horlivka city council deputy, ], was kidnapped by masked men believed to be pro-Russian militants on 17 April. His body was later found in a river on 22 April.<ref>, ''В реке на Донетчине нашли тело мужчины, похожего на пропавшего депутата из Горловки - СМИ '', 22 April 2014.</ref> The city administration building was seized on 30 April, solidifying separatist control over Horlivka.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/pro-russian-separatists-seize-buildings-in-east-ukraines-horlivka/article18335644/ | archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140430163031/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/try-it-now/?articleId=18335644 | archivedate=30 April 2014 | title=Pro-Russian separatists seize buildings in east Ukraine's Horlivka | work=The Globe and Mail | date=30 April 2014 | accessdate=30 April 2014}}</ref> Self-proclaimed mayor of Horlivka Volodymyr Kolosniuk was arrested by the SBU on suspicion of participation in "terrorist activities" on 2 July.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://un.ua/eng/article/518582.html |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140702142126/http://un.ua/eng/article/518582.html |title =SBU Detains Self-Styled Major of Horlivka, Donetsk Region Kolosniuk |date= 2 July 2014 |archivedate=2 July 2014 |agency= Ukrainian News Agency |accessdate= 26 October 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Mariupol==== | |||
| {{Main|Battle of Mariupol}} | |||
| {{2013–2014 unrest in Ukraine}} | |||
| Donetsk People's Republic activists took control of the city administration building in Mariupol on 13 April.<ref name="voicesevas.ru">, ''Мариуполь поднялся против хунты. Захвачен городской совет, возводятся баррикады '', 13 April 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2014/05/timeline-ukraine-pro-russian-unrest-20145912017783471.html | title=Timeline: Ukraine's pro-Russian unrest | publisher=Al Jazeera | date=26 June 2014 | accessdate=1 July 2014 | last=Varshalomidze | first=Tamila}}</ref> The Ukrainian government claimed to have "liberated" the building on 24 April, but this was denied by locals interviewed by the ] near the building.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ukraine crisis: BBC investigates Mariupol 'liberation' claims |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27153649 |publisher=BBC |date=25 April 2014 |accessdate=1 July 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| Clashes between government forces and pro-Russian groups escalated in early May, when the city administration building was briefly retaken by the Ukrainian National Guard. The pro-Russian forces quickly took the building back.<ref name="aljazeera.com">http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2014/05/timeline-ukraine-pro-russian-unrest-20145912017783471.html. Timeline: Ukraine's pro-Russian unrest</ref> Militants then launched an attack on a local police station, leading the Ukrainian government to send in military forces. Skirmishes between the troops and local demonstrators caused the city administration building to be set on fire. Government forces, however, were unsuccessful in forcing out the pro-Russians, and only further inflamed tensions in Mariupol.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/> On 16 May, however, ] steelworkers, along with local police and security forces, routed the insurgents from the city administration and other occupied government buildings in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-pro-russian-insurgents-retreat-from-buildings-in-mariupol-1.2644943 |title=Ukraine: Pro-Russian insurgents retreat from buildings in Mariupol |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=16 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Most insurgents left the city, and those few remaining were said to be unarmed. Despite this, the headquarters of the Donetsk People's Republic in the city remained untouched, and pro-Russian demonstrators could still be seen outside the burnt city administration.<ref>{{Dead link|date=August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Ukrainian troops gained control of the city on 13 June, with assistance from the National Guard.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-crisis-government-troops-recapture-port-city-of-mariupol-1.2674375|title = Ukraine crisis: Government troops recapture port city of Mariupol|date = 13 June 2014|publisher = Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate = 5 July 2014}}</ref> The headquarters of the DPR was captured. Mariupol was then declared the provisional capital of Donetsk Oblast, in place of Donetsk city, which was occupied by separatists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27829773 |title=Ukraine crisis: Kiev forces win back Mariupol |publisher=BBC |date=13 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ukrainian government retakes Mariupol |url=http://www.euronews.com/2014/06/13/ukrainian-government-retakes-mariupol/ |newspaper=euronews |date=13 June 2014 |accessdate=1 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Other cities==== | |||
| Many smaller cities across the Donbass fell to the separatists. | |||
| In ] on 12 April, separatists failed to capture the local Ministry of Internal Affairs office, but instead captured the city administration building and raised the Donetsk People's Republic flag over it.<ref>, ''Сепаратисты подняли свой флаг над горсоветом Артемовска '', 13 April 2014.</ref> The city administration buildings in ] and ] were also captured.<ref>, ''Пророссийские активисты захватили райадминистрацию в Дружковке '', 12 April 2014.</ref><ref>, ''Ukraine crisis: Casualties in Sloviansk gun battles'', 13 April 2014.</ref><ref name=20AprilDeparture>, ''З Єнакієва зникли сепаратисти, які блокували міськраду '', 20 April 2014.</ref> Police repelled an attack by pro-Russian militants upon an office of the ] in ] on 12 April, but the building was later captured by the separatists after a skirmish.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ghanaiannews.ca/ukraine-crisis-another-police-building-seized-in-east/ |title=Ukraine Crisis: Another police building seized in east |publisher=Ghanaiannews.ca |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Pro-Russian activists seize Interior Ministry branch in southeast Ukraine |url=http://www.efe.com/efe/noticias/english/portada/pro-russian-activists-seize-interior-ministry-branch-southeast-ukraine/4/63/2292684 |newspaper=EFE |date=12 April 2014 |accessdate=28 June 2014}}{{Dead link|date=October 2014}}</ref> Insurgents affiliated with the ] occupied a regional administration building in ] on 13 April, followed by a local administration building in ] on 14 April.<ref name="zhdanovka"/><ref name=rtapril14/><ref>, ''У Харцизьку "зелені чоловічки" захопили міськраду. "Регіонал" з ними '', 13 April 2014.</ref> Demonstrators hoisted the flag of the Donetsk People's Republic over the city administration buildings in ] and ] on 16 April.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/728259 | title=Protesters hoist Donetsk People's Republic's flag in Novoazovsk, Krasnoarmeisk | work=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia | date=16 April 2014 | accessdate=23 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.focus-fen.net/news/2014/04/16/333348/flags-of-donetsk-republic-were-raised-in-novoazovsk-and-krasnoarmeysk.html | title=Flags of Donetsk Republic were raised in Novoazovsk and Krasnoarmeysk | work=Focus Information Agency | date=16 April 2014 | accessdate=23 April 2014}}</ref> The local administration building in ] was similarly captured on 18 April.<ref name="severskpresstv">{{cite news | url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/04/18/359126/prorussians-seize-ukraines-seversk/ | title=Pro-Russian activists seize Ukraine's Seversk | publisher=Press TV | date=18 April 2014 | accessdate=20 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/18/pro-russian-groups-occupations-eastern-ukraine-kiev-geneva-deal | title=Pro-Russian separatists defiant as Ukraine peace moves flounder | work=The Guardian | date=18 April 2014 | accessdate=20 April 2014}}</ref> Following the takeover, local police announced that they would co-operate with the activists.<ref name=severskpresstv/> On 20 April, separatists in Yenakiieve left the city administration building there which they had occupied since 13 April.<ref name=20AprilDeparture/> Despite this, by 27 May the city was still not under Ukrainian government control.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kaminski |first=Matthew |url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/matthew-kaminski-contending-with-putins-hand-in-ukraines-badlands-1401233457 |title=Matthew Kaminski: Contending With Putin's Hand in Ukraine's Badlands - WSJ |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=27 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Pro-Russian demonstrators in ] burnt down the offices of a newspaper that had been critical of the DPR on 22 April.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2014/apr/24/ukraine-press-freedom | title=Ukrainian newspaper office burned down after threats | work=The Guardian | date=28 April 2014 | accessdate=28 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| 70 to 100 insurgents armed with assault rifles and rocket launches attacked an armoury in Artemivsk on 24 April.<ref name="depotaz">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-armed-forces-repel-attack-by-gunmen-on-military-compound-in-artemivsk-344883.html | title=Eastern cities Artemivsk, Mariupol latest targets in Ukraine anti-terror operation | work=Kyiv Post | date=24 April 2014}}</ref> The depot housed around thirty ]. Ukrainian troops attempted to fight off the insurgents, but were forced to retreat after a substantial number of men were wounded by insurgent fire.<ref name=depotaz/><ref>, ''Військові відбили атаку на склади зброї в Артемівську, є поранені '', 24 April 2014.</ref> The Minister of Internal Affairs, ], said that the insurgents were led by a man with "an extensive bear", referring to the Russian militant Alexander Mozhaev.<ref name=depotaz/> Some thirty militants seized the police headquarters in Konstantinovka on 28 April.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/separatists-seize-konstantinovka-police-headquarters-in-eastern-ukraine/499009.html | title=Separatists Seize Konstantinovka Police Headquarters in Eastern Ukraine | work=The Moscow Times | date=28 April 2014 | accessdate=28 April 2014}}</ref> On the next day, a city administration building in ] was overrun by ] insurgents, who then raised their flag over it.<ref name="lugradar.net">{{cite web|url=http://lugradar.net/2014/04/13915 |title=Красный Луч и Первомайск "слились". Кто дальше? - Новости Луганска и Луганской области - Луганский Радар |publisher=Lugradar.net |date=30 April 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Автор: Ищук |url=http://podrobnosti.ua/society/2014/04/29/973666.htmlref>{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.net/politics/914397-ukrainskie-voyska-vyishli-iz-kramatorska-smi.html |title=Украинские войска вышли из Краматорска - СМИ : Новости УНИАН |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |date=4 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}} |title=Сепаратисты захватили горсовет Первомайска в Луганской области, - СМИ | Новости. Новости дня на сайте Подробности |publisher=Podrobnosti.ua |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> On the same day, militants seized control over the city administration building in ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Jade Walker |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/30/ukraine-unrest-separatists-seize-buildings_n_5237530.html |title=Ukraine Unrest: Separatists Seize Buildings In Horlivka |work=The Huffington Post |date=30 April 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_04_30/Maidan-opponents-seize-Alchevsk-city-council-media-0782/|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140513010816/http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_04_30/Maidan-opponents-seize-Alchevsk-city-council-media-0782/|archivedate=2014-05-13 |title=Maidan opponents seize Alchevsk city council – media – News – Politics – The Voice of Russia: News, Breaking news, Politics, Economics, Business, Russia, International current events, Expert opinion, podcasts, Video |publisher=The Voice of Russia |date=13 December 2013 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> In ], the city administration conceded to demands by separatist activists to support the ] being held on 11 May, and followed by raising the Russian flag over the city administration building.<ref name="lugradar.net" /> | |||
| Insurgents occupied the city administration building in ] on 1 May. Later in the week, they captured the local police station, business centre, and SBU building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://v-variant.lg.ua/stahanov/75979-v-stahanove-vooruzhennye-lyudi-ograbili-biznes-centr.html|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140728011042/http://v-variant.lg.ua/stahanov/75979-v-stahanove-vooruzhennye-lyudi-ograbili-biznes-centr.html|archivedate=28 July 2014 |title=В Стаханове вооруженные люди ограбили "Бизнес-центр" " Новости Луганской области - Луганск, Луганская область - Восточный Вариант |publisher=V-variant.lg.ua |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fakty.ua/181184-nikakih-nacionalisticheskih-idej-u-nas-net-my-prosto-za-edinuyu-ukrainu-i-ne-hotim-v-rossiyu |title=Никаких националистических идей у нас нет. Мы просто за единую Украину и … - Газета "ФАКТЫ и комментарии |publisher=Fakty.ua |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Activists in ] occupied a police building on 5 May, but quickly left it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gigamir.net/news/kyiv/pub795629 |title=Жительница города Ровеньки: "Люди не понимают, что такое "Луганская республика", но референдума хотят" (Люди рассказывают, что не доверяют новой власти, ждут, когда их освободят от "нехороших людей", и хотят остаться в составе Украины) |publisher=Gigamir.net |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> On the same day, the police headquarters in ] was seized by members of the ], which is affiliated with the Lugansk People's Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lugradar.net/2014/05/13992 |title=Славяносербская милиция перешла на сторону сепаратистов - Новости Луганска и Луганской области - Луганский Радар |publisher=Lugradar.net |date=5 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gazeta.ru/politics/news/2014/05/05/n_6130485.shtml |title=МВД Украины заявило о захвате милиции Славяносербска - Газета.Ru | Новости |publisher=Gazeta.ru |date=17 June 2013 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> The town of ] was occupied by a number of renegade ].<ref>{{cite web|author=Фото: frankensstein.livejournal.com |url=http://korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/3358242-horod-antratsyt-vzialy-pod-kontrol-donskye-kazaky-ystochnyk |title=Город Антрацит взяли под контроль донские казаки - источник |publisher=Korrespondent.net |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mr7.ru/articles/101773/ |title=Донские казаки взяли под контроль город Антрацит на Луганщине › |publisher=Mr7.ru |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dmitry-tymchuk/putin-ukraine-separatists_b_5274906.html |title=Putin's Tourists Enter Ukraine | Dmitry Tymchuk |work=The Huffington Post |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Shaun Walker in Dovzhanske and Alec Luhn in Moscow |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/06/ukraine-border-guards-separatists |title=Ukraine border guards keep guns trained in both directions |work=The Guardian |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Insurgents went on to seize the prosecutor's office in ] on 7 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://potok.ua/2014/05/08/severodoneck-separatisty-zaxvatili-zdanie-prokuratury.html |title=Северодонецк: сепаратисты захватили здание прокуратуры " ИИИ "Поток" | Главные новости дня |publisher=Potok.ua |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> On the next day, supporters of the Lugansk People's Republic captured government buildings in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.obzor.lg.ua/news/starobelsk35698|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140513052246/http://www.obzor.lg.ua/news/starobelsk35698|archivedate=2014-05-13 |title=КИУ: Вчера в Старобельске штурмовали райгосадминистрацию |publisher=OBZOR.lg.ua |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Government counter-offensive=== | |||
| ] | |||
| ], the Minister of Internal Affairs, said on 9 April that the separatist problem would be resolved within forty-eight hours, through either negotiations or the use of force. "There are two opposite ways for resolving this conflict – a political dialogue and the heavy-handed approach. We are ready for both," he said, according to the ] state news agency. At the time, President ] had already signed a decree which called for the Donetsk Regional State Administration building, which had been occupied by separatists, to be taken "under state protection".<ref name="cnn.com"/><ref name="Ukrainska Pravda"/> He offered amnesty to any separatists who laid down their arms and surrendered.<ref>, ''Турчинов готов освободить сепаратистов без криминала, если они сложат оружие '', 10 April 2014.</ref> By 11 April, the Prime Minister, ], said that he was against the use of "law enforcement" at the time, but that "there was a limit" to how much the Ukrainian government would tolerate.<ref>, ''"Я против силовых сценариев, но всему есть предел", - Яценюк '', 11 April 2014.</ref> | |||
| In response to the spread of separatist control throughout Donetsk Oblast, and the refusal of the separatists to lay down their arms, Turchynov vowed to launch a military counter-offensive operation against insurgents in the region on 15 April.<ref name="news.biharprabha.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hotair.com/archives/2014/04/15/ukraine-announces-start-to-counteroffensive-while-russia-warns-of-civil-war/ |title= Ukraine announces start to "counteroffensive" while Russia warns of civil war |publisher=hotair.com |date=15 April 2014 |accessdate=15 April 2014}}</ref> As part of the counter-offensive, Ukrainian troops re-took the airfield in ] after a skirmish with members of the ]. At least four people died as a result.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://rt.com/news/kramatorsk-ukraine-attack-army-664/ | title=Military storm airfield, town in eastern Ukraine, wounded reported - protesters | publisher=RT|location=Russia | date=15 April 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| After the Armed Forces of Ukraine re-took the airfield, the commanding general of the unit that had retaken it, ], was surrounded by hostile protesters who demanded to know why the Ukrainian troops had fired upon local residents.<ref name="krutovguardian">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/troops-fire-mob-ukraine-oleksandr-turchynov-general-vasily-krutov | title=Troops fire as locals in Kramatorsk confront Ukraine general Vasily Krutov | work=The Guardian | date=15 April 2014 | accessdate=14 April 2014}}</ref> Krutov was then dragged back to the airbase along with his unit. They were then blocked by the protesters, who vowed not to let the troops leave the base.<ref name=krutovguardian/> Krutov later told reporters that "if they do not lay down their arms, they will be destroyed".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/ukraine-counter-attack-troops-storm-3417939 | title=Ukraine counter attack as troops storm separatist positions | work=Daily Mirror | date=15 April 2014 | accessdate=15 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Donbass People's Militia insurgents entered ] on 16 April, along with six ] they claimed to have obtained from the ], which had surrendered in the city of ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.independent.ie/world-news/prorussian-troops-enter-ukraine-city-30191588.html | title=Pro-Russian troops enter Ukraine city | work=Irish Independent | date=16 April 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014}}</ref><ref>, ''Ukraine crisis: combat vehicles with pro-Russian troops enter town'', 16 April 2014.</ref><ref>, ''Six Ukrainian Army Vehicles Join Pro-Federalist Protesters in Kramatorsk'', 16 April 2014.</ref><ref>, ''n Ukraine, a crisis of bullets and economics'', by Anthony Faiola, 16 April 2014.</ref> Reports say members of the brigade were disarmed after the vehicles were blocked from passing by angry locals.<ref name=BBC16Apr14>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27053500|title=Ukraine crisis: Military column 'seized' in Kramatorsk|publisher=BBC|date=16 April 2014|accessdate=17 April 2014}}</ref> In another incident, several hundred residents of the village of Pchyolkino, south of Sloviansk, surrounded another column of fourteen Ukrainian armoured vehicles. Following negotiations the troops were allowed to drive their vehicles away, but only after agreeing to surrender the magazines from their assault rifles.<ref name=BBC16Apr14/> These incidents led President Turchynov to disband the 25th Airborne Brigade.<ref>, ''Turchynov Tells Defence Ministry Disestablish 25th Brigade of Air Assault Forces'', 17 April 2014.</ref> Three members of the Donbass People's Militia were killed, eleven wounded, and sixty-three were arrested after they attempted and failed to storm a ] base in ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/three-pro-russian-militants-killed-ahead-of-ukraine-talks-1.1764967 | archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140419031341/http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/three-pro-russian-militants-killed-ahead-of-ukraine-talks-1.1764967 | archivedate=2014-04-19 | title=Russia and Ukraine will reach 'mutual understanding' | work=] | date=17 April 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014}}</ref><ref>, ''Three Russian-backed militants killed in attack on Ukrainian base in Mariupol'', by Mark Rachkevych, 17 April 2014.</ref> | |||
| Turchynov relaunched the stalled counter-offensive against pro-Russian insurgents on 22 April, after two men, one a local politician, were found "tortured to death".<ref name="bbc22">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27118875 | title=Ukraine alert as politician 'killed' | publisher=BBC News | date=22 April 2014}}</ref><ref>, ''Politician killed in east Ukraine, president demands action'', 22 April 2014.</ref> The politician, Volodymyr Rybak, was found dead near ] after having been abducted by pro-Russian insurgents. Turchynov said that "the terrorists who effectively took the whole Donetsk Oblast hostage have now gone too far".<ref name=bbc22/> The Internal Affairs Ministry reported that the city of Sviatogorsk, near Sloviansk, was retaken by Ukrainian troops on 23 April.<ref name=GlobeAndMail23Apr14>, ''Ukraine has 'freed' eastern city, Kiev says as crackdown resumes'', 23 April 2014.</ref> In addition, the Defence Ministry said it had taken control over all points of strategic importance in the area around ].<ref>, ''Украинские военные контролируют все важные объекты Краматорска, - Минобороны '', 23 April 2014.</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| The Internal Affairs Minister, Arsen Avakov, said on 24 April that Ukrainian troops had captured the city administration in Mariupol, after ] with pro-Russian demonstrators there.<ref name="mariupolapril24reuters">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/24/us-ukraine-crisis-mariupol-idUSBREA3N1C620140424 | title=Separatists surround 'liberated' Ukraine city hall | agency=Reuters | date=24 April 2014 | accessdate=28 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="bbc24">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27138300 | title=Russia orders exercises after Ukraine moves on separatists | publisher=BBC News | date=24 April 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014}}</ref> Despite this, a report by the BBC said that whilst it appeared that Ukrainian troops and the mayor of Mariupol did enter the building in the early morning, Ukrainian troops had abandoned it by the afternoon. Local pro-Russian activists blamed Ukrainian nationalists for the attack upon the building, but said that the DPR had regained control. A representative of the Republic, ], said "We, the Donetsk People's Republic, still control the building. There was an attempted provocation but now it's over".<ref name=mariupolapril24reuters/> | |||
| On the same day, Ukrainian government officials said that the Armed Forces had intended to retake the city of Sloviansk, but that an increased threat of "Russian invasion" halted these operations.<ref name=kp24/> Russian forces had mobilised within {{convert|10|km|mi|frac=4}} of the Ukrainian border.<ref name="kp24">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/5-dead-one-wounded-as-anti-terror-operation-continues-in-sloviansk-live-updates-344902.html | title=Senior security official: Anti-terror operation suspended as Russian troops amass on border | work=Kyiv Post | date=24 April 2014}}</ref> The officials said that seven troops were killed during the day's operations. President Turchynov issued a statement later in the day, and said that the "anti-terrorist" operation would be resumed, citing the ongoing ] in ] as a reason.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.net/politics/911391-antiterroristicheskaya-operatsiya-vozobnovlena-turchinov.html |title=Антитеррористическая операция возобновлена - Турчинов : Новости УНИАН |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |date=24 April 2014 |accessdate=3 May 2014}}</ref> By 6 May, fourteen Ukrainian troops had died and sixty-six had been injured in the fighting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/14-servicemen-die-66-injured-during-special-operation-in-eastern-ukraine-346679.html |title=14 servicemen die, 66 injured during special operation in eastern Ukraine |work=Kyiv Post |date=7 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], 9 May 2014]] | |||
| Early in the morning on 7 May, the National Guard retook the city administration in Mariupol after heavy fighting with insurgents overnight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/mariupol-city-council-building-released-346618.html |title=Mariupol City Council building released |work=Kyiv Post |date=7 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com//news/world/ukrainian-forces-retake-city-hall-in-eastern-port-of-mariupol/article18505621/?cmpid=rss1&click=dlvr.it | archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140515123018/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/try-it-now/?articleId=18505621 | archivedate=15 May 2014 | title=Putin cools rhetoric, but NATO disputes claims of troop pullback | work=The Globe and Mail | date=7 May 2014 | accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Anti-government demonstrators said that government forces had used a "toxic gas" during the operation, resulting in injuries when the demonstrators tried to re-occupy the building after the National Guard withdrew.<ref name="mariupolrtmay7">{{cite news | url=http://rt.com/news/157428-ukraine-mariupol-donetsk-assault/ | title=Anti-Kiev protesters regain control of city council in Mariupol | publisher=RT|location=Russia | date=7 May 2014 | accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> By 7 May, the flag of the DPR was once again flying over the building.<ref name=mariupolrtmay7/> | |||
| Ukrainian troops launched another attack on insurgents in Mariupol on 9 May. During an assault on an occupied police building, that building was set alight by government forces, causing the insurgents to flee.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keegan |first=Simon |url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/mariupol-police-station-fire-21-3518352 |title=21 dead as Ukraine police station set on fire in bid to drive out pro-Russians |work=Daily Mirror |date=9 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Arsen Avakov said that sixty insurgents attacked the police building, not Ukrainian troops, and that the police and other government forces had managed to repel the insurgents. Between six and twenty militants were killed, along with one police officer.<ref name='newsinfo'>{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/601080/at-least-7-dead-in-southeastern-ukraine-port-city |title=At least 7 dead in southeastern Ukraine port city |work=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=10 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Four militants were captured, and five policemen were wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/09/ukraine-crisis-mariupol-police-station |title=Ukraine crisis: 'three people killed' in fighting at Mariupol police station |work=The Guardian |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> One armoured personnel carrier was captured by pro-Russian protesters during the fighting. After the clashes, pro-Russian forces built barricades across the city center.<ref name='newsinfo'/> Concurrently, ''Ukrainian National News'' said that separatists attempted to disarm Ukrainian troops near Donetsk. The troops resisted by firing warning shots, and arresting one-hundred of the separatists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1340433-za-donetskom-viyskovi-zatrimali-blizko-sotni-separatistiv |title=By Donetsk military detained about a hundred separatists |publisher=Unn.com.ua |date=9 August 2013 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Also, an unnamed ] priest attempted to negotiate with separatists near ], but was later killed after being shot eight times.<ref>{{cite web|author=ЛIГАБiзнесIнформИнформационное агентствоwww.liga.net |url=http://news.liga.net/news/politics/1670990-terroristy_ubili_pravoslavnogo_svyashchennika_smi.htm |title=Террористы убили православного священника - СМИ |publisher=News.liga.net |date=9 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> This was confirmed by the Church and the Prosecutor's Office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-orthodox-church-confirms-priest-murdered-in-donetsk-region-347180.html |title=Ukrainian Orthodox Church confirms priest murdered in Donetsk region |work=Kyiv Post |date=10 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Post-referendum fighting=== | |||
| {{See also|Federal State of Novorossiya}} | |||
| ] organised by pro-Russian separatists. A line to enter a polling place in ], 11 May 2014]] | |||
| ] | |||
| It was reported on 12 May that, following ], the ] leader ] declared himself "Supreme Commander" of the Donetsk People's Republic. In his decree, he demanded that all military stationed in the region swear an oath of allegiance to him within 48 hours, and said that all remaining Ukrainian military in the region would be "destroyed on the spot." He then petitioned the ] for military support to protect against "the threat of intervention by NATO" and "genocide."<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine Rebels Ask to Join Russia as Gazprom Threatens a Cutoff |first=Daryna |last=Krasnolutska |author2=Kateryna Choursina |author3=Anton Doroshev |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=12 May 2014 |accessdate= 12 May 2014 |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-05-12/russia-signals-respect-for-ukraine-s-separatist-referendums}}</ref><ref name="strelkovcoup">{{cite news | url=http://ukrainianpolicy.com/donetsk-republic-coup-strelkov-girkin-now-supreme-commander/ | title=Donetsk's Own Coup d'Etat | work=Ukrainian Policy | date=12 May 2014 | accessdate=12 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Допис by Павел Губарев. |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/05/12/7025115/ |title=Диверсант ''Стрілок'' після перевороту оголосив війну Києву й просить допомоги в Кремля | Українська правда |work=Ukrayinska Pravda |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zn.ua/UKRAINE/diversant-strelkov-provozglasil-sebya-glavnokomanduyuschim-dnr-i-obyavil-voynu-ukraine-144874_.html |title=Диверсант Стрелков провозгласил себя главнокомандующим ДНР и объявил войну Украине - Украина |publisher=zn.ua |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> ], president of Donetsk People's Republic, instituted martial law on 15 May, and vowed for "total annihilation" of Ukrainian forces if they did not pull out of the ] by 21:00. Similarly, the president of the Lugansk People's Republic, ], declared martial law on 22 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rttnews.com/2326351/11-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-attack-by-pro-russian-separatists-in-east.aspx?type=gn&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=sitemap |title=11 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed in Attack By Pro-Russian Separatists in East |publisher=Rttnews.com |date=22 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The Donetsk-based steel magnate ] called on his 300,000 employees within the Donetsk region to "rally against separatists" on 20 May. Sirens sounded at noon at his factories to signal the beginning of the rally.<ref name="hewasin1city">{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukrainian-tycoons-calls-for-rallies-against-separatists-go-largely-unheeded/2014/05/20/567deaae-e00e-11e3-9743-bb9b59cde7b9_story.html | title=Ukrainian tycoon's calls for rallies against separatists go largely unheeded | work=The Washington Post | date=20 May 2014 | accessdate=20 May 2014}}</ref> A so-called "Peace March" was held in the ] in ] city, accompanied by cars sounding their horns at noon.<ref name=APM20514>, Ukrainian Media Group (20 May 2014)<br>, ] (20 May 2014)<br>, ] (20 May 2014)<br>, ] (20 May 2014)</ref> ] and '']'' reported that some vehicles were attacked by separatists, and that gunmen had warned the offices of several city taxi services not to take part.<ref name=APM20514/><ref>{{uk icon}} , ] (20 May 2014)</ref> In response to Akhmetov's refusal to pay taxes to the Donetsk People's Republic, on 20 May the chairman of the State Council of the DPR, ], announced that the Republic would attempt to nationalise Akhmetov's assets.<ref>, ''Сепаратисти відповіли Ахметову оголошенням "націоналізації" '', 20 May 2014.</ref> On 25 May, between 2,000 to 5,000 protesters marched to Akhmetov's mansion in Donetsk city, and demanded the nationalisation of Akhmetov's property, while chanting "Akhmetov is an enemy of the people!".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraines-richest-man-rinat-akhmetov-has-house-surrounded-by-thousands-of-prorussian-separatists-9433133.html | title=Ukraine's richest man Rinat Akhmetov has house surrounded by thousands of pro-Russian separatists | work=The Independent | date=25 May 2014 | accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="itartassakhmetov">{{cite news|url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/733219|title=Donetsk republic, Akhmetov's reps fail to agree on his companies' nationalization|agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia|date=25 May 2014|accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Eighteen soldiers were killed during an insurgent attack upon an army checkpoint near the city of ], on 22 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-army-death-toll-in-volnovakha-soars-to-18-349005.html |title=Ukrainian army death toll in Volnovakha soars to 18 |work=Kyiv Post |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Three armoured personnel carriers and several lorries were destroyed in the attack, whilst one insurgent was killed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/russian-trains-planes-move-army-away-ukraine|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140522123057/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/russian-trains-planes-move-army-away-ukraine|archivedate=2014-05-22|title=AP journalists see 11 dead at Ukraine checkpoint|agency=Associated Press|date=22 May 2014|accessdate=22 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacbee.com/2014/05/21/6423763/russian-trains-planes-move-army.html|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140524062703/http://www.sacbee.com/2014/05/21/6423763/russian-trains-planes-move-army.html|archivedate=4 May 2014|title=Deadliest day for Ukraine troops: 16 slain in raid|author=I. Sekretarev and P. Leonard|publisher=The Sacramento Bee}}</ref> On the same day, a convoy consisting of one-hundred soldiers attempted to cross a bridge at Rubizhne, near Luhansk, and advance into insurgent-held territory.<ref name=KyivPost26May14>, ''Burned houses, military vehicles remain after fierce fight in Luhansk Oblast that killed at least nine people on 22 May'', by Anastasia Vlasova and Oksana Grytsenko, 26 May 2014. This article is currently entitled: ''Reconstructing the deadly 22 May firefight near the Siversky Donets River in Luhansk Oblast'' on the newspaper website.</ref> They were ambushed by a group of between 300 and 500 insurgents. After fighting that lasted throughout the day, the soldiers were forced to retreat. Between two and fourteen soldiers, and seven and twenty insurgents were killed during the fighting. Three army infantry combat vehicles and one lorry were destroyed, and another three armoured vehicles were captured by the insurgents.<ref name=KyivPost26May14/><ref name="npr.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303749904579579601942418022|title=Putin Promises To Respect Ukraine's Election|date=23 May 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/multimedia/photo/police-help-kremlin-backed-insurgents-in-luhansk-oblasts-lysychansk-349173.html |title=Police help Kremlin-backed insurgents in Luhansk Oblast's Lysychansk |work=Kyiv Post |date=24 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The Internal Affairs Ministry stated that some insurgents had attempted to enter Luhansk Oblast from Russia, but had been repelled by border guards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-22/ukraine-deaths-in-clashes-with-pro-russian-separatists/5472190 |title=Ukraine crisis: Seventeen killed in clashes with pro-Russian separatists near Donetsk - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Following a declaration by Pavel Gubarev establishing the "]" on 22 May, representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics signed an agreement creating the ] state of ]. Separatists planned to incorporate most of Ukraine's southern and eastern regions into the new confederation, including the key cities of ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=NPUP23512>{{uk icon}} , ] (23 May 2014)</ref> The declaration signed established the position of Russian Orthodoxy as the state religion and an intention to nationalise key industries.<ref name="welcomenr">{{cite news | url=http://ukrainianpolicy.com/welcome-to-new-russia/ | title=Welcome to New Russia | work=Ukrainian Policy | date=22 May 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014 | last=Babiak | first=Mat}}</ref> | |||
| ] city]] | |||
| A unit of the pro-government ] volunteer paramilitary attempted to advance on a separatist checkpoint near the village of ], northwest of Donetsk city, on 23 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/692126-500-rebels-attack-govt-troops-20-killed-says-ukraines-defense-ministry/?photo=3 |title=500 Rebels Attack Govt Troops, 20 Killed; Says Ukraine's Defense Ministry |publisher=Theepochtimes.com |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="battalionambushed">{{cite web|author=Mark Rachkevych |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-donbas-battalion-ambushed-in-donetsk-oblast-village-at-least-one-killed-349026.html |title=Ukrainian Donbas Battalion ambushed in Donetsk Oblast village; at least five killed |work=Kyiv Post |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> They were ambushed by a group of between 150 and 200 separatists, supported by one of the captured armoured personnel carriers. The pro-government paramilitary was surrounded by the separatists, and outnumbered six to one, until fighters affiliated with the nationalist ] broke through the separatist lines to allow some members of the group to escape.<ref name="battalionambushed"/> Five members of the Donbas Battalion were killed, along with four separatists.<ref name="battalionambushed"/><ref>{{cite web|author= 26.08.14 |url=http://24tv.ua/home/showSingleNews.do?healthcare_ministry_five_fighters_of_donbas_battalion_died_in_the_fight_near_karlivka&objectId=446149&lang=en |title=Ministry of Health: Five fighters of Donbas battalion died in the fight near Karlivka |language=uk|publisher=24tv.ua |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.msn.co.nz/worldnews/8849203/black-day-for-ukraine-military-as-17-die|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140524004045/http://news.msn.co.nz/worldnews/8849203/black-day-for-ukraine-military-as-17-die|archivedate=24 May 2014 |title=Putin vows to respect Ukraine vote |publisher=News.msn.co.nz |date=24 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Twenty of the pro-government paramilitaries were wounded, and at least four were captured. The involvement of Right Sector was disputed by the leadership of the Donbas Battalion.<ref>{{cite web|author=публикация Дмитрия Тымчука. |url=http://zn.ua/UKRAINE/is-batalon-donbass-otricaet-uchastie-pravogo-sektora-v-stolknoveniyah-pod-karlovkoy-23-maya-145716_.html |title=ИС: Батальон "Донбасс" отрицает участие "Правого сектора" в столкновениях под Карловкой 23 мая - Украина |publisher=zn.ua |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> Pro-Russian leader ] said that he executed all of the captured paramilitaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/05/23/7026275/ |title="Бєс" Заявив Командиру "Донбасу", Що Вбив Усіх Полонених |work=Ukrayinska Pravda |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Another separatist leader confirmed four of their fighters were killed, and also said that ten pro-government paramilitaries and two civilians died.<ref name="npr.org"/> During the same day, two pro-Russian separatists were killed during an assault by the pro-government "Ukraine Battalion" paramilitary on an occupied local government building in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/militia-backed-by-presidential-candidate-lyashko-takes-credit-for-murder-of-russian-backed-separatists-349093.html |title=Militia backed by presidential candidate Lyashko takes credit for assassination of Russian-backed separatist (VIDEO) |work=Kyiv Post |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Salem |first=Harriet |url=https://news.vice.com/article/the-latest-violence-underscores-the-impossibility-of-eastern-ukraine-elections |title=The Latest Violence Underscores the Impossibility of Eastern Ukraine Elections | VICE News |publisher=News.vice.com |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://24tv.ua/home/showSingleNews.do?two_killed_and_two_more_wounded_in_torez_donetsk_regional_administration_reports&objectId=446161&lang=en |title=Two killed and two more wounded in Torez, Donetsk regional administration reports |language=uk|publisher=24tv.ua |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Airport battle and fighting in Luhansk==== | |||
| {{main|First Battle of Donetsk Airport}} | |||
| On the morning of 26 May, 200 pro-Russian insurgents, including members of the ], captured the main terminal of the ], erected roadblocks around it, and demanded that government forces withdraw.<ref name=dozens>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/28/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0|title=Dozens of Separatists Killed in Ukraine Army Attack|work=The New York Times|author=A. Roth and S. Tavernise|date=27 May 2014|accessdate=7 November 2014}}</ref> Soon after these demands were issued, the Ukrainian National Guard issued an ultimatum to the separatists, asking them to surrender. This was subsequently rejected. Government forces then launched an assault on separatist positions at the airport with paratroopers and airstrikes.<ref>{{cite news|last=Macdonald |first=Alastair |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/27/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSBREA4M05420140527 |title=Battle at Donetsk airport; new Ukraine leader says no talks with 'terrorists' |agency=Reuters |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=paratroopers>{{cite web|last=Crossley |first=Lucy |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2639568/Ukraine-launches-air-strike-pro-Russian-rebels-send-paratroopers-seize-Donetsk-airport.html |title=Ukraine launches air strike and sends in paratroopers after pro-Russian rebels seize Donetsk airport |work=Daily Mail |date=26 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Attack helicopters were also used by government forces. They targeted a separatist-operated anti-aircraft gun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainians-vote-in-momentous-may-25-election-to-pick-nations-fifth-president-live-updates-349211.html |title=Ukrainian army battles Kremlin-backed separatists in Donetsk; at least one civilian killed in crossfire (LIVE UPDATES) |work=Kyiv Post |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| An estimated forty insurgents died in the fighting, with some civilians caught in the crossfire.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zawadzki |first=Sabina |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/05/27/uk-ukraine-crisis-fighting-idUKKBN0E70N820140527 |title=Reuters - Fighting rages in Ukraine eastern city, dozens dead |agency=Reuters |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Roberts |first=Jim |url=http://mashable.com/2014/05/27/at-least-30-dead-in-ukraine-airport-battle/ |title=Ukraine Government Claims Control of Airport; Up to 50 Separatists Are Killed |publisher=Mashable.com |date=27 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=reut27>{{cite news|title=Fighting rages in eastern Ukraine city, dozens dead|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0E70F620140527|agency=Reuters|date=27 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Between fifteen and thirty-five insurgents were killed in a single incident, when two lorries carrying wounded fighters away from airport were destroyed in an ambush by government forces.<ref name=upto100>{{cite web|url=http://rt.com/news/161592-donetsk-truck-grenade-killed/ |title=Up to 100 killed in Kiev military op, Donetsk E. Ukraine - anti-govt forces |publisher=RT|location=Russia |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=mobilisation>{{cite web|url=http://sputniknews.com/voiceofrussia/news/2014_05_27/Donetsk-announces-mobilization-of-medical-personnel-after-at-least-24-people-were-killed-in-attack-7237/ |title=Donetsk announces mobilization of medical personnel after at least 24 people were killed in attack |publisher=Voiceofrussia.com |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| During the fighting at the airport, ] in Donetsk city was ransacked by pro-Russian insurgents, who looted the building and destroyed surveillance equipment, and set it ablaze.<ref name=reut27 /><ref>{{cite news|last=Babiak|first=Mat|title=Pro-Russian Gunmen Loot & Torch HC Donbass Arena|url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2014/05/27/hc-donbass-arena-fire-terrorists/|newspaper=Euromaidan Press|date=27 May 2014}}</ref> Concurrently, Donetsk police said the insurgents had killed two policemen in the nearby town of Horlivka. ''The Moscow Times'' reported that the two men had been executed for "breaking their oath to the Donetsk People's Republic".<ref name=reut27 /><ref>. themoscowtimes.com</ref> | |||
| Lugansk People's Republic-affiliated insurgents attacked a ] unit in the early hours of 28 May.<ref name="enca28may">{{cite news|url=http://www.enca.com/world/ukraine-forces-attacked-suffer-losses-lugansk|title=Ukraine forces attacked, suffer losses in Lugansk|publisher=ENCA|date=28 May 2014|accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref> '']'' reported that eighty National Guard members subsequently surrendered to the insurgents,<ref name="80ukrainian">{{cite news|url=http://rt.com/news/162136-ukrainian-soldiers-surrender-lugansk/|title=80 Ukrainian soldiers surrender to self-defense forces in Lugansk|publisher=2014-05-28|accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref> whilst the National Guard issued a statement that said "there have been losses both in the ranks of the military unit and the attacking side."<ref name=enca28may/> At least one separatist and one soldier died in the fighting.<ref name="80ukrainian"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/national-guard-soldier-injured-during-attack-on-luhansk-military-unit-dies-350067.html |title=National Guard soldier injured during attack on Luhansk military unit dies |work=Kyiv Post |date=30 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Escalation in May and June=== | |||
| ], the Minister of Defence, said on 30 May that Ukrainian government forces had "completely cleared" the insurgents from the southern and western parts of Donetsk Oblast and the northern part of Luhansk Oblast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/23991750/ukraine-completely-clears-part-of-separatist-east-from-rebels/|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140531110011/https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/23991750/ukraine-completely-clears-part-of-separatist-east-from-rebels/|archivedate=31 May 2014 |title=Ukraine completely clears part of separatist east from rebels - Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!7 |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=30 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> On the same day, six insurgents were killed while attempting to retrieve the bodies of their comrades at the site of the airport battle. A spokesman for the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that two new attacks on the airport had been repelled, with no injuries among government forces.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grove |first=Thomas |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/31/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0EB0KB20140531 |title=Six Ukrainian separatists killed around Donetsk airport |agency=Reuters |date=31 May 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, an internal coup replaced the leadership of the Donetsk People's Republic, and some bodies of Russian fighters killed in the airport battle were repatriated back to Russia.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite web|last=Oliphant |first=Roland |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10863933/Ukraines-rebels-in-crisis-after-Donetsk-coup.html |title=Ukraine's rebels in crisis after Donetsk 'coup' |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=29 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Luhansk border post siege==== | |||
| {{Main|Siege of the Luhansk Border Base}} | |||
| Two separatists were killed in a skirmish with Ukrainian border guards on 31 May.<ref>{{cite web|author=Anna Nemtsova |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/05/31/i-was-held-at-gunpoint-by-ukraine-rebels.html |title=I Was Held at Gunpoint by Ukraine Rebels |publisher=Thedailybeast.com |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Two days later, five separatists were killed when 500 separatists attacked a border post in Luhansk Oblast. Eleven border guards and eight separatists were wounded during the fighting,<ref>{{cite web|author=Luke Harding and agencies in Luhansk |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/02/pro-russion-rebels-killed-in-attack-on-east-ukraine-border-base |title=Ukraine: pro-Russia rebels killed attempting to storm border guard base |work=The Guardian |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/insurgents-assault-ukrainian-border-guards-in-luhansk-oblast-350281.html |title=Insurgents assault Ukrainian border guards in Luhansk Oblast; at least 15 wounded, 5 dead (UPDATES, VIDEOS) |work=Kyiv Post |date=2 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> which also killed one civilian.<ref>{{cite news|author=Thomas Grove|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/03/uk-ukraine-crisis-luhansk-violence-idUKKBN0EE25420140603 |title=Fog of war falls heavy after violence in eastern Ukraine region |agency=Reuters |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> On the same day, between seven and eight people were killed in an explosion at the occupied RSA building in Luhansk city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.live5news.com/story/25673280/explosions-fighting-kill-12-in-eastern-ukraine|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140606223827/http://www.live5news.com/story/25673280/explosions-fighting-kill-12-in-eastern-ukraine|archivedate=6 June 2014|title=Explosion, fighting kill 12 in eastern Ukraine|date=3 June 2014|publisher=Live5newscom|accessdate=7 November 2014}}</ref><ref name=confirmed>{{cite web|url=http://rt.com/news/163352-ukraine-airstrike-lugansk-missiles/ |title=Confirmed: Ukrainian air force fired over 150 missiles at Lugansk, bombed admin HQ |publisher=RT|location=Russia |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Separatists blamed the incident on a government airstrike, but Ukrainian officials denied this, and claimed that the explosion was caused by a stray surface-to-air missile fired by insurgents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ewn.co.za/2014/06/02/Two-killed-in-Ukraine-explosion |title=At least two killed in Ukraine explosion |publisher=Ewn.co.za |date=2 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/207604.html |title=Ukrainian air force didn't bomb Luhansk regional administration's building – ATO spokesman |agency=Interfax-Ukraine |date=20 October 2012 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The ] published a report on the next day, stating that based on "limited observation", they believed that the explosion was caused by an airstrike, verifying separatist claims.<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher J. Miller |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/heavy-fighting-in-eastern-ukraine-as-government-restarts-active-phase-of-anti-terror-operation-350453.html |title=Two Ukrainian troops killed in battles with insurgents on June 3; OSCE says Luhansk blast on June 2 likely caused by airstrike (UPDATES, VIDEO) |work=Kyiv Post |date=3 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The Armed Forces of Ukraine later admitted launching over 150 airstrikes on the day of the explosion in the Luhansk area.<ref name=confirmed/> | |||
| ====Continued fighting==== | |||
| ] | |||
| Government forces destroyed a separatist stronghold in Semenivka, and regained control of ] on 3 June.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine-abroad/northern-donetsk-region-cleared-of-insurgents-part-of-luhansk-region-border-closed-350518.html |title=Northern Donetsk region cleared of insurgents, part of Luhansk region border closed |work=Kyiv Post |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Two soldiers were killed in the fighting, and forty-five were wounded. A spokesman for the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that 300 insurgents were killed during the operation, and that 500 were wounded. Insurgents said they lost between ten and fifty men.<ref name="conflicting">{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/04/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/|title=Conflicting accounts in heightened eastern Ukraine fighting|date=4 June 2014|publisher=CNN|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/pro-russia-rebels-ukraine-say-putin-gave-us-false-hope-n122456 |title=Pro-Russia Rebels in Ukraine Say Putin Gave Us 'False Hope' |publisher=NBC News |date=4 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> They said that at least twenty-five were killed while in hospital at Krasnyi Lyman.<ref>{{cite news|author=<%= item.timeFlag %> |url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/734712 |title=Ukrainian troops kill more than 25 people in Krasny Liman hospital |agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> None of these reports were independently confirmed, and both sides denied the other's accounts of the battle.<ref name="conflicting"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Alissa de Carbonnel |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/03/uk-ukraine-crisis-fighting-idUKKBN0EE0ZD20140603 |title=Ukraine army targets separatists in new offensive in east |agency=Reuters |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-national-guard-denies-killing-hospitalized-militants-350658.html |title=Ukraine National Guard denies killing hospitalized militants |work=Kyiv Post |date=4 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On the next day, insurgents captured the besieged Luhansk border post, as well as a National Guard base near Luhansk city. The fighting in these areas left six insurgents dead, and three government soldiers wounded. Another border post was captured by the insurgents in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/militants-killed-ukrainian-troops-injured-23984915|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140604202112/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/militants-killed-ukrainian-troops-injured-23984915|archivedate=4 June 2014 |title=Rebels Seize 3 Government Bases in Eastern Ukraine |publisher=ABC News |date=22 August 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The National Guard base fell after guardsmen ran out of ammunition. Separatists had earlier seized vast quantities of munitions from the captured border post.<ref>{{cite web|last=Qena |first=Nebi |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1373185/6-militants-killed-3-ukrainian-troops-injured/ |title=6 militants killed, 3 Ukrainian troops injured in Luhansk |publisher=Globalnews.ca |date=4 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Another border post was attacked on 5 June, in the village of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/thomson-reuters/140606/separatists-eastern-ukraine-attack-border-post |title=Separatists kill member of Ukrainian special forces |publisher=Globalpost.com |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Government officials said that between fifteen and sixteen insurgents were killed and that five soldiers were injured as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/06/ukraine-says-15-rebels-killed-border-clash-2014667936400443.html |title=Ukraine says 15 rebels killed in border clash - Europe |publisher=Al Jazeera |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Alec Luhn in Donetsk |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/06/the-vostok-battalion-shaping-the-eastern-ukraine-conflict |title=Volunteers or paid fighters? The Vostok Battalion looms large in war with Kiev |work=The Guardian |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> A shootout between rival separatist groups in Donetsk city took place on 7 June, near the Donetsk RSA. The vice-president of the Donetsk People's Republic, Maxim Petrukhin, was killed in the fighting, and president ] was wounded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/06/7/7028405/ |title=У Донецьку застрелили помічника головного місцевого терориста. Пушиліна поранено | Українська правда |work=Ukrayinska Pravda |date=7 June 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Russian tank incursion==== | |||
| Ukrainian officials said that Russia had allowed tanks to cross the Russo-Ukrainian border into Donetsk Oblast on 11 June. Internal Affairs Minister ] said "we have observed columns passing with armoured personnel carriers, other armoured vehicles and artillery pieces, and tanks which, according to our information, came across the border and this morning were in ]". He continued by saying Ukrainian forces had destroyed part of the column, and that fighting was still under way. ] correspondents confirmed the presence of three tanks in Donetsk city, and the US ]'s ] also said that Russia had indeed sent tanks, along with other heavy weapons, to the separatists in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news|last=Zinets |first=Natalia |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/12/us-ukraine-crisis-tanks-idUSKBN0EN1KS20140612 |title=Ukraine accuses Russia of letting rebels bring in tanks |agency=Reuters |date=12 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The weapons sent are said to include: a column of three ] tanks, several ] multiple rocket launchers, and other military vehicles. "Russia will claim these tanks were taken from Ukrainian forces, but no Ukrainian tank units have been operating in that area," the State Department said in a statement. "We are confident that these tanks came from Russia."<ref name=timestanks>{{cite news|last1=Gordon|first1=Michael R.|title=Russia Has Sent Tanks to Ukraine Rebels, U.S. Says|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/14/world/europe/russia-has-sent-tanks-to-ukraine-rebels-us-says.html?emc=edit_na_20140613&nlid=13240517|work=The New York Times|date=13 June 2014}}</ref> The ] Ukrainian president, ], said that it was "unacceptable" for tanks to be crossing into Ukraine. Russia called the reports "another fake piece of information."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27815441 |title=Ukraine says 'Russian tank incursion' unacceptable |publisher=BBC |date=12 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Nevertheless, the three tanks were later spotted moving through ] and ], flying the flag of the Russian Federation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hromadske.tv/society/rosiiski-tanki-vzhe-v-makiyivtsi/ |title=Російські танки вже в Макіївці |publisher=Hromadske.tv |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Insurgents confirmed that they had obtained three tanks, but leaders refused to elaborate on how they acquired them; one militant told reporters that they originated "from a military warehouse."<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine Mourns 49 Troops Killed When Rebels Down Army Plane|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/us-says-russia-sent-tanks-to-ukraines-rebels/25421567.html|accessdate=16 June 2014|work=Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty|date=14 June 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBC News T6413614"/> The president of the DPR, ], stated that the three tanks would be stationed in Donetsk city, and that they gave his forces "at least some hope of defending because heavy weapons are already being used against us."<ref name="BBC News T6413614">, ] (13 June 2014)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/ukrainian-forces-win-back-port-city-28419 |title=Ukrainian forces win back port city |work=The Daily Star |date=13 June 2014 |accessdate=8 July 2014}}</ref> Konstantin Mashovets, a former Ukrainian Defence Ministry official, said the tanks had likely been seized by Russian forces in Crimea before making their way into mainland Ukraine. Anton Heraschenko, an advisor to Arsen Avakov, confirmed at a briefing in Kiev that the tanks were once in the possession of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ], and that they had been transferred by sea to Russia before crossing the border into Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher Miller3 :55 UTC |url=http://mashable.com/2014/06/13/ukraine-seize-port-city-russia-separatists/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link |title=Ukrainian Forces Seize Crucial Port City From Pro-Russia Separatists |publisher=Mashable.com |date=13 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/06/12/7028863/ |title=У Торезі стрілянина, а через Макіївку рухається колона танків з прапором РФ | Українська правда |work=Ukrayinska Pravda |date=13 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] in Ukrainian service, 12 June 2014]] | |||
| On the day after the tank incursion, three soldiers were killed when they were ambushed by insurgents in ].<ref>{{cite web|author=AFP 3:02AM BST 14 June 2014 |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10899655/US-accuses-Russia-of-sending-rocket-launchers-to-Ukraine-rebels.html |title=US accuses Russia of sending rocket launchers to Ukraine rebels |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=14 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Heavy fighting resumed during the morning of 13 June, when the government launched a new attack against insurgents in Mariupol. Ukrainian troops managed to recapture the city, and declared it the "provisional capital" of Donetsk Oblast until the government regains control over Donetsk city.<ref name="mariupol">{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1281593/ukraine-troops-storm-rebel-held-buildings |title=Ukraine Troops Storm Rebel-Held Buildings |publisher=BSkyB |date=13 June 2014 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, an agreement between the Minister of Internal Affairs, Arden Avakov, and the president of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, meant to create a ceasefire and allow civilians to escape the violence in Sloviansk failed, with both sides blaming each other for launching new attacks.<ref>, ] (12 June 2014)</ref> During the next morning, a convoy of border guardsmen was attacked by insurgents while passing Mariupol, leaving at least five of the guardsmen dead.<ref name=convoy>{{cite web|title=В Мариуполе на пост-мосту расстреляли колонну пограничников|url=http://www.0629.com.ua/news/555391}}</ref> | |||
| ====Ilyushin Il-76 shoot-down==== | |||
| {{main|Ukrainian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 shoot-down}} | |||
| A ] ]MD was shot down by forces aligned with the ] on 14 June.<ref name="shootdown">{{cite news | url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-transport-plane-shot-down-by-pro-russian-separatists-in-luhansk-1402736354 | title=Dozens Killed as Ukrainian Transport Plane Is Shot Down by Rebels in Luhansk | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=14 June 2014 | accessdate=27 June 2014}}</ref> The aircraft was preparing to land at ], and was carrying troops and equipment from an undisclosed location. All forty-nine people on board died.<ref name="shootdown" /> Meanwhile, two T-72 tanks entered Donetsk, and a skirmish erupted at a military checkpoint in Luhansk, lasting two days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unian.info/politics/930099-terrorists-drove-two-russian-tanks-t-72-to-donetsk-nsdc-representative.html |title=Terrorists drove two Russian tanks T-72 to Donetsk – NSDC representative : UNIAN news |publisher=Unian.info |date=18 June 2014 |accessdate=8 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27937387 |title=Witnessing the aftermath of 'unreported' battles in Luhansk |publisher=BBC |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> At least two civilians died in the fighting. | |||
| ====Battle of Yampil==== | |||
| Late on 19 June, a battle fought with tanks and armoured vehicles broke out in town of ], near government-held ]. Up to 4,000 insurgents were present for the fighting, which started, according to the insurgents, after the Armed Forces attempted to capture insurgent-held Yampil,<ref>{{cite news|last=Vasovic |first=Aleksandar |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/06/19/ukraine-crisis-fighting-idINKBN0EU0S320140619 |title=Ukraine rebels speak of heavy losses in battle against government troops |agency=Reuters |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> with the goal of breaking through to ].<ref>{{cite news|author=<%= item.timeFlag %> |url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/736846 |title=Ukrainian army using attack aviation, tanks to seize Yampol village |agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> According to the Armed Forces, it started after insurgents attempted to break through a cordon of government troops around government-held Krasny Lyman. The battle was described as exceeding "in terms of force and scale anything there has been" during the conflict in Donbass.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ewn.co.za/2014/06/19/Ukraine-forces-fight-fierce-battle-with-rebels|title=Ukraine fights fierce battle with rebels|agency=Reuters|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref name=BBC192014>{{cite news|title=Ukraine crisis: EU deal to be signed on 27 June|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27919047|date=19 June 2014}}</ref> The Armed Forces deployed both air and artillery strikes in their attempts to rout the insurgents.<ref name=whitehouse>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/world/europe/ukraine.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=1|title=As Ukraine Announces Cease-Fire, White House Points Finger at Russia|date=20 June 2014|author=M. R. Gordon and D. M. Herszenhorn|work=The New York Times|accessdate=7 November 2014}}</ref> The battle continued into the next day. Overnight, between seven and twelve soldiers were killed and between twenty-five and thirty were wounded. The Armed Forces said they killed 300 insurgents, but this was not independently verified,<ref>{{Dead link|date=October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/12-ukrainian-paratroopers-killed-near-krasny-lyman-352676.html|title=12 Ukrainian paratroopers killed near Krasny Lyman|work=Kyiv Post|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> and although a separatist commander acknowledged heavy losses,<ref name=BBC192014/><ref>{{cite news|title=New battles as Ukraine says 300 separatists killed in fighting|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/20/us-ukraine-crisis-fighting-idUSKBN0EV0KP20140620|agency=Reuters|date=20 June 2014}}</ref> the separatists confirmed only two deaths and seven wounded on their side.<ref name=whitehouse/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rian.com.ua/incidents/20140619/353596332.html|title=Militias reported losses in the battle for Yampol|work=РИА Новости Украина|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> The insurgents also said they destroyed one tank, several ]s, and also shot down a ] bomber.<ref> (Su-25 shot down above the village of Yampil - militia) RIA Novosti. 20 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014</ref> | |||
| The Ukrainian military said that they had gained control of Yampil and Siversk on 20 June, twenty hours before a unilateral ceasefire by Ukrainian forces, as part of Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko's ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukrainian military free Yampil in Donetsk Region from terrorists - NSDC |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-military-free-yampil-in-donetsk-region-from-terrorists-nsdc-352725.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |date=20 June 2014|accessdate=20 June 2014}}</ref> They also acknowledged that there was still heavy fighting in the area around Yampil, and the village of Zakitne.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/accidents/v-donetskoy-obl-siloviki-zanyali-seversk---oga-20062014171300|title = силовики заняли Северск, - ОГА|date = 20 June 2014|website = |publisher = RBC News}}</ref> By this point, the number of soldiers killed in the battle had reached thirteen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20140620-ukraine-week-long-ceasefire-fight-separatists-east-russia/|title=Ukraine declares week-long ceasefire in fight against separatists|publisher=France 24|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> During the continued fighting, militants blew up a bridge over a river in the village of Zakitne.<ref>. RIA Novosti, 20 June 2014</ref> | |||
| ===Post-ceasefire government offensive=== | |||
| After ] unilaterally declared by Ukrainian president ] ended, the Armed Forces renewed their operations against the insurgents on 1 July. Shelling occurred in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and government forces retook a border crossing in ], one of the three major border crossings occupied by the separatists. Government forces also recaptured the villages of ] and ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/01/ukraine-petro-poroshenko-goes-on-attack | title=Ukraine retakes border crossing from rebels as Poroshenko goes on attack | work=The Guardian | date=1 July 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014 | last=Luhn | first=Alec}}</ref> On the same day, insurgents in Luhansk said that they had taken control of ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rebels claim control over Luhansk airport |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/rebels-claim-control-over-luhansk-airport-354221.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |agency=Interfax-Ukraine |date=1 July 2014 }}</ref> On 1 July 2014 in Donetsk a street gun fight broke between rivaling factions of the pro-Russian militants, which resulted in one person being fatally wounded and two others in critical conditions.<ref>. 62 (Donetsk city portal). 2 July 2014</ref> | |||
| Internal Affairs Ministry spokesman Zoryan Shkyriak said that over 1,000 pro-Russian insurgents were killed in the first day following the resumption of hostilities.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://tsn.ua/politika/za-pershiy-den-vidnovlennya-ato-siloviki-znischili-ponad-1000-boyovikiv-357144.html | script-title=uk:За перший день відновлення АТО силовики знищили понад 1000 бойовиків | agency=TSN |language=Ukrainian |trans-title=In the first day of resumption of the ATO, security forces killed more than 1,000 militants |date=1 July 2014 |accessdate=25 November 2014}}</ref> Liga.net, citing a source involved with the government military operation, reported that over 400 insurgents were killed in action, but that the higher figures reported earlier could not be confirmed.<ref></ref> Separatists themselves reported only two deaths in fighting at ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28139139|title=Russia and Ukraine 'agree steps' towards new truce|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Insurgents attacked a border post in ] on 2 July. During the attack, ]s were fired upon the post, and clashes broke out. One border guard was killed in the fighting, and another eight guardsmen were injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=Guard killed in attack on border post, Ukraine says |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/07/02/guard-killed-in-attack-on-border-post-ukraine-says/?intcmp=latestnews |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=2 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Foreign ministers agree on Ukraine cease-fire path |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1427265/ukraine-4-troops-die-as-attacks-on-rebels-rise/ |newspaper=Global News |date=2 July 2014 }}</ref> Government forces recaptured the town of ], near Sloviansk, on 4 July. A group of DPR-affiliated militants defected as a result, and joined the Ukrainian army.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine government forces take control of village near Sloviansk - Avakov |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-govt-forces-take-control-of-village-near-sloviansk-avakov-354724.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |date=4 July 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| In a further blow to the insurgents, government forces retook the stronghold of ] on 5 July.<ref name="5BBC7">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28174104 | title=Rebels abandon Sloviansk stronghold | publisher=BBC News | date=5 July 2014 | accessdate=5 July 2014}}</ref> Commander of the DPR insurgents, ], took the decision "due to the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy", according to DPR prime minister ]. He said that DPR forces had retreated to ], but ] reported that they were seen abandoning their checkpoints in Kramatorsk.<ref name="5BBC7" /> Later that day, Borodai confirmed that the insurgents had abandoned "the entire northern sector", including Kramatorsk, and had retreated to ] city.<ref name="BBCkramawith">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28177020 | title=Donetsk rebels in mass withdrawal | publisher=BBC News | date=5 July 2014 | accessdate=5 July 2014}}</ref> After the retreat of Girkin's forces to Donetsk, he assumed control of the DPR, replacing the previous authorities there in what was described as a "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/david-marples/long-live-donetsk-people%E2%80%99s-republic|title=Long live the Donetsk People's Republic!|work=openDemocracy|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Subsequently, Ukraine's Armed Forces recaptured ], ], and ].<ref name="Cullison">{{Cite news|url = http://online.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-government-troops-target-further-gains-in-east-1404644564|title = Ukrainian Government Troops Target Further Gains in East|last = Cullison|first = Alan|date = 6 July 2014|work = The Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref name="Cullison"/><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.straitstimes.com/news/world/europe/story/pro-russia-rebels-and-commander-flee-slavyansk-ukraine-20140705|title = Pro-Russia rebels and commander flee Slavyansk|date = 6 July 2014|work = The Guardian Nigeria}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/new-defense-minister-pledges-continuation-of-anti-terrorist-operation-354856.html | title=Defense minister says anti-terrorist operation to continue until Ukraine's east is reclaimed | work=Kyiv Post | date=6 July 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014 | last=Gorchinskaya, Luxmoore | first=Katya, Matthew}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28182404|title = Ukraine says forces retake two more rebel-held cities|date = 6 July 2014|publisher = BBC}}</ref> Amidst the insurgent retreat, Donetsk city mayor ] said that at least 30,000 people had left the city since April.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/06/ukraine-crisis-donetsk|title = Donetsk becomes a ghost town as fearful residents flee conflict|last = Luhn|first = Alec|date = 6 July 2014|work = The Guardian}}</ref> In a separate development, Ukrainian forces said they spotted two ] in Mariupol, and shot one of them down.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://itar-tass.com/en/world/739216|title = Ukraine's forces control fully Slavyansk, Kramatorsk|date = 6 July 2014|agency = Information Telegraph Agency of Russia}}</ref> | |||
| Ahead of a planned government offensive on the insurgent-occupied city of Donetsk, key roads leading into the city were blocked on 7 July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bridges destroyed outside Donetsk |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28191833 |publisher=BBC News |date=7 July 2014 |accessdate=7 July 2014 }}</ref> Insurgents destroyed railway bridges over the roads, causing them to collapse and block the roads. Defence Minister ] stated on 8 July that there would be "no more unilateral ceasefires", and said dialogue was only possible if the insurgents laid down their weapons.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28209182|title = Ukraine crisis: 'No more unilateral ceasefires'|date = 8 July 2014|publisher = BBC News|accessdate = 8 July 2014}}</ref> More fighting broke out at ] on 9 July.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fighting under way near Luhansk airport |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/fighting-under-way-near-luhansk-airport-355362.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |date=9 July 2014 }}</ref> LPR-affiliated insurgents said that they had captured the airport on 1 July, but the Ukrainian army managed to maintain control over it. More than 10,000 households in Luhansk Oblast are without gas service due to damage to gas lines, according to a statement on the same day by the regional gas supplier.<ref>{{cite news|title=Armed hostilities in Luhansk damage over 60 gas pipes |url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/739741 |agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia |date=9 July 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Clashes at the Donetsk International Airport continued on 10 July. Insurgents fired mortars at the airport, and attempted to recapture it, but were repelled by the Armed Forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28255174|title = Ukraine forces clash with separatists at Donetsk airport|date = 10 July 2014|publisher = BBC}}</ref> Ukrainian forces also retook the city of ], which was confirmed by the insurgents.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Ukraine forces regain more ground but sustain further casualties|url = http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-forces-regain-more-ground-but-sustain-further-casualties-1.2702000|date = 10 July 2014|publisher = CBC News}}</ref> On the same day, the Luhansk city administration reported that six civilians had been injured due to ongoing hostilities across the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Luhansk City Council reports injury of six civilians |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/luhansk-city-council-reports-injury-of-six-civilians-355432.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |date=10 July 2014 }}</ref> There were also reports of factionalism among the separatists, with some desertions. According to these reports, the Vostok Battalion had rejected the authority of Igor Girkin. Alexander Borodai, prime minister of the DPR, denied these reports, however, and said that they were lies.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/07/10/deep-rifts-emerge-in-ranks-of-ukraines-pro-russia-insurgents-as-support-from-moscow-evaporates/|title = Deep rifts emerge in ranks of Ukraine's pro-Russia insurgents as support from Moscow evaporates|last = Karmanau|first = Yuras|date = 10 July 2014|work = National Post}}</ref> | |||
| Heavy fighting continued in Luhansk Oblast on 11 July. On that day, an Armed Forces column travelling near ] was attacked by an insurgent-operated ] lorry.<ref name="BBCdth">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28267929 | title=Ukraine president vows to act over army deaths | publisher=BBC News | date=11 July 2014 | accessdate=11 July 2014}}</ref> An air strike launched by the Armed Forces eventually managed to destroy the ], but only after twenty-three soldiers were killed.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://zik.ua/en/news/2014/07/11/19_ukraine_army_servicemen_killed_by_enemy_artillery_near_rovenky_505245|title = 19 Ukraine army servicemen killed by enemy artillery near Rovenky|date = 11 July 2014|work = ZIK}}</ref> In response to the attack, Ukrainian president Poroshenko said that "For every life of our soldiers, the militants will pay with tens and hundreds of their own".<ref name="BBCdth" /> On the next day, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes targeting insurgent positions across Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ukraine-launches-air-offensive-kill-1000-rebels-kiev-says/article19578600/|archiveurl = http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140713003305/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ukraine-launches-air-offensive-kill-1000-rebels-kiev-says/article19578600/|archivedate = 13 July 2014|title = Ukraine launches air offensive, kills 1,000 rebels, Kiev says|date = 12 July 2014|work = The Globe and Mail}}</ref> The Ukrainian government said that 500 insurgents were killed in these strikes, which they said were ]s for the separatist rocket attack on the previous day. Four people were killed at ], a western suburb of Donetsk city, after rockets struck an insurgent-held area of the city. The Ukrainian government and separatists blamed each other for the attack.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28277928|title = Ukraine conflict: Rockets ravage suburb of Donetsk|date = 12 July 2014|publisher = BBC}}</ref> | |||
| ===Fighting worsens in eastern Donetsk Oblast=== | |||
| ]]] | |||
| {{Main|Battle in Shakhtarsk Raion}} | |||
| After a brief lull following the insurgent withdrawal from the northern part of Donetsk Oblast, fighting continued to escalate sharply in the eastern parts of Donetsk Oblast. ] on the border town of ] in ], a part of Russia, on 13 July.<ref name="guardian713">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/13/ukrainian-shell-russian-border-town-donetsk?CMP=twt_gu | title=Ukraine's shelling could have irreversible consequences, says Russia | work=The Guardian | date=13 July 2014 | accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> One civilian was killed in the shelling. Russian officials blamed the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the shelling, whilst Ukraine denied responsibility and accused insurgents in Donbass of having staged a ] attack.<ref name="Reuters713">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/13/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0FI09I20140713 | title=Russia warns Ukraine after shell crosses border | agency=Reuters | date=13 July 2014 | accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> Russia said it was considering launching ] against government targets in Ukraine as retaliation for the shelling.<ref name="AFP714">{{cite news | url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140714/world-asia/article/moscow-considering-targeted-strikes-ukraine-report | title=Moscow 'considering targeted strikes' on Ukraine: report | work=Deccan Chronicle | date=14 July 2014 | accessdate=14 July 2014}}</ref> Ukrainian forces went on to make gains around Luhansk, ending an insurgent blockade of Luhansk International Airport. LPR officials acknowledged that they lost thirty men during fighting in the village of Oleksandrivka.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/07/ukraine-forces-breaks-rebel-airport-blockade-201471493349612951.html|title = Ukraine forces break rebel airport blockade|date = 14 July 2014|publisher = Al Jazeera}}</ref> The insurgent-occupied town of Snizhne was hit by rockets fired from an aeroplane on 15 July, leaving at least eleven people dead, and destroying multiple homes.<ref name="BBCsniz">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28308461 | title=Warplane bombs town of Snizhne in east Ukraine | publisher=BBC News | date=16 July 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014}}</ref> The insurgents blamed the Air Force of Ukraine, but the Ukrainian government denied any involvement in the attack. | |||
| Clashes broke out between insurgents and the Armed Forces along the border with Russia in ] on 16 July. Insurgents who had been holed up in the town of ] made an attempt to escape encirclement by government forces at 05:00.<ref name="REfr">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/16/us-ukraine-crisis-idUSKBN0FL0K020140716 | title=More Ukrainian soldiers killed as fighting rages in east, peace move flops | agency=Reuters | date=16 July 2014 | accessdate=16 July 2014}}</ref> According to a report by the ], a roadblock near the border village of Marynivka was attacked by the insurgents with tanks, mortar fire, and anti-tank missiles.<ref name="IFng">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/213817.html | title=Militants attack National Guard positions in Donetsk region | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=16 July 2014 | accessdate=17 July 2014}}</ref> The checkpoint was shelled for over an hour, causing significant damage to infrastructure in Marynivka. Guardsmen managed to repel the attack, and forced the insurgents back to ], where fighting continued.<ref name="IFng" /> The battle then moved to the nearby village of ]. At least eleven Ukrainian soldiers died in the fighting.<ref name="REfr" /> Attempts to form a "contact group" between the insurgents and the Ukrainian government, part of President Poroshenko's "]", failed, leaving little hope of a renewed ].<ref name="REfr" /> The insurgents later said that they successfully retook ] from the Armed Forces.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine's separatist rebels reclaim village on Russian border |work=The Oregonian |agency=Associated Press |date=16 July 2014 |accessdate=17 July 2014 |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/today/index.ssf/2014/07/ukraines_separatist_rebels_rec.html}}</ref> | |||
| ====Downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17==== | |||
| {{Main|Malaysia Airlines Flight 17}} | |||
| A civilian passenger jet, ], was shot down over ] on 17 July, killing all 298 people on board. DPR-affiliated insurgents blamed the Ukrainian government for the disaster, whereas the government blamed Russia and the insurgents. This disaster followed two similar incidents earlier in the week, when two Ukrainian Air Force planes were shot down.<ref name="BBCma">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28354856 | title=Malaysia airliner crashes in east Ukraine conflict zone | publisher=BBC News | date=17 July 2014 | accessdate=17 July 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, fighting in Luhansk resulted in the loss of electrical power and water services across the city.<ref name="BBCle">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28363086 | title=Luhansk lacks electricity and water | publisher=BBC News | date=18 July 2014 | accessdate=18 July 2014}}</ref> Shelling damaged an electrical substation in the district Kamennobrodskiy, causing the power loss. An oil refinery in ] was also set alight.<ref name="BBCle" /> At least twenty civilians were killed in the shelling of Luhansk, according to a statement by the city administration.<ref name="ifle">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/214309.html | title=Over 20 civilians killed in rocket fire in Luhansk on Friday | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=18 July 2014 | accessdate=18 July 2014}}</ref> The statement said that a barrage of rockets hit "virtually every district". The shelling forced OSCE monitors to flee from their office in Luhansk, and move to ].<ref name="OSCE257">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/121832 | title=Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, based on information received by 18:00hrs, 24 July (Kyiv time) | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=25 July 2014 | accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref> Government forces went on to capture the south-eastern section of the city.<ref name="BBcrtl">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28363086 | title=Part of Luhansk 'retaken' from rebels | publisher=BBC News | date=18 July 2014 | accessdate=18 July 2014}}</ref> Another sixteen people died overnight, and at least sixty were wounded.<ref name="KPleadc">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/city-council-sixteen-civilians-killed-66-wounded-in-luhansk-in-past-24-hours-356902.html | title=Sixteen civilians killed, 66 wounded in Luhansk in past 24 hours | work=Kyiv Post | date=19 July 2014 | accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref> According to a government report, Luhansk airport was secured by government forces amidst the battle.<ref name="KPlaufu">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-forces-unblock-luhansk-airport-356866.html | title=Ukrainian forces unblock Luhansk airport | work=Kyiv Post | date=19 July 2014 | accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Government push into Donetsk and Luhansk cities=== | |||
| {{See also|Novosvitlivka refugee convoy attack|Battle of Horlivka}} | |||
| ] | |||
| Heavy fighting also resumed around Donetsk airport overnight, and explosions were heard in all districts of the city. The city fell quiet by 09:00 on 19 July.<ref name="KPdqns">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/authorities-donetsk-quiet-after-nighttime-and-morning-shelling-356901.html | title=Donetsk quiet after nighttime and morning shelling | work=Kyiv Post | date=19 July 2014 | accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref> By 21 July, heavy fighting in Donetsk had begun again.<ref name="NYdoncl5">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/22/world/europe/ukrainian-military-and-rebel-fighters-clash-in-donetsk.html?_r=1 | title=Ukrainian Military and Rebel Fighters Clash in Donetsk | work=The New York Times | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="reuadad">{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/07/21/uk-ukraine-crisis-airplane-idUKKBN0FP02L20140721 | title=Fighting flares in Ukraine as crash investigators arrive | agency=Reuters | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref> Donetsk was rocked by explosions, and heavy weapons fire caused smoke to rise over the city. Fighting was concentrated in the northwestern districts of ] and ], and also near the central railway station and airport, leading local residents to seek refuge in bomb shelters, or to flee the city.<ref name="IF21j">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/214690.html | title=Northwest Donetsk rocked by explosions as residents hide in bomb shelters | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBC21j">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28399406 | title=Dutch experts examine bodies | publisher=BBC News | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref> The city's water supply was cut off during the fighting, and all railway and bus service was stopped.<ref name="KPrr">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/donetsk-railroad-station-bus-station-not-working-due-to-clashes-separatists-357215.html | title=Donetsk railway station, bus station not working due to clashes - separatists | work=Kyiv Post | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="IFws">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/214706.html | title=Water supplies to Donetsk stopped | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref> The streets emptied, and insurgents erected barricades across the city to control traffic.<ref name="KPdciv">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/civilians-killed-as-ukrainian-forces-tighten-noose-on-rebels-in-donetsk-357203.html | title=Civilians killed as Ukrainian forces tighten noose on rebels in Donetsk | work=Kyiv Post | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref> The cities of ], ], and ]<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ukrainian troops take control of three settlements in Donetsk region |url=http://itar-tass.com/en/world/741679 |agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia |date=21 July 2014 }}</ref> were also recaptured by government forces.<ref name="KPdze">{{cite news | url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/separatists-retreat-from-dzerzhynsk-357159.html | title=Separatists retreat from Dzerzhynsk | work=Kyiv Post | date=21 July 2014 | accessdate=21 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The suburb of ], just outside ], and the city of ], in Luhansk Oblast, were recaptured by the Armed Forces on 22 July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian government forces enter Horlivka suburb |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-government-forces-enter-horlivka-suburb-357126.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |date=21 July 2014 }}</ref><ref name="BBCbods">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28416973 | title=MH17 bodies moved out of Ukraine rebel area | publisher=BBC News | date=22 July 2014 | accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref> OSCE monitors visiting Donetsk following the previous day's fighting there said that the city was "practically deserted", and that the fighting had stopped.<ref name="OSCE247">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/121790 | title=Latest from the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine based on information received until 18:00 hrs, 23 July (Kyiv time) | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=24 July 2014 | accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref> On the same day, DPR prime minister ] said that he wanted to resume ceasefire talks. DPR commander ] also said "The time has come when Russia must take a final decision – to really support Donbas's Russians or abandon them forever".<ref>, ] (21 July 2014)</ref> Also, the pro-Ukrainian paramilitary ] captured ].<ref name="pops">{{cite news | url=http://www.segodnya.ua/regions/donetsk/popasnaya-luganskoy-oblasti-osvobozhdena-ot-boevikov-semenchenko-538863.html | title=Попасна Луганской области освобождена от боевиков – Семенченко (Popasnaya Luhansk region freed from insurgents - Sementchenko) | work=Segodnya | date=22 July 2014 | accessdate=23 July 2014 | language=Russian}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| After having retaken ], government forces fought insurgents around the neighbouring city of ].<ref name="WSJgfgf">{{cite news | url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-makes-significant-gains-against-pro-russia-rebels-1406030208?tesla=y&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304058404580045002166196916.html | title=Dutch Take Over Lead of Malaysia Airlines Crash Investigation in Ukrain | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=22 July 2014 | accessdate=23 July 2014}}</ref> An insurgent car bomb killed three soldiers during the fighting there. ] rocket attacks were launched against government forces garrisoned at ], ], and also Luhansk airport. The press centre for the government military operation said that situation remained "most complex" in the areas around "Donetsk city, Luhansk city, ] and ]".<ref name="IFgrad">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/214797.html | title=Ukrainian army says militants fired Grad systems against Luhansk airport | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=22 July 2014 | accessdate=23 July 2014}}</ref> Government forces broke through the insurgent blockade around Donetsk airport on 23 July, and then advanced into the northwestern corner of Donetsk city.<ref name="DHwi" /> Subsequently, the insurgents withdrew from many areas on the outskirts of the city, including ], ], ], and the area around Donetsk airport.<ref name="DHwi">{{cite news | url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/421377/ukraine-rebels-withdraw-donetsk-outskirts.html | title=Ukraine rebels withdraw from Donetsk outskirts | work=Deccan Herald | date=23 July 2014 | agency=Indo-Asian News Service | accessdate=23 July 2014}}</ref> Insurgent commander Igor Girkin said that this was done to fortify Donetsk city centre, and also to avoid being encircled by government forces. He also said that he did not expect a government incursion into Donetsk city centre.<ref name="DHwi" /> Meanwhile, clashes continued in ], along the border with Russia. Amidst the fighting, two Ukrainian ] fighter jets that had been providing air support to ground forces near ] were shot down by the insurgents.<ref name="IFshdsd">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215078.html | title=Militants shot down two Su-25 Ukrainian attack aircraft with air defense missile system – ATO press center | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=23 July 2014 | accessdate=23 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| By the next day, government forces recaptured ].<ref name="KPlys">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-troops-enter-lysychansk-357777.html | title=Ukrainian troops enter Lysychansk | work=Kyiv Post | date=24 July 2014 | accessdate=24 July 2014}}</ref> On the same day, fighting raged around ].<ref name="KPadafaf">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-advances-after-heavy-fighting-357839.html | title=Ukraine Advances After Heavy Fighting | work=Kyiv Post | date=25 July 2014 | accessdate=24 July 2014}}</ref> Government forces launched air and artillery strikes on insurgents within the city, and clashes were fought all around it. One important bridge collapsed in the fighting, severing a critical route out of the city. People fled the violence in cars and on foot.<ref name="KPadafaf" /> Despite these advances by the Armed Forces, the border with Russia was not secured. ] border post in Luhansk Oblast, which is controlled by the Army of the South-East, was reported to be the main entry point for weapons and reinforcements from Russia.<ref name="KPadafaf" /> Shelling began again in the ], ] and ] districts of Donetsk city. According to Donetsk city administration, eleven houses were damaged in Petrovsky, and at least one man was injured.<ref name="IFdonf">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215243.html | title=Fighting taking place in Donetsk suburb - city council | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=24 July 2014 | accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref> The fighting continued overnight into 26 July, with explosions, shelling, and shooting heard across the city.<ref name="Reusheead">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/26/ukraine-crisis-donetsk-idUSL6N0Q10BQ20140726 | title=Shelling echoes around Donetsk as Kiev presses against rebels | agency=Reuters | date=26 July 2014 | accessdate=26 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] in August 2014, seen heavily damaged by fighting there. It has since been completely destroyed.]] | |||
| During the third day of the government's offensive on the insurgent-stronghold of ], between twenty and thirty civilians were killed on 27 July.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10993931/Fierce-fighting-in-Ukraine-prevents-Dutch-forces-reaching-MH17-crash-site.html | title=Fierce fighting in Ukraine prevents Dutch forces reaching MH17 crash site | work=] | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref> Horlivka was virtually abandoned, with electric power and water cut off. Shelling damaged or destroyed many buildings, including a hospital, greengrocer's, and energy company office.<ref name="horlivWP">{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/fierce-battle-between-military-and-rebels-in-eastern-ukraine-halts-plane-investigation/2014/07/27/b695809c-1582-11e4-9e3b-7f2f110c6265_story.html | title=As fighting continues in east Ukraine, U.S. releases images said to implicate Russia | work=The Washington Post | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref> Ukrainian troops also entered the town of ], fought the insurgents that had been occupying it, and captured it around 14:30.<ref name="DMhorl" /><ref name="NDN">{{cite news | url=http://novosti.dn.ua/details/230767/ | title=Ukrainian troops liberated Shakhtersk | work=News of Donbass | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014 | language=Russian}}</ref> This cut off the supply corridor between the territories held by the DPR and LPR, isolating insurgents in Donetsk city.<ref name="MS">{{cite news | url=http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-4d5f-Ukrainian-forces-battle-for-Horlivka | title=Ukrainian Forces Battle For Horlivka | work=Morning Star | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref> Skirmishes also broke-out in the nearby towns of ] and ].<ref name="DMhorl">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2707344/Fighting-breaks-near-MH17-crash-site-EU-security-advisers-sent-help-Ukraine-bring-law-order-rebel-area-call-visit-dangerous.html | title=Ukraine pushes back and takes at least three towns in three days off the pro-Russians as Dutch MH17 monitors say crash site now too dangerous to investigate | work=Daily Mail | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref> The intense combat across ] forced a party of Dutch and Australian policemen to call off an attempt to investigate the crash site of ].<ref name="DMhorl" /> Forty-one Ukrainian soldiers deserted their posts and went to the insurgent-controlled ] border crossing, where they told insurgents that they refused to fight against their "own people".<ref name="RTflee">{{cite news | url=http://rt.com/news/175888-ukrainian-soldiers-border-russia/ | title='Refusing to kill their own': Over 40 Ukrainian soldiers flee to Russia | publisher=RT|location=Russia | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> The insurgents allowed them to flee Ukraine, and cross into Russia.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/07/27/372958/ukraine-soldiers-refuse-to-fight-own-ppl/ | title=Dozens of Ukraine soldiers lay down arms, enter Russia | publisher=Press TV | date=27 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref> By 28 July, the strategic heights of ] were under Ukrainian control, along with the town of ].<ref name="IFheights">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215712.html | title=ATO forces take over Debaltseve, Shakhtarsk, Torez, Lutuhyne, fighting for Pervomaisk and Snizhne underway - ATO press center | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=28 July 2014 | accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> Insurgents had previously used Savur-Mohyla to shell Ukrainian troops around the town of Marynivka.<ref name="IFsac">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215685.html | title=Ukrainian Armed Forces take control of Savur-Mohyla - report to president | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=28 July 2014 | accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> By 29 July, a further seventeen civilians had been killed in the fighting, along with an additional forty-three people injured.<ref name="IFhorlier">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215876.html | title=Seventeen civilians, including three children, killed in gunfire in Horlivka in past 24 hours | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=29 July 2014 | accessdate=29 July 2014}}</ref> Shelling continued in the ] and ] districts of Donetsk city. According to the city administration, these districts were heavily damaged.<ref name="IFdau">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215865.html | title=Donetsk authorities report overnight shelling of city | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=29 July 2014 | accessdate=29 July 2014}}</ref> | |||
| According to a report by ], crossing points on the border with Russia were attacked from Russian territory at least 153 times since 5 June.<ref name="KPBC">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukrainian-border-checkpoints-come-under-over-150-attacks-from-russia-since-june-5-358484.html | title=Ukrainian border checkpoints come under over 150 attacks from Russia since June 5 | work=Kyiv Post | date=29 July 2014 | accessdate=29 July 2014}}</ref> 27 border guardsmen were killed in these attacks, and 185 were injured. Government forces made a further advance on 30 July, when they evicted insurgents from ], near Donetsk airport.<ref name="BBCstrat">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28559482 | title=Army claims strategic town in Donetsk | publisher=BBC News | date=30 July 2014 | accessdate=30 July 2014}}</ref> Military operations were paused on 31 July.<ref name="BBChalt">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28581722 | title=Ukraine MH17: Forensic scientists reach jet crash site | publisher=BBC News | date=13 July 2014 | accessdate=31 July 2014}}</ref> This was meant to allow international experts to examine the crash site of ], which is located in ], where the fiercest battles had been taking place on the previous few days. Monitors were escorted to the site by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. After fighting severed various transmission lines, Luhansk city lost all access to electrical power.<ref name="IFpower">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/216353.html | title=Luhansk is fully without power - mayor's office | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=31 July 2014 | accessdate=31 July 2014}}</ref> Little fuel remained to power emergency generators. Minor skirmishes occurred in Vasylivka and Zhovtneve.<ref name="KP24242424">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/three-ukrainian-border-guards-killed-11-wounded-in-ato-area-early-on-july-31-358810.html | title=Three Ukrainian border guards killed, 11 wounded in ATO area early on July 31 | work=Kyiv Post | date=31 July 2014 | accessdate=31 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="IFafaddwdw">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/216351.html | title=Donetsk city council reports fighting near Zhovtneve | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=31 July 2014 | accessdate=31 July 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, talks between the separatists, Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE were held in ].<ref name="BBChalt" /> Fighting continued in ]. An ambush by the insurgents on government forces there resulted in the deaths of ten soldiers.<ref name="BBC19">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28599315 | title=Air crash team finds human remains | publisher=BBC News | date=1 August 2014 | accessdate=1 August 2014}}</ref> Eleven went missing, and thirteen were wounded. A government offensive on the city of ] in Luhansk Oblast continued.<ref name="BBC19" /> | |||
| ], 6 August 2014]] | |||
| Following a series of military defeats, Igor Girkin, insurgent commander for the DPR, urged Russian military intervention, and said that the combat inexperience of his irregular forces, along with recruitment difficulties amongst the local population in Donetsk Oblast had caused the setbacks. He addressed Russian president ], saying that "Losing this war on the territory that President Vladimir Putin personally named New Russia would threaten the Kremlin's power and, personally, the power of the president".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/07/25/putin-s-number-one-gunman-in-ukraine-warns-him-of-possible-defeat.html | title=Putin's Number One Gunman in Ukraine Warns Him of Possible Defeat | work=The Daily Beast | date=25 July 2014 | accessdate=2 August 2014}}</ref> Government forces closed in on Luhansk and Donetsk cities on 3 August.<ref name="BBCfs">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28630391 | title=Donetsk and Luhansk 'facing siege' | publisher=BBC News | date=3 August 2014 | accessdate=3 August 2014}}</ref> A number of civilians were killed in fighting in both cities. Luhansk was reported to be "virtually surrounded", with little electrical power or water supply available. The situation in the city of Donetsk was less dire, as trains to Russia were still running, but fighting and shelling did not relent.<ref name="BBCfs" /> According to the Armed Forces, three-quarters of the territory once held by the insurgents had been recaptured.<ref name="NYReuisd">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2014/08/03/world/europe/03reuters-urkaine-crisis-east.html?ref=world&_r=0 | title=Ukrainian Army Steps Up Attacks on Rebel-Held Donetsk | work=The New York Times | date=3 August 2014 | agency=Reuters | accessdate=3 August 2014 | location=Donetsk}}</ref> They also said that they had completely cut off supply lines between the DPR and LPR, after more than a week of fighting in ].<ref name="tsnsrer">{{cite news | url=http://tsn.ua/ukrayina/silam-ato-nareshti-vdalosya-rozdiliti-teroristiv-na-donbasi-na-dvi-grupi-361740.html | title=Силам АТО нарешті вдалося розділити терористів на Донбасі на дві групи (Force ATO finally managed to divide terrorists into two groups Donbass) | publisher=TSN.ua | date=3 August 2014 | accessdate=3 August 2014 | location=Donbass | language=Ukrainian}}</ref> | |||
| After a prolonged battle, the Armed Forces recaptured the vital town of ] on 4 August.<ref name="reuyasn">{{cite news | url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0G40YI20140804?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0 | title=Kiev says it recaptures rail hub in east Ukraine, five soldiers killed | agency=Reuters | date=4 August 2014 | accessdate=4 August 2014 | location=Kiev}}</ref> At least five soldiers died in the fighting to capture the town, which is a strategic railway junction on the main road between Donetsk and Luhansk cities. The pro-government paramilitary ] and Shakhtarsk battalions said that they had advanced into Donetsk city, and had begun to "liberate" it.<ref name="KP482014">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/donetsk-faces-threat-of-urban-warfare-as-ukrainian-forces-move-to-encircle-city-359270.html | title=Donetsk faces threat of urban warfare as Ukrainian forces move to encircle city | work=Kyiv Post | date=4 August 2014 | accessdate=4 August 2014}}</ref> The Ukrainian government said that all civilians should evacuate from Donetsk, and issued statements asking DPR and LPR forces to help establish "humanitarian corridors" to allow civilians in Donetsk, Luhansk and Horlivka to flee.<ref name="48ifad">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/216860.html | title=ATO command suggests militants establishing humanitarian corridors from Luhansk, Donetsk and Horlivka | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=4 August 2014 | accessdate=4 August 2014}}</ref> Commenting on the situation in Luhansk, mayor Sergei Kravchenko said "As a result of the blockade and ceaseless rocket attacks, the city is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe".<ref name="APcitydying">{{cite news | url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2014-08-04-EU--Ukraine/id-026c885872c84d199627f0901371df87 | archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140808054305/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2014-08-04-EU--Ukraine/id-026c885872c84d199627f0901371df87 | archivedate=2014-08-08 | title=East Ukraine city dying under siege | agency=Associated Press | date=4 August 2014 | accessdate=4 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| As government troops pushed into Donetsk on 5 August, heavy fighting erupted at 17:00 in the Petrovskyi district of the city.<ref name="BBCdonhf">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28665050 | title=Ukraine rebel-held Donetsk sees 'heavy fighting' | publisher=BBC News | date=5 August 2014 | accessdate=5 August 2014}}</ref> Elsewhere, insurgents recaptured the town of Yasynuvata after a retreat by government forces.<ref name="REUdadadfgege">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/05/us-ukraine-crisis-action-idUSKBN0G50UW20140805 | title=Ukraine keeps up anti-rebel offensive with nervous eye on Russia | agency=Reuters | date=5 August 2014 | accessdate=5 August 2014}}</ref> A spokesman from the ] said that the Armed Forces left the town to avoid harming the "peaceful population", and that the city was being evacuated so that it could be "completely liberated".<ref name="Ukrinformadadwer">{{cite news | url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/ukrainian_forces_leave_yasynuvata_324879 | title=Ukrainian forces leave Yasynuvata | work=National News Agency of Ukraine | date=5 August 2014 | accessdate=5 August 2014}}</ref> He also said that the railway station remained under government control, and that all railway traffic had been blocked. Fighting between insurgents and government forces across the Donbass region continued "constantly" over the course of the day.<ref name="UKDadef">{{cite news | url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/terrorists_have_no_strength_for_counterattack___nsdc_324883 | title=Terrorists have no strength for counterattack - NSDC | work=National News Agency of Ukraine | date=6 August 2014 | accessdate=6 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], 3 August 2014]] | |||
| Fighting and shelling continued around Donetsk on 8 August, with several civilians killed or injured.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Ukraine's Donetsk becomes ghost town as national forces shell separatists |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/08/07/battle-for-ghost-town-ukraines-donetsk-empties-as-national-forces-shell/ |publisher=Fox News Channel }}</ref> By 9 August, insurgent commander Igor Girkin said that Donetsk had been "completely encircled" by government forces.<ref name="BBC892014">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28724487 | title=Army closes in on Donetsk rebels | publisher=BBC News | date=9 August 2014 | accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref> This followed the capture of the vital town of ] by the government, after insurgent-aligned Cossacks stationed there fled.<ref name="BBC892014" /> Further skirmishes between insurgents and the Armed Forces took place in ], ], ], Krasny Yar, Pobeda, ], ], ], ], ], ], and Luhansk airport.<ref name="UKdefegf">{{cite news | url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/ukrainian_troops_attack_terrorists_in_12_localities_325119 | title=Ukrainian troops attack terrorists in 12 localities | work=National News Agency of Ukraine | date=9 August 2014 | accessdate=10 August 2014}}</ref> Overnight and into 10 August, government forces launched an artillery barrage on Donetsk city, causing "massive damage" across it.<ref name="BBC1082014">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28732180 | title=Army pounds rebels in Donetsk | publisher=BBC News | date=10 August 2014 | accessdate=10 August 2014}}</ref> According to a spokesman for the Armed Forces, insurgents began to flee the city during the barrage, and were in a state of "panic and chaos". Hospitals and residential buildings were heavily damaged, and many remaining residents took shelter in basements.<ref name="BBC1082014" /> The cities of ], Kalynove, Komyshuvakha, in western Luhansk Oblast near ], were captured by government forces on 12 August after heavy fighting.<ref name="IFlibererqw">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/218108.html | title=Ukrainian troops liberate Pervomaisk, Kalynove, Komyshuvakha in west of Luhansk region – ATO press center | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=12 August 2014 | accessdate=12 August 2014}}</ref> Heavy shelling of Donetsk continued into 14 August.<ref name="BBC142014">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28788945 | title=Shells hit Donetsk amid Russia convoy row | publisher=BBC News | date=14 August 2014 | accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> During this artillery barrage, Igor Girkin resigned from his post as commander of the insurgent forces of the Donetsk People's Republic.<ref name="Girkinquits">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28792966 | title=Rebel military chief Strelkov 'quits' | publisher=BBC News | date=14 August 2014 | accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> He was replaced by ], who is known by the ] ''Tsar''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Babiak|first1=Mat|title='Strelkov' resigns from post following news of severe injury|url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2014/08/14/strelkov-resigns-from-post-following-news-of-severe-injury/|publisher=Euromaidan Press|date=14 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Later in the day, a convoy of some two dozen armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles with official Russian military plates crossed into Ukraine near the insurgent-controlled ] border crossing.<ref name="GDmvew">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/14/russian-military-vehicles-enter-ukraine-aid-convoy-stops-short-border | title=Russian military vehicles enter Ukraine as aid convoy stops short of border | work=The Guardian | date=14 August 2014 | accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBCAMC">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28810622 | title=Ukraine 'hits Russia armoured column' amid aid impasse | publisher=BBC News | date=15 August 2014 | accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref> NATO Secretary General ] confirmed that a "Russian incursion" into Ukraine had occurred.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russian aid convoy checked; NATO spots 'incursion' into Ukraine|url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/101921973#_gus|agency=Reuters|publisher=CNBC|date=15 August 2014|accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref> Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said that Ukrainian artillery engaged and destroyed a "significant" portion of the armoured column.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia says Ukraine forces seeking to disrupt its humanitarian mission|url=http://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-ukraine-forces-seeking-disrupt-humanitarian-mission-152118955--finance.html|agency=Reuters|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=15 August 2014|accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="SKY1313">{{cite news | url=http://news.sky.com/story/1319354/ukraine-destroys-russian-armoured-convoy | title=Ukraine's Forces Attack Russian Armoured Convoy | publisher=Sky News | date=15 August 2014 | accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/15/ukraine-claims-destroyed-russian-military-vehicles-crossed-border | title=Ukraine president claims Russian vehicles that crossed border have been destroyed | work=The Guardian | date=15 August 2014 | accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Great Britain discussed international efforts on the settlement of the conflict in the Donbas|url=http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/30998.html|publisher=Office of the President of Ukraine|date=15 August 2014|accessdate=15 August 2014}}</ref> The ] denied the existence of any such convoy.<ref name="BBCdst">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28813047 | title=Russia denies sending troops and weapons in to Ukraine | publisher=BBC News | date=15 August 2014 | accessdate=19 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Ostroukh|first1=Andrey|last2=Sonne|first2=Paul|title=Ukraine Says It Destroyed Russian Armored Vehicles Seen Crossing Border|url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-officials-start-inspection-of-russian-convoy-1408092018|accessdate=25 August 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=16 August 2014}}</ref> Following this incident, the newly appointed prime minister of the DPR ] said that his forces included 1,200 Russian-trained combatants.<ref name="BBCraonw">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28817347 | title=Rebel leader says Russian arms on way | publisher=BBC News | date=16 August 2014 | accessdate=16 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], 7 August 2014]] | |||
| A Ukrainian Air Force ] fighter jet was shot down by the insurgents in ] on 17 August. Ten civilians were killed during continued shelling in Donetsk.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/17/ukraine-fighter-jet-shot-down | title=Ukrainian fighter plane shot down by pro-Russia rebels | work=The Guardian | date=17 August 2014 | accessdate=17 August 2014}}</ref> The insurgent-occupied city of Horlivka was encircled by the Armed Forces on 18 August.<ref name="BBC24242">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28832873 | title=Ukraine refugee convoy hit by rockets, says military | publisher=BBC News | date=18 August 2014 | accessdate=18 August 2014}}</ref> Government forces also advanced into the edges of Luhansk city. A convoy of refugees from Luhansk ] near the village of ]. Dozens of civilians died in the attack, which the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine blamed on the insurgents. Insurgents denied attacking any refugee convoys.<ref name="BBC24242" /> DPR prime minister ] stated that if the Ukrainian government made "reasonable proposals to lay down arms, close borders, we will talk on equal terms as equal partners".<ref name="hardware that we took from the Ukrainian military"/> He added, however, that the government "must recognise us as a state, now it is already impossible to ask for a certain degree of autonomy".<ref name="hardware that we took from the Ukrainian military">, ] (19 August 2014)</ref> | |||
| After having edged into Luhansk city on 18 August, government forces began to advance through the city "block by block" on 19 August.<ref name="BBCalcta">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28858542 | title=Ukraine street battles in Luhansk as troops advance | publisher=BBC News | date=19 August 2014 | accessdate=19 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="IFgfclea">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/219015.html | title=Government forces continue to clear Luhansk of militants – interior minister's adviser | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=19 August 2014 | accessdate=19 August 2014}}</ref> Fighting was heard in streets across the city, and shelling of many insurgent-occupied districts continued. There was also fighting ] and ], two cities just outside of Donetsk city. A spokesman for the Internal Affairs Ministry said that government forces were "clearing" Ilovaisk of insurgents, and later captured most of the city.<ref name="BBCalcta" /><ref name="UKRINnanewsf">{{cite news | url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/government_forces_clearing_ilovaisk_of_snipers_325474 | title=Government forces clearing Ilovaisk of snipers | work=National News Agency of Ukraine | date=19 August 2014 | accessdate=19 August 2014}}</ref> The headquarters of the DPR in Donetsk city were also shelled. Fighting across Donetsk Oblast on 19 August resulted in the deaths of 34 civilians.<ref name="BBCfbftl">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28866283 | title=Fierce battle for town of Ilovaisk | publisher=BBC News | date=20 August 2014 | accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> By early evening on 20 August, government forces said that they had recaptured "significant parts" of the city of Luhansk, after a series of running battles in streets throughout the day.<ref name="YHmol">{{cite news | url=http://news.yahoo.com/fighting-outside-key-ukrainian-city-kills-9-troops-091723576.html | title=Ukrainian govt troops take over much of Luhansk | work=Yahoo News | date=20 August 2014 | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=20 August 2014 | location=Donetsk}}</ref> | |||
| ===August counter-offensive by pro-Russian forces=== | |||
| {{Main|Battle of Ilovaisk|Battle of Novoazovsk}} | |||
| {{Further|2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine}} | |||
| ] | |||
| By 25 August, an insurgent counter-offensive had stalled the government's offensive on Donetsk and Luhansk cities.<ref name="Stfore2">{{cite news | url=http://www.stratfor.com/sample/analysis/after-re-establishing-supply-lines-ukrainian-separatists-launch-counteroffensive | title=Ukrainian Separatists Fight Back to Maintain Supply Lines | work=Stratfor | date=25 August 2014 | accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Insurgents attacked government positions in ], and along the ] River in Luhansk Oblast. As this attack occurred, insurgents in Luhansk received reinforcements. Government forces near ] and ] in Donetsk Oblast became surrounded by insurgents, after their attempt to take Ilovaisk was halted by heavy shelling.<ref name="Stfore2" /> The pro-government volunteer ], trapped in the city for days by the insurgents, accused the Ukrainian government and Armed Forces of "abandoning" them.<ref name="KP23215">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/abandoned-donbas-battalion-fights-on-361886.html | title=Abandoned Donbas Battalion fights on | work=Kyiv Post | date=24 August 2014 | accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="NYTvoceuk">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/world/europe/video-of-combat-in-eastern-ukraine-adds-to-worries-in-kiev.html | title=Video of Combat in Eastern Ukraine Adds to Worries in Kiev | work=The New York Times | date=27 August 2014 | accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref> Other volunteer battalions, such as the ] and ], left Ilovaisk after encountering heavy resistance. Donbas Battalion leader ] said "I think it is profitable for the defence ministry not to send help, but to achieve a situation where volunteer battalions start blaming each other about who helped who".<ref name="KP23215" /> | |||
| DPR forces stated their intention to "fight their way to the ]" on 23 August.<ref name="rebelsrianovosti">{{cite news|url=http://sputniknews.com/world/20140823/192282525/Donetsk-Militia-Fighting-its-Way-to-Azov-Sea.html|title=Donetsk Militia Fighting its Way to Azov Sea|agency=RIA Novosti|date=23 August 2014|accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref> In line with this statement, an artillery barrage rained down on the costal city of ], in southern Donetsk Oblast.<ref name=rebelsrianovosti/> A column of armoured vehicles crossed into Ukraine from Russia near ] on 25 August.<ref name="BBCcfrmom">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28924945 | title='Column from Russia' moves on Mariupol | publisher=BBC News | date=25 August 2014 | accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref><ref name="nyt1">{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/23/world/europe/russia-moves-artillery-units-into-ukraine-nato-says.html?_r=0|title=Russia Moves Artillery Units into Ukraine, NATO Says|work=The New York Times|date=22 August 2014|accessdate=29 August 2014|author=Michael Gordon}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kramer|first1=Andrew|title=Ukraine Says Russian Forces Lead Major New Offensive in East|url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/101951821#|publisher=CNBC|quote="Tanks, artillery and infantry have crossed from Russia into an unbreached part of eastern Ukraine in recent days, attacking Ukrainian forces and causing panic and wholesale retreat not only in this small border town but a wide swath of territory, in what Ukrainian and Western military officials are calling a stealth invasion."}}</ref> There were no insurgent formations within {{convert|30|km|mi|frac=3}} of this area for many weeks.<ref name="REU26AUG2014">{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/08/26/uk-ukraine-crisis-novoazovsk-idUKKBN0GQ19Y20140826 | title=In Ukraine, an armoured column appears out of nowhere | agency=Reuters | date=26 August 2014 | accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> Heavy fighting took place in the village of Markyne, {{convert|7|km|mi|frac=4}} from Novoazovsk. Insurgents used the village to shell Novoazovsk.<ref name="REU242425">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/25/us-ukraine-crisis-column-idUSKBN0GP0MB20140825 | title=Ukraine accuses Russia of opening new front before leaders' meeting | agency=Reuters | date=25 August 2014 | accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref> A spokesman for the ] said that the entrance of the column into Ukraine was an attempt "by the Russian military in the guise of Donbass fighters to open a new area of military confrontation".<ref name="BBCcfrmom" /> According to the Mariupol city website, the ] and ] battalions repelled the attack, and the "invaders" retreated to the border.<ref name="UK242ed3r">{{cite news | url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/terrorists_retreating_from_novoazovsk_to_border_325628 | title=Terrorists retreating from Novoazovsk to border | work=National News Agency of Ukraine | date=25 August 2014 | accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref> Russian Foreign Minister ] said he had no knowledge of the incident, and suggested that reports of the incident being an incursion by Russian forces were "disinformation."<ref name="REU24372" /> Directly prior to the appearance of the column, the area was heavily shelled. The nearest insurgent artillery positions were beyond the range of this area.<ref name="REU26AUG2014" /> | |||
| Villagers from ] in ] told ] that military men with Russian accents and no identifying insignias had appeared in the village at the weekend of 23–24 August.<ref name="REUmigewe">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/26/us-ukraine-crisis-fighters-idUSKBN0GQ1X520140826 | title='Men in green' raise suspicions of east Ukrainian villagers | agency=Reuters | date=26 August 2014 | accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> They set-up a roadblock near the village. The men wore distinctive white armbands.<ref name="REUmigewe" /> The villagers referred to them as "]", a term that was used to refer to the irregular Russian forces that took ] from February 2014. Following the appearance of these men, ten soldiers in green military uniforms with white armbands were detained by Ukrainian forces at ]. This village is north of Novoazovosk, {{convert|7|km|mi|frac=4}} from Kolosky, and about {{convert|20|km|mi}} from the Russian border.<ref name="REUmigewe" /><ref name="BBCcrtoi">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28934213 | title=Captured Russian troops 'in Ukraine by accident' | publisher=BBC News | date=26 August 2014 | accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> The Russian military confirmed that these men were indeed Russian paratroopers, and that they had been captured. The Russian Defence Ministry said the men had entered Ukraine "by mistake during an exercise".<ref name="REUmigewe" /><ref name="BBCcrtoi" /> The ] (SBU) released videos that they said were interviews with the captive Russian soldiers. In one of the videos, a soldier said that their commanders had sent them on a {{convert|70|km|mi|adj=on|frac=4}} march "without explaining its purpose or warning that they would be in Ukrainian territory, where they were apprehended by Ukrainian forces and surrendered without a fight".<ref name="MTrpiuk">{{cite news | url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-paratroops-in-ukraine-lost-in-media-haze-video/505944.html | title=Russian Paratroops in Ukraine: Lost in Media Haze | work=The Moscow Times | date=26 August 2014 | accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Insurgents pushed into ] on 27 August.<ref name="NYT2782014" /><ref name="BBC27AUG">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28951319 | title=Rebels push into port of Novoazovsk | publisher=BBC News | date=27 August 2014 | accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref> Whilst the Ukrainian government said they were in "total control" of Novoazovsk, town mayor Oleg Sidorkin confirmed that the insurgents had captured it.<ref name="BBC27AUG" /> He also said that "dozens" of tanks and armoured vehicles had been used by the insurgents in their assault on the town. At least four civilians were injured by insurgent shelling. To the north, close to ], Ukrainian forces said that they spotted a column of 100 armoured vehicles, tanks, and Grad rocket lorries that was heading south, toward Novoazovsk.<ref name="BBC27AUG" /> They said these vehicles were marked with "white circles or triangles", similar to the white armbands seen on the captured Russian paratroopers earlier in the week. Amidst pressure on this new third front, government forces retreated westward toward ].<ref name="NYT2782014" /> They evacuated the town of ], among other areas in the {{convert|75|km|mi|adj=on}} stretch of borderland from the ] to the existing insurgent-held territories.<ref name="NYT2782014" /><ref name="AJfukc">{{cite news | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/08/fighting-ukraine-coastline-intensifies-201482718054359321.html | title=Fighting for Ukraine's coastline intensifies | publisher=Al Jazeera | date=27 August 2014 | accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref> A report by ''The New York Times'' described the retreating soldiers as "exhausted, filthy and dismayed".<ref name="NYT2782014" /> Western officials described the new insurgent actions as a "stealth invasion" by the Russian Federation, with tanks, artillery and infantry said to have crossed into Ukraine from Russian territory. ] spokesman ] said that "these incursions indicate a Russian-directed counteroffensive is likely underway", and Ukrainian president ] said "An invasion of Russian forces has taken place".<ref name="NYT2782014" /><ref name="REUuars">{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/28/ukraine-crisis-russia-soldiers-idINKBN0GS0X220140828 | title=Ukraine accuses Russia of launching invasion | agency=Reuters | date=28 August 2014 | accessdate=28 August 2014 | location=Kiev}}</ref><ref name="Pgov31102">{{cite press release | url=http://president.gov.ua/en/news/31102.html | title=President cancelled his visit to Turkey and urgently convenes the NSDC meeting | publisher=Office of the President of Ukraine | date=28 August 2014 | accessdate=28 August 2014}}</ref> A statement by the ] (NSDC) later said that Novoazovsk had been captured by "Russian troops", despite earlier denials by the Ukrainian government.<ref name="BBC28Aug2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28967526 | title='Russian troops deployed' in Ukraine - Poroshenko | publisher=BBC News | date=28 August 2014 | accessdate=28 August 2014}}</ref> According to the NSDC, Ukrainian troops withdrew from Novoazovsk to save lives, and were instead preparing defences in ]. Meanwhile, fighting continued in and around Donetsk city. Shells fell on the ] of Donetsk, and the ] continued to fight against the insurgents that had trapped them in ] for days.<ref name="NYTvoceuk" /><ref name="REUuars"/><ref name="OSCE28AUG">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/123030 | title=Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time), 27 August 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=28 August 2014 | accessdate=28 August 2014}}</ref> NATO commander Brig. Gen. Nico Tak said on 28 August that "well over" 1,000 Russian soldiers were operating in the Donbass conflict zone.<ref name="NY28Aug2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/29/world/europe/ukraine-russia-nato-photos.html?_r=0 | title=Over 1,000 Russian Soldiers Join Fight, NATO Says | work=The New York Times | date=28 August 2014 | accessdate=28 August 2014}}</ref> Amidst what ''The New York Times'' described as "chaos" in the conflict zone, the insurgents re-captured ].<ref name="NYT2782014" /><ref name="DM28AUG">{{cite news | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2736529/Russia-directly-involved-fighting-Ukraine-sending-latest-air-defence-systems-border-says-US-ambassador.html | title=Footage emerges claiming to show Russian tanks in Ukraine after NATO say Putin has sent more than 1,000 troops over the border to fight separatists | work=Daily Mail | date=28 August 2014 | accessdate=28 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Despite these advances by pro-Russian forces, the National Guard of Ukraine temporarily retook the city of ] in ] of ] on 29 August.<ref name="KPkomso">{{cite news | url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-national-guard-now-controlling-komsomolske-in-donetsk-region-362529.html | title=Ukraine National Guard now controlling Komsomolske in Donetsk region | work=Kyiv Post | date=29 August 2014 | accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref> However, two days later, Ukrainian forces retreated from the city, and Komsomolske was once again taken by the DPR forces.<ref name="komsomolske">{{cite news | url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/as-ukrainian-troops-retreat-separatists-celebrate-new-offensive/article/400465 | title=As Ukrainian troops retreat, separatists celebrate new offensive | work=Digital Journal | date=31 August 2014 | accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> Elsewhere, Ukrainian forces retreated from ] after being attacked by what they said were "Russian tanks". They said that every house in the village was destroyed.<ref name="BBC30AUG">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28993873 | title=EU 'must act on Russia aggression' | publisher=BBC News | date=30 August 2014 | accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref> The trapped ] withdrew from ] on 30 August after negotiating an agreement with pro-Russian forces. According to some of the troops who withdrew from Ilovaisk, DPR forces violated the agreement and fired on them whilst they retreated under ]s, killing as many as several dozen.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/pro-russia-rebels-confident-after-making-gains|archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140902000911/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/pro-russia-rebels-confident-after-making-gains|archivedate=2014-09-02|agency=Associated Press|title=PRO-RUSSIA REBELS CONFIDENT AFTER MAKING GAINS|date=30 August 2014|accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| A Ukrainian patrol boat in the ] was hit by shore-based artillery fire on 31 August.<ref>{{cite news | date=31 August 2014 | accessdate=1 September 2014 | first1=Pavel | first2=Aleksandar | last1=Polityuk | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/31/us-ukraine-crisis-boat-idUSKBN0GV0NA20140831 | title=Rescue under way after separatists claim first attack on Ukrainian ship | agency=Reuters | last2=Vasovic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | date=1 September 2014 | accessdate=1 September 2014 | first1=Pavel | first2=Richard | last1=Polityuk | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/09/01/uk-ukraine-crisis-boat-idUKKBN0GV0MP20140901 | title=Two missing, eight rescued, after artillery attack on Ukrainian patrol boat - border guard official | agency=Reuters | last2=Balmforth}}</ref> Eight sailors were rescued from the sinking boat, whilst two crew-members were missing. Former insurgent commander ] said that the insurgents had "dealt the enemy their first naval defeat". Government forces withdrew from ] on 1 September, despite having held the airport from insurgent attacks for weeks prior.<ref name="BBC1SEPT">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29009516 | title=Troops abandon Luhansk airport after clashes | publisher=BBC News | date=1 September 2014 | accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref> The airport saw fierce fighting on the night before the withdrawal, and Ukrainian officials said that their forces at the airport had been attacked by a column Russian tanks.<ref>{{cite news |last=Amos |first=Howard |last2=McElroy |first2=Damien |date=1 September 2014 |title=Ukraine withdraws from Luhansk airport after 'Russian tank column' attack |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11067351/Ukraine-battles-Russian-tank-column-near-Luhansk-ahead-of-Minsk-peace-talks.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |accessdate=16 October 2014 }}</ref> Clashes also continued at ].<ref name="BBC1SEPT" /> Heavy fighting was observed by OSCE monitors near the villages of Shyrokyne and Bezimenne on 4 September.<ref name="OSCE4SEPT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/123210 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 4 September 2014: The Situation in Mariupol | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=4 September 2014 | accessdate=5 September 2014}}</ref> Respectively, these villages are {{convert|24|km|mi}} and {{convert|34|km|mi}} east of Mariupol. Ukrainian officials in Mariupol said that the situation there "was worsening by the hour", and that there was an imminent danger of an attack on the city.<ref name="OSCE4SEPT" /> DPR forces came within {{convert|5|km|mi|frac=4}} of the city on 4 September, but their advance was repulsed by an overnight counter-attack launched by the ] and the ].<ref name="GUA2424255">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/05/ukraine-heavy-shelling-hours-before-ceasefire-russia | title=Heavy shelling in Ukrainian port of Mariupol hours before agreed ceasefire | work=The Guardian | date=5 September 2014 | accessdate=5 September 2014}}</ref> They were driven back about {{convert|20|km|mi|frac=4}} east of the city. Constant shelling was heard on the outskirts of Mariupol.<ref name="GUA2424255" /> | |||
| ===September ceasefire=== | |||
| {{main|Minsk Protocol}} | |||
| {{see also|Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine|Second Battle of Donetsk Airport}} | |||
| ] | |||
| After days of peace talks in ] under the auspices of the ] (OSCE), Ukraine, Russia, the DPR, and the LPR ] on 5 September.<ref name="BBC2908">{{cite news | url= http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29082574 | title= Ukraine and pro-Russia rebels sign ceasefire deal | publisher= BBC News | date= 5 September 2014 | accessdate= 5 September 2014}} | |||
| </ref> ] monitors said they would observe the ceasefire, and assist the Ukrainian government in implementing it.<ref name="OSCE5235">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/cio/123245 | title=Chairperson-in-Office welcomes Minsk agreement, assures President Poroshenko of OSCE support | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=5 September 2014 | accessdate=5 September 2014}}</ref> According to '']'', the agreement was an "almost verbatim" replication of Ukrainian president ]'s failed June "]".<ref name=NYT23425>{{citation |title=Ukraine Deal Imposes Truce Putin Devised |first=Neil |last=MacFarquhar |work=The New York Times |date=5 September 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/06/world/europe/ukraine-cease-fire.html}}</ref> It was agreed that there would be an ] of all prisoners taken by both sides, and that heavy weaponry should be removed from the combat zone. Humanitarian corridors were meant to be maintained, so that civilians could leave affected areas. President Poroshenko said that Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts would be granted "special status", and that use of the ] in these areas would be protected by law.<ref name=NYT23425/><ref name="WP7SEPT2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraines-cease-fire-in-jeopardy-as-new-fighting-reported/2014/09/07/cad0ca80-3689-11e4-8601-97ba88884ffd_story.html | title=Ukraine's cease-fire in jeopardy as new fighting reported | work=The Washington Post | date=7 September 2014 | accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref> DPR and LPR leaders said that they retained their desire for full independence from Ukraine, despite these concessions. Russian president ] and Ukrainian president Poroshenko discussed the ceasefire on 6 September.<ref name=BBC6SEPT34>{{citation |title=Ukraine ceasefire: Silence on the streets of Mariupol |first=Fergal |last=Keane |publisher=BBC News |date=6 September 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29095968}}</ref> Both parties said that they were satisfied with the ceasefire, and that it was generally holding. | |||
| ] | |||
| The ceasefire was broken multiple times on the night of 6–7 September, and into the day on 7 September.<ref name="ceasefire broken Guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/07/ukraine-rebels-ceasefire-broken-shelling|title=Ukraine and separatists blame each other after ceasefire broken|work=The Guardian|date=7 September 2014|accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="ceasefire broken WN">{{cite news|url=http://article.wn.com/view/2014/09/07/Ukraine_and_separatists_blame_each_other_after_ceasefire_bro/|title=Ukraine and separatists blame each other after ceasefire broken|publisher=World News (WN)|date=7 September 2014|accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="BBC7SEPT2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29098808 | title=Ukraine truce shaken by new shelling | publisher=BBC News | date=7 September 2014 | accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref> These violations resulted in the deaths of four Ukrainian soldiers, whilst twenty-nine were injured.<ref>, 9 September 2014</ref> Heavy shelling by the insurgents was reported on the eastern outskirts of Mariupol, and OSCE monitors said that the Ukrainian government had fired rockets from ]. The OSCE said that these breaches of the agreement would not cause the ceasefire to collapse.<ref name="BBC7SEPT2014" /> Ukrainian president ] said on 10 September that "70% of Russian troops have been moved back across the border", and also added that this action gave him "hope that the ] have good prospects".<ref name="GD11sept">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/10/ukraine-russia-troops-border-east-poroshenko | title=Ukraine says most Russian troops have moved back across border | work=The Guardian | date=10 September 2014 | accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref> Ceasefire violations continued, however. In line with the Minsk Protocol, OSCE monitors said that they observed a ] near ] at 03:40 on 12 September.<ref name="OSCE12SEPT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/123509 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 12 September 2014: Simultaneous Release of Hostages/Prisoners | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=12 September 2014 | accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="CBC12SEPT">{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-sanctions-could-be-rolled-back-if-russia-withdraws-u-s-says-1.2764118 | title=Ukraine sanctions could be rolled back if Russia withdraws, U.S. says | publisher=CBC News | date=12 September 2014 | accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref> Ukrainian forces released 31 DPR insurgents, whilst DPR forces released 37 Ukrainian soldiers. OSCE monitors documented violations of the Minsk Protocol in numerous areas of Donetsk Oblast from 13–15 September.<ref name="OSCE15SEPT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/123587 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 15 September 2014: Monitoring to the east of Donetsk, SMM patrol vehicles hit by fire | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=15 September 2014 | accessdate=15 September 2014}}</ref> These areas included ], Telmanove, ], ], near ], ], and ], all of which saw intense fighting. Two of the armoured vehicles that the monitors were travelling in were struck by shrapnel, rendering one of the vehicles inoperable and forcing the monitors to retreat.<ref name="OSCE15SEPT" /> According to the monitors, troop and equipment movements were being carried out by both DPR and Ukrainian forces. They also said that there were "command and control issues" amongst both parties to the conflict.<ref name="OSCE15SEPT" /> A visit by the monitors to ] took place on 20 September.<ref name="OSCE22SEPT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/123921 | title=Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time), 21 September 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=22 September 2014 | accessdate=23 September 2014}}</ref> They said that the airport was "completely destroyed", and entirely unusable. Ukrainian president ] said on 21 September that the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost between 60% and 65% of its total active equipment over the course of the war.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.unn.com.ua/ru/news/1387749-na-peredoviy-bulo-znischeno-60-65-viyskovoyi-tekhniki-v-chastinakh-p-poroshenko | script-title=ru:На передовой уничтожили 60-65% военной техники в частях - П.Порошенко | work=Ukrainian National News | date=21 September 2014 | accessdate=21 September 2014 | language=Russian}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Members of the ] and the DPR took part in a video conference on 25 September 2014.<ref name="OSCE26SEPT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/home/124451 | title=Press Statement by the Trilateral Contact Group | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=26 September 2014 | accessdate=27 September 2014}}</ref> According to a statement released by the OSCE on the day after the conference, all parties agreed that the fighting had "subsided in recent days", and that the "situation along 70%" of the buffer zone was "calm". They also said that they would "spare no efforts" to strengthen the ceasefire.<ref name="OSCE26SEPT" /> Scattered violations of the ceasefire continued, nonetheless. In the most significant incident since the start of the ceasefire, seven Ukrainian soldiers died on 29 September when a tank shell struck the armoured personnel carrier that they were travelling in near Donetsk International Airport.<ref name="BBC29SEPT">{{cite news | url= http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29415162 | title= 'Seven Ukraine troops die' in deadliest post-truce attack | publisher=BBC News | date= 29 September 2014 | accessdate=29 September 2014}}</ref> A skirmish ensued, leaving many soldiers wounded. Over the next few days, ] around Donetsk International Airport, whilst Donetsk city itself came under heavy shelling.<ref name="OSCE2OCT">{{cite press release | url= http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/124979 | title= Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time), 1 October 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=2 October 2014 | accessdate=3 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="OSCE3OCT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/125107 | title=Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time), 2 October 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=3 October 2014 | accessdate=3 October 2014}}</ref> Amidst this renewed violence, OSCE chairman ] issued a statement that "urged all sides to immediately stop fighting", and also said that putting the ceasefire at risk of collapse would be "irresponsible and deplorable".<ref name="OSCE2OCTst">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/cio/125003 | title=Truce too important for stabilization to be carelessly put at risk, Swiss OSCE Chair says after new outbreak of violence | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=2 October 2014 | accessdate=3 October 2014}}</ref> | |||
| According to a report released by the UN ] (OHCHR) on 8 October, the ceasefire implemented by the Minsk Protocol was becoming "increasingly fragile".<ref name="OHCHR9OCT2014">{{cite press release | url=http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/OHCHR_sixth_report_on_Ukraine.pdf | title=Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine | publisher=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights | date=16 September 2014 | accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref> The statement that announced the release of the report said that at least 331 people had been killed since the start of ceasefire, and that the most fierce fighting took place around ], ], and ].<ref name="UN8OCT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=15143&LangID=E | title=Protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine continues to take heavy toll on civilians | publisher=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights | date=8 October 2014 | accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref> The report also said that the majority of civilian deaths were caused by both insurgent and Ukrainian shelling.<ref name="NYT8OCT">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/09/world/europe/at-least-331-have-been-killed-in-ukraine-since-start-of-cease-fire-un-reports.html | title=331 Have Died Since Ukraine Signed Truce, U.N. Reports | work=The New York Times | date=8 October 2014 | accessdate=9 October 2014}}</ref> Several hundred ] troops protested outside the Ukrainian ] in Kiev on 13 October.<ref name="KP14OCT2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/politicians-activists-slam-national-guard-protest-as-unpatriotic-367935.html | title=Politicians, activists slam National Guard protest as unpatriotic | work=Kyiv Post | date=14 October 2014 | accessdate=16 October 2014}}</ref> They demanded the end of conscription, and their own demobilisation.<ref name="KP14OCT2014"/> According to '']'', many of the protesters stated that they had clashed with ] protesters, and that they were not in favour of that movement.<ref name="KP14OCT2014"/> | |||
| ===November separatist elections and aftermath=== | |||
| {{main|Donbass general elections, 2014}} | |||
| ] | |||
| Heavy fighting continued across the Donbass through October, despite the ceasefire. In violation of the procedure agreed to as part of the ], DPR and LPR authorities ] on 2 November.<ref name="OSCE31OCT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/cio/126242 | title=So-called elections not in line with Minsk Protocol, says OSCE Chair, calling for enhanced efforts and dialogue to implement all commitments | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=31 October 2014 | accessdate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="NYT2NOV">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/03/world/europe/rebel-backed-elections-in-eastern-ukraine.html?_r=0 | title=Rebel-Backed Elections to Cement Status Quo in Ukraine | work=The New York Times | date=2 November 2014 | accessdate=3 November 2014}}</ref> In response to the elections, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko asked parliament to revoke the "special status" that was granted to DPR and LPR-controlled areas as part of the Minsk Protocol.<ref name="KP4NOV2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/poroshenko-calls-on-lawmakers-to-revoke-special-status-for-east-sends-more-troops-to-key-cities-370640.html | title=Poroshenko calls on lawmakers to revoke special status for east, sends more troops to key cities | work=Kyiv Post | date=4 November 2014 | accessdate=6 November 2014}}</ref> DPR deputy prime minister ] said that Ukrainian forces had launched "all-out war" against the DPR and LPR on 6 November.<ref name="RE6NOV2014">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/06/us-ukraine-crisis-military-idUSKBN0IQ1RJ20141106 | title=Ukrainian forces deny launching fresh offensive in east | agency=Reuters | date=6 November 2014 | accessdate=6 November 2014}}</ref> Ukrainian officials denied any offensive, and said that they would adhere to the Minsk Protocol. Despite this, battles continued across the Donbass, leaving many soldiers dead. Concurrently, separatist representatives requested a redraughting of Minsk Protocol, as a result of recurrent violations.<ref name="RE6NOV2014" /> Intermittent shelling of Donetsk renewed on 5 November.<ref name="BBC9NOV">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29975341 | title=Heavy bombardment in rebel-held Donetsk | publisher=BBC News | date=9 November 2014 | accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> OSCE monitors reported on 8 November that there were large movements of unmarked heavy equipment in separatist-held territory.<ref name="OSCE8NOV">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/126483 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 8 November 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=8 November 2014 | accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> These movements included armoured personnel carriers, lorries, petrol tankers, and tanks, which were being manned and escorted by men in dark green uniforms without insignias.<ref name="OSCE8NOV" /> Ukrainian government spokesmen said that these were movements of Russian troops, but this could not be independently verified.<ref name="GD7NOV">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/07/ukraine-russian-military-column-east | title=Ukraine says Russian military column has entered east of country | work=The Guardian | date=7 November 2014 | accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> Overnight into 9 November, intense shelling from both government and insurgent positions rocked Donetsk.<ref name="BBC9NOV" /> OSCE chairman ] said that he was "very concerned" about the "resurgence of violence", and stressed the importance of adhering to the ].<ref name="OSCE9NOV">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/cio/126484 | title=Concerned about latest SMM reports of activities undermining Minsk commitments, OSCE Chair calls on all sides to preserve and consolidate ceasefire | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=8 November 2014 | accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> OSCE monitors observed more munitions convoys in separatist-held territory on 9 November.<ref name="OSCE9NOVE">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/126485 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 9 November 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=9 November 2014 | accessdate=10 November 2014}}</ref> These included seventeen unmarked green ] lorries loaded with ammunition at ], and seventeen similar ] lorries towing howitzers at ]. Another convoy of forty-three green military lories, some towing howitzers and rocket launchers, was observed by OSCE monitors in Donetsk on 11 November.<ref name="OSCE11NOV">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/126556 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 11 November 2014 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=11 November 2014 | accessdate=11 November 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], 26 November 2014]] | |||
| Following the reports of these troop and equipment movements, NATO ] said on 12 November that he could confirm that Russian troops and heavy equipment had crossed into Ukraine during the preceding week.<ref name="BBC12NOV">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30025138 | title=Russian troops crossed border, Nato says | publisher=BBC News | date=12 November 2014 | accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> In response, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry said that it was preparing for a renewed offensive by pro-Russian forces.<ref name="REU12NOV">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/12/us-ukraine-crisis-military-idUSKCN0IW16T20141112 | title=Ukraine redeploys troops, fearing new rebel offensive | agency=Reuters | date=12 November 2014 | accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General ] said "there was and is no evidence" to support NATO's statement.<ref name="BBC12NOV" /> | |||
| By 2 December, at least 1,000 people had died during fighting in Donbass, since the signing of the Minsk Protocol in early September.<ref name="2DECBBC">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30290310 | title=Ukraine, Russia and the ceasefire that never was | publisher=BBC News | date=2 December 2014 | accessdate=2 December 2014}}</ref> A BBC report said that the ceasefire had been "a fiction". In light of this continued fighting, Ukrainian and separatist forces agreed to cease all military operations for a "Day of Silence" on 9 December.<ref name="BBC9DEC">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30384665 | title=Shaky ceasefire holds as talks expected | publisher=BBC News | date=9 December 2014 | accessdate=9 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="NYT10DEC">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/10/world/europe/ukrainian-military-and-separatists-observe-silent-day.html?_r=0 | title=Ukrainian Military and Rebels Observe 'Silent Day' | work=The New York Times | date=10 December 2014 | accessdate=10 December 2014}}</ref> Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said that he hoped that the "Day of Silence" would encourage the signing of a new peace deal. Whilst no new peace talks took place following the "Day of Silence", fighting between Ukrainian and separatist forces lessened significantly over the course of December.<ref name="REU19dec">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/19/us-ukraine-crisis-military-idUSKBN0JX11B20141219 | title=Rebels say new Ukraine peace talks will not take place on Sunday: IFX | agency=Reuters | date=19 December 2014 | accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="17DECGD">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/17/ukraine-ceasefire-frontline-counting-cost-war-uneasy-calm | title=Ukraine ceasefire leaves frontline counting cost of war in uneasy calm | work=The Guardian | date=17 December 2014 | accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> A report by the ] stated that the late 2014 ], in tandem with American and European ], deterred further advances by pro-Russian forces.<ref name="EUADW">{{cite web | url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/europe/ukraine/235-eastern-ukraine-a-dangerous-winter.pdf | title=Eastern Ukraine: A Dangerous Winter | publisher=International Crisis Group | date=18 December 2014 | accessdate=20 December 2014}}</ref> The report also raised concerns about the potential for "humanitarian catastrophe" in separatist-controlled Donbass during the cold winter months, saying that the separatists were unable "to provide basic services for the population". | |||
| ] | |||
| In line with the ], more prisoner exchanges took place during the week of 21–27 December.<ref name="BBC26DEC">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30606486 | title=Ukraine and rebels trade prisoners in Donetsk | publisher=BBC News | date=26 December 2014 | accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="REU26DEC">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/26/us-ukraine-crisis-prisoners-idUSKBN0K40IZ20141226 | title=Kiev, rebels exchange POWs; trains, buses to Crimea suspended | agency=Reuters | date=26 December 2014 | accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> More OSCE-organised talks were held in ] during that week, but they reached no result. In a press conference on 29 December, Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said that the Minsk Protocol was becoming effective "point by point", and also said that "progress" was being made.<ref name="KP29DEC">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/poroshenko-despite-minsk-agreements-martial-law-is-still-an-option-376395.html | title=Poroshenko: Despite Minsk agreements, martial law is still an option | work=Kyiv Post | date=29 December 2014 | accessdate=29 December 2014}}</ref> Since the signing of the Protocol, over 1,500 people held by the separatists had been released as part of the prisoner exchanges. Whereas Ukrainian forces had been losing about 100 men per day prior to the Protocol, only about 200 had been killed in the four months since its signing. Poroshenko also said that he believed that conflict would only end if Russian troops leave Donbass.<ref name="KP29DEC" /> | |||
| ===Into the new year: escalation in January 2015=== | |||
| {{see also|Volnovakha bus attack|Second Battle of Donetsk Airport|Battle of Debaltseve|January 2015 Mariupol attack}} | |||
| OSCE monitors reported a "rise in tensions" following New Year's Day.<ref name="OSCE5JAN">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/133421 | title=Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time) | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=5 January 2015 | accessdate=6 January 2015}}</ref> Numerous ceasefire violations were recorded, with most occurring near ]. Infighting amongst insurgent groups broke out in Luhansk Oblast.<ref name="NYT5JAN2015">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/06/world/europe/francois-hollande-says-destabilizing-sanctions-on-russia-must-stop-now.html | title=French Leader Urges End to Sanctions Against Russia Over Ukraine | work=The New York Times | date=5 January 2015 | accessdate=6 January 2015}}</ref> In one incident, LPR militants said that they had killed ], the leader of the pro-Russian "Batman Battalion", on 2 January 2015. LPR officials said that Bednov had been running an "illegal prison", and that he had engaged in torturing prisoners.<ref name="KP3JAN">{{cite news | url=https://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/abuse-torture-revealed-at-self-proclaimed-luhansk-peoples-republic-illegal-prison-376631.html | title=Abuse, torture revealed at separatists' prison in Luhansk | work=Kyiv Post | date=3 January 2015 | accessdate=6 January 2015}}</ref> In another incident, the leader of an ]-based ] militant group, Nikolai Kozitsyn, said that the territory controlled by his group, claimed by the Lugansk People's Republic, had become part of the "Russian empire", and that Russian president Vladimir Putin was its "emperor".<ref name="NYT5JAN2015" /> An intercity bus stopped at a government checkpoint in Buhas was hit by a ] on 13 January, killing twelve civilians.<ref name="OSCE14JAN">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/134636 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, 14 January 2015: 12 civilians killed and 17 wounded when a rocket exploded close to a civilian bus near Volnovakha | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=14 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="bbc13JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30798426 | title=Shell hits bus 'killing 10' in Buhas | publisher=BBC News | date=13 January 2015 | accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko declared a day of national mourning.<ref name="UT15JAN">{{cite news | url=http://uatoday.tv/politics/osce-confirms-grad-strike-on-east-ukraine-bus-and-says-insurgents-will-be-included-in-investigation-402988.html | title=OSCE confirms Grad strike on east Ukraine bus and says insurgents will be included in investigation | work=Ukraine Today | date=15 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> Buhas is {{convert|35|km|mi}} south-west of Donetsk city. | |||
| ] | |||
| The new terminal building at ], which had been a site of fighting between Ukrainian and separatist troops since May 2014, was captured by the DPR forces on 15 January.<ref name="15JANGUARD">{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/15/russian-backed-separatists-seize-donetsk-airport-ukraine | title=Russia-backed separatists seize Donetsk airport in Ukraine | work=The Guardian | date=15 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> In the days prior to the capturing, the airport was heavily barraged by separatist rocket fire.<ref name="NY13JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/14/world/europe/10-civilians-are-killed-in-ukraine-as-cease-fire-grows-more-fragile.html?_r=0 | title=10 Are Killed in Ukraine as Diplomacy Hits a Wall | work=The New York Times | date=13 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="NYT14JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/01/14/world/europe/ap-eu-ukraine-aid-crunch.html | title=Lack of Aid Deepens Suffering in Conflict-Hit East Ukraine | work=The New York Times | date=14 January 2015 | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> DPR leader ] stated that the capture of the airport was the first step toward regaining territory lost to Ukrainian forces during the summer of 2014. He said "Let our countrymen hear this: We will not just give up our land. We will either take it back peacefully, or like that", referring to the capture of the airport.<ref name="15JANGUARD" /> Such an offensive by separatist forces would signal the complete breakdown of the frequently ignored ], which established a buffer zone between Ukrainian-controlled and separatist-controlled territories.<ref name="REU21JAN22">{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/01/20/ukraine-crisis-klimkin-idINKBN0KT1VD20150120 | title=Ukraine accuses separatists of abusing Minsk deal with land grab | agency=Reuters | date=21 January 2015 | accessdate=22 January 2015}}</ref> Ukrainian forces said that there had been "no order to retreat" from the airport, and DPR parliament chairman ] said that while DPR forces had gained control of the terminal buildings, fighting was ongoing because "the Ukrainians have lots of places to hide".<ref name="IND15JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-residents-flee-savagery-of-the-battle-for-donetsks-airport-9981531.html | title=Residents flee savagery of the battle for Donetsk's airport | work=The Independent | date=15 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> Concurrently, a new round of Minsk talks, scheduled for 16 January by the ], was called off after DPR and LPR leaders ] and ] refused to attend.<ref name="15JANIF">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/244837.html | title=No Contact Group meeting without Zakharchenko, Plotnytsky - Kuchma | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=15 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
| A government military operation at the weekend of 17–18 January resulted in Ukrainian forces recapturing most of Donetsk International Airport.<ref name="REU18JAN">{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/01/18/uk-ukraine-crisis-military-idUKKBN0KR0DD20150118 | title=Ukrainian troops retake most of Donetsk airport from rebels | agency=Reuters | date=18 January 2015 | accessdate=18 January 2015}}</ref> According to ] representative Andriy Lysenko, the operation restored the lines of control established by the ], and therefore did not constitute a violation of it. The operation caused fighting to move toward Donetsk proper, resulting in heavy shelling of residential areas of the city that border the airport.<ref name="REU18JAN" /> DPR authorities said that they halted government forces at Putylivskiy bridge, which connects the airport and the city proper.<ref name="BBC19JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30878406 | title=Ukraine conflict: Battles rage in Donetsk and Luhansk | publisher=BBC News | date=19 January 2015 | accessdate=19 January 2015}}</ref> The bridge, which is strategically important, was destroyed during the fighting. OSCE monitors reported that shelling had caused heavy damage in the Donetsk residential districts of ], ], ], and ].<ref name="OSCE20JAN">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/135491 | title=Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 18:00 (Kyiv time), 19 January 2015 | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=20 January 2015 | accessdate=20 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko said on 21 January that Russia had deployed more than 9,000 soldiers and 500 tanks, artillery units, and armoured personnel carriers in Donbass.<ref name="BBC15JAn">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30928107 | title=Ukraine conflict: US accuses rebels of 'land grab' | publisher=BBC News | date=21 January 2015 | accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref> An article that appeared in the '']'' said that deployment appeared to be "a response to Kiev's success" in retaining control of Donetsk International Airport.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11361286/Russia-sends-9000-troops-into-Ukraine-says-Petro-Poroshenko.html | title=Russia sends 9,000 troops into Ukraine, says Petro Poroshenko | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=21 January 2015 | accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref> On the same day, Ukrainian forces attempted to surround the airport in an attempt to push back the insurgents.<ref name="KP22JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/donetsk-airport-overrun-by-rebels-say-army-volunteers-378037.html | title=Donetsk Airport overrun by rebels, say army volunteers | work=Kyiv Post | date=22 January 2015 | accessdate=21 January 2015}}</ref> As Ukrainian and DPR forces fought away from the airport, a group of insurgents stormed the first and third floors of the new terminal building. Ukrainian troops held out on the second floor of the building until the ceiling collapsed, killing several soldiers.<ref name="KP22JAN" /> The remaining Ukrainian forces were either captured, killed, or were forced to withdraw from the airport, allowing DPR forces to overrun it. According to one volunteer, thirty-seven Ukrainian troops died.<ref name="KP22JAN" /> ''The Daily Telegraph'' called the Ukrainian defeat at the airport "devastating".<ref name="DT22JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11363929/Pro-Russia-separatists-vow-further-advances-into-Ukraine-after-taking-Donetsk-airport.html | title=Pro-Russia separatists vow further advances into Ukraine after taking Donetsk airport | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=22 January 2015 | accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Following this victory, separatist forces began to attack Ukrainian forces along the line of control in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.<ref name="REU22JAN">{{cite news | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/01/22/uk-ukraine-crisis-casualties-idUKKBN0KV0LQ20150122 | title=Ukraine's forces hold line against Russian troops, rebels - Poroshenko | agency=Reuters | date=22 January 2015 | accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref> Particularly heavy fighting broke out along the ], to the north-west of ] city. Separatist forces captured a Ukrainian checkpoint at Krymske, attacked other checkpoints in the area, and shelled villages near ].<ref name="KP2332">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/fighting-under-way-on-bakhmutka-road-in-luhansk-oblast-378083.html | title=Fighting under way on Bakhmutka road in Luhansk Oblast | work=Kyiv Post | date=22 January 2015 | accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/kyiv-post-plus/deadlier-deadlier-ukraine-forces-suffer-setbacks-casualties-378171.html | title=Deadlier & Deadlier: Ukraine Forces Suffer Setbacks, Casualties | work=Kyiv Post | date=23 January 2015 | accessdate=23 January 2015}}</ref> Separatist forces also began ] on the government-controlled town of ] in north-eastern ], barraging it with artillery fire.<ref name="FRDElDEL">{{cite news | url=http://www.france24.com/en/20150123-video-ukraine-military-defend-strategic-eastern-town-debaltseve-pro-russia-separatists/ | title=The fight to defend Ukraine's strategic Debaltseve | publisher=France 24 | date=23 January 2015 | accessdate=25 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="KP22JAN">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/kyiv-reports-russian-led-insurgents-attacks-in-debaltseve-sector-378087.html | title=Kyiv reports Russian-led insurgents attacks in Debaltseve sector | work=Kyiv Post | date=22 January 2015 | accessdate=25 January 2015}}</ref> In addition, the DPR launched an ] on Mariupol during the morning of 24 January. A hail of Grad rockets killed at least thirty people, and wounded another eighty-three.<ref name=REU24j>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/24/us-ukraine-crisis-casualties-idUSKBN0KX08B20150124|title=Rebels say launched attack on Mariupol as 20 killed in east Ukraine city|agency=]|accessdate=24 January 2015|date=24 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="OSCE24JAN">{{cite press release | url=http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/136061 | title=Spot report by the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), 24 January 2015: Shelling Incident on Olimpiiska Street in Mariupol | publisher=Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe | date=24 January 2015 | accessdate=24 January 2015}}</ref> Heavy fighting ] over the next week, resulting in many civllian and combatant casualties.<ref name="AP321">{{cite news | url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2015-01-31-EU--Ukraine/id-21c944f206034ca882fc9af9090c9ec7 | title=Civilians flee east Ukraine town as fighting intensifies | date=31 January 2015 | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=31 January 2015 | author=Peter Leonard}}</ref> | |||
| French president ] and German chancellor ] put forth a new peace plan on 7 February. The Franco-German plan, drawn up after talks with Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko and Russian president Vladimir Putin, was seen as a revival of the ]. President Hollande said that the plan was the "last chance" for resolution of the conflict.<ref name="7FEB2052">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31185027 | title=Ukraine crisis: 'Last chance' for peace says Hollande | publisher=BBC News | date=7 February 2015 | accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="wew223">{{cite news | url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-07/putin-rejects-attempts-to-contain-russia-after-peace-talks-fail | title=Putin Rejects Attempts to Contain Russia After Peace Talks Fail | work=Bloomberg News | date=7 February 2015 | accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> The plan was put forth in response to American proposals to send armaments to the Ukrainian government, something that Chancellor Merkel said would only result in a worsening of the crisis.<ref name="7FEB2052" /><ref name="7FEBNYT">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/world/europe/divisions-on-display-over-western-response-to-ukraine-at-security-conference.html | title=Western Nations Split on Arming Kiev | work=The New York Times | date=7 February 2015 | accessdate=7 February 2015}}</ref> Fighting worsened in the run up to the scheduled 11 February talks to discuss the Franco-German peace plan. DPR forces shelled the city of ] on 10 February, which had last seen fighting in July of 2014. The shelling targeted the city's Armed Forces headquarters, but also hit a nearby residential area. Seven people were killed, while twenty-six were wounded.<ref name="BBC10FEB">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31357588 | title=Ukraine conflict: Battles rage ahead of Minsk talks | publisher=BBC News | date=10 February 2015 | accessdate=10 February 2015}}</ref> In addition, the pro-government ] launched an offensive to recapture separatist-controlled areas around Mariupol. Battalion commander ] said his forces were moving toward ].<ref name="BBC10FEB" /> | |||
| ===February ceasefire: Minsk II=== | |||
| {{main|Minsk II}} | |||
| The scheduled summit at ] on 11 February resulted in the signing of a new package of peacemaking measures, called ], on 12 February.<ref name="BBC12FEB">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31435812 | title=Ukraine crisis: Leaders agree peace roadmap | work=BBC News | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> The plan, similar in content to the failed ], called for an unconditional ceasefire, to begin on 15 February, amongst many other measures.<ref name="BBC12FEB"/><ref name="FR2243566">{{cite web | url=http://www.france24.com/en/20150212-deal-ceasefire-agreed-ukraine-crisis-minsk-putin-hollande/ | title=Ukraine's warring parties agree to February 15 ceasefire | work=France24 | date=12 February 2015 | accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ==Combatants== | |||
| Forces foreign and domestic have participated in the conflict in the ]. | |||
| ===Pro-Russian insurgents=== | |||
| ] takes an oath of office as the Prime Minister of ], 8 August 2014.]] | |||
| ]]] | |||
| ] | |||
| ====Donbass People's Militia==== | |||
| {{Main|Donbass People's Militia}} | |||
| ], a Russian citizen from ]<ref name=bi>{{cite news |url= http://www.businessinsider.com.au/r-elusive-muscovite-with-three-names-takes-control-of-ukraine-rebels-2014-15 |title=This Elusive Muscovite With 3 Names Has Taken Control of Ukraine Rebels |last=Vasovic |first=Aleksandar |last2=Tsvetkova |first2=Maria |date=15 May 2014 |work=Business Insider |location=Australia |accessdate=20 May 2014}}</ref> who commanded the ] in Sloviansk, denied Russian involvement in the insurgency.<ref name=kpigor>{{cite news|last=Rachkevych|first=Mark|title=Alleged Russian Colonel Strelkov makes public appearance as self-proclaimed chief of 'Donbass People's Militia'|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/alleged-russian-colonel-strelkov-makes-public-appearance-as-chief-of-donbass-peoples-militia-345272.html|newspaper=Kyiv Post|date=26 April 2014}}</ref> He said his unit was formed during the ], and that two-thirds of its members were Ukrainian citizens. Girkin also said that the Sloviansk insurgents had agreed to work with the leadership of the ], despite some conflict between insurgent groups.<ref name=nytigor>{{cite news|title=Ukraine's Separatist Phantom Comes Out of the Shadows|url=http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2014/04/26/world/europe/26reuters-ukraine-crisis-strelkov.html?ref=world|newspaper=The New York Times|date=26 April 2014}}</ref> According to a spokesman for the Donetsk People's Republic, the militants that occupied Sloviansk were "an independent group...supporting the Donetsk protest",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27000700|title=Ukraine gunmen seize two buildings in Sloviansk|publisher=BBC News|date=12 April 2014|accessdate=12 April 2014}}</ref> while insurgents in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk identified themselves as members of ]'s ].<ref name=militaproof>{{cite news|title=Приїжджі загарбники в Краматорську назвалися "народним ополченням"|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/04/12/7022227/|newspaper=Ukrainska Pravda|date=12 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="LF 131097">{{Cite news |title=Сторонники федерализации захватили здание горадминистрации Славянска |publisher=] |date=12 April 2014 |url=http://lifenews.ru/news/131097}}</ref> | |||
| The group's forces at Sloviansk included some professional soldiers amongst their ranks, as well as retired veterans, civilians, and volunteers, while those in Donetsk have been confirmed to include former ] special police officers.<ref name=teleapr12>{{cite news|last=Oliphant|first=Roland|title=Fears of full-scale Russian invasion as eastern Ukraine cities toppled|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10763008/Fears-of-full-scale-Russian-invasion-as-eastern-Ukraine-cities-toppled.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=12 April 2014}}</ref> When asked by ''The Sunday Telegraph'' where their weapons had come from, one veteran of the ] nodded at the Russian flag flying from the police station and said: "Look at that flag. You know which country that represents".<ref name=teleapr12 /> An insurgent commander in Donetsk, Pavel Paramonov, told journalists he was from ] in Russia.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shynkarenko|first=Oleg|title=Russia Tells 'Tourists' How to Go Fight in Ukraine|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/04/13/russia-tells-tourists-how-to-go-fight-in-ukraine.html|newspaper=The Daily Beast|date=14 April 2014}}</ref> In Horlivka, police who defected were commanded by a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Russian Army,<ref>, ''Штурмом міліції в Горлівці керував російський підполковник '', 14 April 2014.</ref> later identified as ]. Former Soviet military veteran ], who declared himself mayor of Sloviansk, said that he appealed to old military friends to take part in the militia: "When I called on my friends, practically all of whom are ex military, they came to our rescue, not only from Russia but also from ], ] and ]".<ref name=CNNbkr>{{cite news|title=Ukraine: Photos show undercover Russian troops|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/21/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=21 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| A former separatist militant corroborated these stories in an interview with ]. He said that fighters, including some Cossack units, arrived from Russia to support the separatists.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bigg|first=Claire|title=Pro-Russian Militias Are Torturing People in Eastern Ukraine|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/pro-russian-militias-are-torturing-people-in-ukraine-2014-5?utm_source=androidapp&utm_medium=referral|newspaper=Business Insider|date=17 May 2014}}</ref> Another interview with an insurgent from ] was published in ''Gazeta''. He claimed to be fighting voluntarily as part of the "Russian Imperialist Movement."<ref>{{cite web|author=Текст: Владимир Дергачев Фото: Александр Жучковский |url=http://m.gazeta.ru/politics/2014/05/23_a_6045501.shtml |title=Газета.Ru - "Националистов здесь много" |publisher=M.gazeta.ru |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> | |||
| In late July, the local support for the militia within the city of Donetsk was estimated to be 70% by a local entrepreneur interviewed by ''Die Welt''.<ref name="diewelt-20140729">. '']''. 29 July 2014</ref> Armed groups affiliated with the ] were merged with the Donbass People's Militia on 16 September to form the "]".<ref name="KP25234">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/kremlin-backed-rebels-form-novorossiya-army-364887.html | title=Kremlin-backed rebels form Novorossiya army | work=Kyiv Post | date=16 September 2014 | accessdate=19 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Army of the South-East==== | |||
| The '''Army of the South-East''' ({{lang-ru|Армия Юго-Востока}}, ''Armiya Yugo-Vostoka'') is a pro-Russian militant group that occupied various buildings in Luhansk Oblast.<ref name="theguardian">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/12/east-ukraine-protesters-miners-donetsk-russia|title=East Ukraine protesters joined by miners on the barricades | The Observer|work=The Guardian |accessdate=13 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="theguardian2">{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/10/military-assaults-rumoured-eastern-ukraine-russian|title=Military assaults against pro-Russian occupiers rumoured in eastern Ukraine |work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 April 2014}}</ref> According to ''The Guardian'', their personnel include former members of the ].<ref name="theguardian" /> They were affiliated with the ], but were merged with the Donbass People's Militia on 16 September to form the ].<ref name="KP25234"/> | |||
| ] | |||
| ====Russian Orthodox Army==== | |||
| The '''Russian Orthodox Army''' ({{lang-ru|Русская православная армия}}, ''Russkaya pravoslavnaya armiya''), a ] ] group in ], originated in May 2014 as part of the insurgency.<ref name="inforr">{{cite news | url= http://inforesist.org/u-samoprovozglashennoj-doneckoj-respubliki-poyavilas-novaya-armiya-russkaya-pravoslavnaya/ | title= У самопровозглашенной Донецкой республики появилась новая армия – Русская православная (In the self-proclaimed republic of Donetsk, a new army - Russian Orthodox) | work= InfoResist | date=10 May 2014 | accessdate= 13 July 2014 | language= Russian}}</ref> It reportedly had 100 members at the time of its founding, including locals and Russian volunteers. As fighting between separatists and the ] worsened in ], membership rose to 350, and later to 4,000.<ref name="NBCru"> | |||
| {{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/meet-russian-orthodox-army-ukrainian-separatists-shock-troops-n107426 | title=Meet the Russian Orthodox Army, Ukrainian Separatists' Shock Troops | publisher=NBC News | date=16 May 2014 | accessdate=13 July 2014}} | |||
| </ref> | |||
| Notable engagements of the ROA include the June 2014 skirmishes in ] and ].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.0629.com.ua/news/554582 | title= В Мариуполе бойцы Ляшко задержали представителя "Русской православной армии" (In Mariupol Ljashko fighters detained by "Russian Orthodox army") | work=Mariupol News | date=13 June 2014 | accessdate=13 July 2014 | language=Russian}}</ref> The headquarters of the ROA is located in an occupied ] (SBU) building in ] city.<ref name="DIA">{{cite news | url=http://www.dialog.ua/news/6326_1403014450 | title=Репортаж из казармы Русской Православной Армии (Reports of Russian Orthodox Army barracks) | publisher=Dialog.ua | date=17 June 2014 | accessdate=13 July 2014 | language=Russian}}</ref> Members swore allegiance to ] ("Strelkov"), insurgent and Minister of Defence of the self-declared ]. According to the ] of Ukraine, the ROA has been in conflict with another pro-Russian militia, the ], which accused the ROA of looting, and of avoiding combat.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-26/putin-isolated-as-eu-prepares-tougher-sanctions-on-russia.html|title=Ukraine Army Advances as EU Plans Tougher Putin Sanctions|author=Daryna Krasnolutska|author2=Tony Capaccio|author3=Volodymyr Verbyany|work=]|date=27 July 2014|accessdate=16 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/07/26/7033039/|title=Сили АТО знищили снайперів у Лисичанську|trans_title=ATO forces destroyed snipers in Lysychansk|language=Ukrainian|work=]|date=26 July 2014|accessdate=16 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
| ====Vostok Battalion==== | |||
| ] | |||
| ] raised on the ] in ], on 30 April 1945]] | |||
| The '''Vostok Battalion''' ({{lang-ru|Батальон Восток}}, {{lang-uk|Батальйон Схід}}; lit. "East Battalion") was formed in early May 2014. It is commanded by ], a defector from the Security Service of Ukraine.<ref name=vbj1 /> Khodakovsky is the chief of the DPR's security service, and of the ''Patriotic Forces of Donbass'', an insurgent battalion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Weaver |first=Courtney |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d077cbfa-e75b-11e3-8b4e-00144feabdc0.html |title=Ukraine crisis: Paramilitaries seize Donetsk rebels’ HQ |work=Financial Times |date=29 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2014/06/2/7027718/ |title=У таборі батальйону ''Схід'' | Українська правда |work=Ukrayinska Pravda |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Khodakovsky said that the "overwhelming majority" of his men came from eastern Ukraine.<ref name="Vostok"/> According to ], Vostok reportedly includes former members of the original ], a special forces unit of the ] (GRU) that participated in the ] and ] Wars. The original battalion was incorporated in 2009 into a Russian Defence Ministry reserve unit that is based in ].<ref name="rfe"/> Khodakovsky said he had about 1,000 men at his disposal, and that more "volunteers" with experience in the Russian security sector were expected to join the battalion.<ref name=vbj1 /> A report by ] said that there were suspicions that the battalion was either created directly by the GRU, or that it was at least sanctioned by it.<ref name="rfe">{{cite web|author=Claire Bigg |url=http://www.rferl.org/content/vostok-battalion-a-powerful-new-player-in-eastern-ukraine/25404785.html|title=Vostok Battalion, A Powerful New Player in Eastern Ukraine |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=30 May 2014 |accessdate=22 June 2014}}</ref> The battalion includes both fighters from Russia and from Ukraine.<ref name="telegraph.co.uk"/> A BBC News report said that the battalion was composed largely of untrained locals from eastern Ukraine, with a smattering of Russian volunteers.<ref name=franchetti>{{cite web|author=Stephen Ennis |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/blogcollegeofjournalism/posts/UK-journalist-caught-up-in-Russia-Ukraine-media-battle |title=UK journalist caught up in Russia-Ukraine media battle|publisher=BBC |date=20 June 2014 |accessdate=22 June 2014}}</ref> A number of the Vostok insurgents were killed at the ]. Thirty bodies were repatriated to Russia after the fighting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.vice.com/article/ice-cream-corpses-and-the-big-bear-repatriating-dead-russians-from-ukraine|title=Ice Cream, Corpses, and the Big Bear: Repatriating Dead Russians From Ukraine|last=Salem|first=Harriet|date=31 May 2014|work=Vice News|accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> Some of the members said they received salaries of 100 ] a week, though they maintained that were only volunteers.<ref name="Vostok">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/05/world/europe/in-ukraine-separatist-militia-with-russian-fighters-holds-a-key.html?hp&_r=2|title=A Separatist Militia in Ukraine With Russian Fighters Holds a Key|author=Andrew Roth|date=4 June 2014|work=The New York Times|accessdate=7 November 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Police and military defectors and deserters==== | |||
| In May 2014, then Ukrainian president ] stated that numerous Ukrainian military and security personnel had joined the separatists, alongside stolen Ukrainian military equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/30/ukraine-government-lost-control-east-acting-president|title=Ukraine's government has lost control of east, says acting president | ''The Guardian''|work=The Guardian|accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref> In October 2014, Internal Affairs minister ] told journalists that about 15,000 Ukrainian policemen in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts had defected to the separatists.<ref>. ]. 16 October 2014.</ref> American officials said it was possible that ] was shot down by a member of the Ukrainian military who had defected to the separatists.<ref>"". ''Los Angeles Times''. 22 July 2014.</ref><ref>"". RT. 19 October 2014.</ref> | |||
| ====Foreign groups==== | |||
| =====Cossacks===== | |||
| Some identified maverick ] volunteers,<ref name=cossacks>"". ''The New York Times''. 9 June 2014.</ref> particularly ] who live on both sides of the border,<ref>"". BBC News. 23 June 2014.</ref><ref>"''''". Ivan Katchanovski, Zenon E. Kohut, Bohdan Y. Nebesio, Myroslav Yurkevich (2013). p.135. ISBN 081087847X</ref> are participants in the war,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://nacsk.ru/2012/12/%D0%B8%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%8E-%D1%81-%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%BC-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%87%D1%8C/ | title=Interview with the Ataman Graschenko, Lieutenant-General of the Cossack troops for the District of the Great Don Army | publisher=National Union of Cossacks | accessdate=14 August 2014}}</ref> along with some self-styled neo-Cossack groups.<ref>{{cite news|title=Установлены личности "активистов" с Востока Украины, участвовавших в событиях в Крыму|url=http://korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/3353447-ustanovleny-lychnosty-aktyvystov-s-vostoka-ukrayny-uchastvovavshykh-v-sobytyiakhv-krymu|newspaper=Korrespondent|date=23 April 2014}}</ref> Several of these Cossacks formed a paramilitary unit called the 'Terek Wolves ]', a reference to a ] that fought against the ] during the ].<ref name=upvk>{{cite news|last=Babiak|first=Mat|title=Insurgents Identified: The Green Men of VKontakte|url=http://ukrainianpolicy.com/insurgents-identified-the-green-men-of-vkontakte/|newspaper=Ukrainian Policy|date=22 April 2014}}</ref><ref name=timemozh>{{cite news|last=Shuster|first=Simon|title=Exclusive: Meet the Pro-Russian Separatists of Eastern Ukraine|url=http://time.com/74405/exclusive-pro-russian-separatists-eastern-ukraine/|newspaper=Time|date=24 April 2014}}</ref> Prominent fighters include Alexander "Boogeyman" Mozhaev (a Russian military veteran from Belorechensk) and the unit's commander, Evgeny Ponomarev.<ref name=upvk /><ref name=wolves1>{{cite news|last=Shuster|first=Simon|title=Meet the Cossack 'Wolves' Doing Russia's Dirty Work in Ukraine|url=http://time.com/95898/wolves-hundred-ukraine-russia-cossack/|newspaper=Time|date=12 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] National Guard ceremonial parade in ], 7 September 2014]] | |||
| Although Cossack units have been prohibited from crossing the Russian border into Ukraine en masse,<ref name=cossacks/> allegations have been made that Russian elements tacitly support the individual fighters in crossing the border into Ukraine.<ref name=wolves1 /><ref name=wolves1/> The Cossacks claim that it is their faith in Cossack brotherhood, Russian imperialism, and the Russian Orthodox Church that has driven them to take part in the insurgency with the aim of conquering what they perceive as "historically Russian lands."<ref name=timemozh /> Mozhaev also alleged that some of the more extreme views of the Cossacks include destroying "the ]," who they claim have been "fomenting disorder all over the world" and "causing us, the common Orthodox Christian folk, to suffer."<ref name=boro2>{{cite news|last=Young|first=Cathy|title=Fascism Comes to Ukraine – From Russia|url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/05/21/fascism_comes_to_ukraine_--_from_russia_122700.html|date=21 May 2014}}</ref> On 25 May, the SBU arrested thirteen Russian Cossacks in Luhansk.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNKE5JCzmMA|title=Russian Cossacks Arrested in Luhansk: Ukrainian security forces detain Kremlin-backed insurgents |publisher=YouTube |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> | |||
| =====Caucasian and Central Asian armed groups===== | |||
| ] | |||
| The ] of Ukraine said that the presence of foreign soldiers amounted to "undisguised aggression" from Russia, and "the export of Russian terrorism to our country". "There are grounds to affirm that Russian terrorists funnelled on to the territory of Ukraine are being organised and financed through the direct control of the Kremlin and Russian special forces," the ministry said.<ref name=ftchch /> To date, reports and interviews have shown the presence of Chechen, Ossetian, Tajik, Afghan, Armenian, and various Russian paramilitary forces operating in Ukraine.<ref name=nytchech /><ref name=RFE140713>{{cite news |url= http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-i-was-a-separatist-fighter/25455466.html |title= Interview: I Was A Separatist Fighter In Ukraine |publisher= ] |date= 13 July 2014 }}</ref> | |||
| ======Chechen paramilitaries====== | |||
| Chechen paramilitaries were spotted in Sloviansk on 5 May 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.unian.net/politics/914777-sredi-terroristov-v-slavyanske-zamechenyi-chechenskie-boeviki-smi.html |title=Среди террористов в Славянске замечены чеченские боевики – СМИ : Новости УНИАН |agency=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Chechen president ] threatened on 7 May that he would send tens of thousands of Chechen "volunteers" to southern and eastern Ukraine if the "junta" in Kiev continued its "punitive operations."<ref>{{cite web|author=Catherine A. Fitzpatrick |url=http://www.interpretermag.com/russia-this-week-poll-indicates-most-russians-dont-favor-annexation-but-many-yearn-for-soviet-re-union/#1746 |title=Russia This Week: Surge of Nationalism on Victory Day (5-9 May) | The Interpreter |publisher=Interpretermag.com |date=9 May 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> It was reported that Kadyrov engaged in an aggressive recruitment campaign in Chechnya for this operation, and that there were recruitment centres for it in ], ], ], and ].<ref name=grozny>{{cite news|last=Goble|first=Paul|title=Grozny Forcing Chechens to Fight for Russian Side in Ukraine|url=http://www.interpretermag.com/grozny-forcing-chechens-to-fight-for-russian-side-in-ukraine/|newspaper=The Interpreter|date=8 May 2014}}</ref> The Kavkazcenter, the official website of the North Caucasus Islamic insurgency, reported that Chechen authorities had opened recruiting offices for "volunteers" wishing to fight in Ukraine, and that those offices had suddenly closed.<ref name=chech>{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/kadyrov-denies-chechen-military-involvement-ukraine-fighting/25379264.html |title=Kadyrov Denies Chechen Military Involvement in Ukraine Fighting |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Five lorries crossed the Ukraine-Russia border carrying militants aboard on 24 May, with some reports suggesting among the militants were veteran Chechen soldiers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/ukraine-fails-to-prevent-illegal-border-crossing-by-a-group-of-armed-men-349126.html |title=Ukraine fails to prevent illegal border crossing by a group of armed men |work=Kyiv Post |date=24 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Canada |url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/try-it-now/?articleId=18842430 |archiveurl=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140527061209/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/try-it-now/?articleId=18842430 |archivedate=27 May 2014 |title=Kiev decries Russia's frosty welcome for new president |work=The Globe and Mail |date=26 May 2014 |accessdate=12 June 2014}}</ref> On the following day, the Vostok Battalion arrived in Donetsk in a convoy of eight lorries, each filled with twenty soldiers. Several of the soldiers looked Chechen, spoke the Chechen language, and said that they were from Chechnya.<ref name=kyivpost-vostok></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://inforesist.org/video-foto-v-donecke-kavkazcev-vstrechali-krikami-geroi/|title=ВИДЕО. ФОТО. В Донецке Кавказцев встречали криками "Герои!" - Info Resist|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref></ref> Two insurgents told CNN reporters that these were Chechen volunteers.<ref></ref> | |||
| ] denied knowledge of the presence Chechen troops in Ukraine,<ref></ref><ref></ref> but a separatist commander later confirmed that Chechens and militants of other ethnicities fought for the Donetsk People's Militia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/rus/news/abver_podtverdil_chto_terroristam_na_donbasse_pomogayut_chechentsi_1637230|title="Абвер" подтвердил, что террористам на Донбассе помогают чеченцы - УКРИНФОРМ|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> In the aftermath of the ], local authorities said that some wounded militants were Chechens from Grozny and ]. One Donetsk resident said that the presence of Chechen fighters showed "that this war is not clean. It is artificially created. If this is an uprising by the Donetsk People's Republic, what are foreigners doing here?"<ref name=nytchech/> | |||
| Chechen militants interviewed by the '']'' and '']'' said that they became involved in the conflict on the orders of the Chechen president.<ref name=nytchech /><ref name=ftchch/><ref name=vicechech>{{cite news|last=Salem|first=Harriet|title=Fighting in Ukraine Escalates as Militia Groups Flock to Donetsk|url=https://news.vice.com/article/fighting-in-ukraine-escalates-as-militia-groups-flock-to-donetsk|newspaper=VICE News|date=27 May 2014}}</ref> President Kadyrov strongly denied these reports on 1 June.<ref name=autogenerated4></ref> In his statement, he said that there were "74,000 Chechens who are willing to go to bring order to the territory of Ukraine," and that he would not send them to Donetsk, but to Kiev.<ref name=autogenerated4 /> | |||
| ], Donetsk, 27 December 2014]] | |||
| ======Ossetian and Abkhaz paramilitaries====== | |||
| Starting on 4 May 2014, the United Ossetia Party and the Union of Paratroopers in the pro-Russian breakaway ] announced a recruitment drive meant to send veterans of the ] to protect "the peaceful population of Ukraine's southeast".<ref>{{cite news|last=Gassyeva|first=Dina|script-title=ru:Добровольцы из Южной Осетии намерены помочь юго-востоку Украины|url=http://ria.ru/world/20140504/1006495218.html|accessdate=6 May 2014|date=4 May 2014|agency=RIA Novosti|language=Russian}}</ref> Some videos issued by an Ossetian militant group indicated that they were operating in Donetsk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://novosti.dn.ua/details/224674/ |title=Новости Донбасса :: В Донецк прибыли боевики из Осетии? |publisher=Novosti.dn.ua |date=9 March 2014 |accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Donbass insurgents interviewed on 27 May admitted that there were sixteen fighters from ] operating around Donetsk for at least two months prior.<ref name=ftchch /> | |||
| Head of the State Border Guard of Ukraine Mykola Lytvyn said that officials reports indicated the presence of ] militants as well.<ref name="Abkhaz"/> Militants from North and South Ossetia were open about their presence in Donbass in June. One militant named Oleg, part of the Vostok Battalion, told reporters "] they were killing us and the Russians saved us. I came here to pay my dues to them".<ref name=vbj1/> | |||
| ======Others====== | |||
| There are reports that volunteers from France, Germany, the United States, Italy, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Turkey and other countries have fought on the insurgent side.<ref name=bbcforeign1>{{cite web|title=Ukraine war pulls in foreign fighters|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28951324|publisher=BBC|accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref><ref name=bbcforeign2>{{cite web|title=Ukraine crisis: Rebel fighters 'trained in Russia'|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28817347|publisher=BBC|accessdate=1 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="wiadomosci.dziennik.pl">{{cite web|url=http://wiadomosci.dziennik.pl/swiat/artykuly/471083,nasi-w-donbasie-miedzynarodowka-bije-sie-na-ukrainskiej-wojnie.html|title=Nasi w Donbasie. Międzynarodówka bije się na ukraińskiej wojnie|date=30 September 2014|work=wiadomosci.dziennik.pl|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref> There are at least 200 insurgent-affiliated Serbian volunteers fighting in Ukraine. They have their own combat unit, named after ], including forty-five members of the ] movement,<ref name="Serbian volunteers inSerbia"/> led by Bratislav Živković. Around 20 Hungarians have formed their own unit named Legion of Saint Stephan.<ref name="wiadomosci.dziennik.pl"/> | |||
| ===Counter-insurgency forces=== | |||
| ] training group near Kiev]] | |||
| ], 24 July 2014]] | |||
| ====Armed Forces of Ukraine==== | |||
| The ] are the primary military force of Ukraine, and have taken a leading role in countering DPR and LPR forces. The Armed Forces have been widely criticised for their poor equipment and inept leadership, forcing Internal Affairs Ministry forces like the ] and the ] to take on the brunt of the fighting.<ref name="KP23215"/><ref name="NR9MAY">{{cite news | url=http://www.newrepublic.com/article/117710/ukraines-army-small-sovietized-underfunded-and-poorly-trained | title=hy is Ukraine's Army So Appallingly Bad? | work=The New Republic | date=9 May 2014 | accessdate=20 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Following its ], Ukraine inherited all Soviet military equipment and formations that had been stationed on its territory. Over the years preceding the start of hostilities in Donbass, the Armed Forces were systematically downsized, and became largely dilapidated.<ref name=krarmyJuly14/> Soviet weaponry was not replaced or upgraded, leaving the Armed Forces with outdated and poorly-maintained equipment.<ref name=krarmyJuly14/> As an example, soldiers in the ] never wore bulletproof vests, and hence, when the war in Donbass started, the Armed Forces of Ukraine had none. Whilst there is a vibrant ], the equipment it produces is for export, and had not been used to equip the Armed Forces prior to the war.<ref name=krarmyJuly14/> Amidst the Crimean Crisis on 11 March 2014, then ] ] said that "de-facto only 6,000 are in combat readiness".<ref name=krarmyJuly14/> According to a report by '']'', 90–95% of the Armed Forces' equipment in July 2014 was outdated or in poor repair. In addition, professional soldiers were in short supply, forcing conscripts and volunteers to fill battalions.<ref name=krarmyJuly14>, ] (8 July 2014)</ref> | |||
| In order to counter equipment shortages, large teams of volunteers established logistics centres that acquired many goods for use by soldiers, such as "bottles of homemade pickles, sets of handmade underwear and commercially available military equipment, like night vision scopes for rifles".<ref name="NYTborscht">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/world/with-borscht-and-rifle-scopes-volunteers-power-ukraine-forces.html | title=With Borscht and Rifle Scopes, Volunteers Power Ukraine Forces | work=The New York Times | date=22 November 2014 | accessdate=24 November 2014}}</ref> These centres are largely run by women, and are concentrated in the city of ]. | |||
| ====National Guard of Ukraine==== | |||
| The ] was re-established on 13 March 2014, amidst rising tensions in Ukraine during the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rbc.ua/rus/news/politics/rada-sozdala-natsionalnuyu-gvardiyu-ukrainy-13032014114500|title=Rada of Ukraine created the National Guard (English translation of title)|publisher=rbc.ua|date=13 March 2014}} (Article is in Ukrainian)</ref> It is a part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was re-established to replace the ], and is based on that force. | |||
| ====Ministry of Internal Affairs==== | |||
| The ] is commonly known as the '']'', and is the primary ] in Ukraine. It is led by the Internal Affairs Minister, ], a key figure in leading the counter-insurgency operations in the Donbass. | |||
| ====Security Service of Ukraine==== | |||
| ] | |||
| The government military operation to counter DPR and LPR forces in the Donbass is called the "Anti-Terrorist Operation" (ATO). It is led by the ], a division of the ] (SBU).<ref>. Haarets. 13 April 2014</ref><ref>. ]. 14 April 2014</ref> The SBU is the main ] of Ukraine. | |||
| ====Pro-government paramilitaries==== | |||
| At least fifty pro-Ukrainian paramilitaries, called "]", have been formed, and have fought against the Donbass People's Militia and other insurgent groups.<ref name="BBC15DEC2">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30414955 | title=Ukraine underplays role of far right in conflict | publisher=BBC News | date=15 December 2014 | accessdate=28 January 2015}}</ref> These forces include the ], ], ], and ]'s ].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Militia backed by presidential candidate Lyashko takes credit for assassination of Russian-backed separatist |url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/militia-backed-by-presidential-candidate-lyashko-takes-credit-for-murder-of-russian-backed-separatists-349093.html |newspaper=Kyiv Post |date=23 May 2014 |accessdate=21 June 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] volunteers in Kiev, June 2014]] | |||
| After having defeated separatists there, the town of ] in Luhansk Oblast was occupied by the ] on 9 July.<ref name="Ksch">{{cite news | url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/happiness-stuck-under-crossfire-in-eastern-ukraine-356994.html | title='Happiness' stuck under crossfire in eastern Ukraine | work=Kyiv Post | date=20 July 2014 | accessdate=20 July 2014}}</ref> While subordinate to the Ministry of Defence, the battalion took control of the town in the same manner as the separatists had done earlier. | |||
| Another paramilitary unit, the ], is aligned with the far-right ultranationalist group ].<ref name="AJfr" /><ref name=BBC-Newman-16Jul/> "More than half of the battalion's fighters are Russian-speaking eastern Ukrainians".<ref name="AJfr" /> The Internal Affairs Ministry has denied claims that foreign citizens are fighting in the Azov Battalion,<ref name=BBC-Newman-16Jul/> though a man calling himself "Mikael Skillt" told a BBC journalist on the telephone that he was a Swedish sniper serving in the Azov Battalion.<ref name=BBC-Newman-16Jul/> According to the BBC report, Mr Skillt said "there are only a handful of foreign fighters in the Azov Battalion and they do not get paid".<ref name=BBC-Newman-16Jul>"", by Dina Newman, BBC News, 16 July 2014.</ref> ] interviewed a Canadian volunteer with the Azov Battalion, and reported that the battalion's "ideological alignment with other far-right, social-nationalist groups has attracted volunteers from organisations in ], ], ], ], and Russia".<ref name="AJfr">{{cite news | url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/24/ukraine-azov-battalion.html | title=Driven by far-right ideology, Azov Battalion mans Ukraine's front line | publisher=Al Jazeera |author1= Sabra Ayres | date=24 July 2014 | accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref> A report by ''The Irish Times'' stated that Chechen opponents of Russian government were fighting pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine for the Ukrainian government.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/chechens-join-ukraine-fight-against-russian-backed-separatists-1.2038767 |title=Chechens join Ukraine fight against Russian-backed separatists |work=The Irish Times |date=16 December 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] (right), ]'s leader, meets ], ] commander, July 2014]] | |||
| The Foreign Ministry of Russia asked the governments of Sweden, Finland, the Baltic states, and France to conduct a thorough investigation into reports of mercenaries from their countries serving Ukrainian forces, following a story in the Italian newspaper '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/741685|title=Russia demands condemnation of mercenaries' activity in eastern Ukraine|work=TASS|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://yle.fi/uutiset/russia_demands_investigation_into_claims_finns_joined_fighting_in_ukraine/7368805|title=Russia demands investigation into claims Finns joined fighting in Ukraine|work=Yle Uutiset|accessdate=14 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/newsline/1EA4011311E26FB344257D1C0054F782|title=Комментарий МИД России по поводу участия иностранных наемников в войне на Востоке Украины|date=21 July 2014|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russian Federation)|accessdate=7 November 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The ultra-nationalist group ] has its own volunteer battalion that is fighting against the separatists.<ref>{{cite news |date=11 August 2014 |title=Donbas battalion loses 4 in Ilovaisk assault |url=http://www.ukrinform.ua/eng/news/donbas_battalion_loses_4_in_ilovaisk_assault_325120 |location=Kiev |agency=] |quote=The anti-terrorist operation (ATO) forces ... began to storm pro-Russian militants entrenched in Ilovaisk.... The assault began with the participation of the volunteer battalions Donbas, Azov, Shakhtarsk, and the Right Sector, ... in conjunction with the ATO forces.}}</ref> It lost twelve fighters when it was ambushed outside Donetsk in August 2014. Right Sector leader ] vowed his group would avenge the deaths.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zinets |first1=Natalia |date=13 August 2014 |title=Twelve Ukrainian nationalist fighters killed in separatist ambush |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/13/us-ukraine-crisis-sector-iduskbn0gd0kf20140813 |agency=]}}</ref> | |||
| ==Russian involvement== | |||
| {{main|2014 Russian military intervention in Ukraine}} | |||
| Following its ], Russia intervened in different ways throughout the war in the Donbass region. Reports and statements by the ] repeatedly accused Russia of orchestrating the April ].<ref name="StateDept">{{cite web|title=Evidence of Russian Support for Destabilization of Ukraine|url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/04/224762.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=14 April 2014|author=Office of the Spokesperson|location=Washington, D.C.|date=13 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="GRU">{{cite news|title=Ukraine pushes tanks toward flashpoint separatist city|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/International/2014/Apr-15/253403-armored-column-on-road-leading-to-ukraines-slavyansk.ashx|accessdate=15 April 2014|newspaper=The Daily Star|location=Lebanon|date=15 April 2014|author=Nicolas Miletitch|author2=Dmitry Zaks|agency=Agence France-Presse}}</ref> Russia denied these reports.<ref>{{cite news|title=Russia blasts US assessment of events in Ukraine's southeast|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/728304|accessdate=17 April 2014|agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia|date=16 April 2014|location=Russia}}</ref> As the unrest escalated into a war in ] and ] oblasts, Russia supplied arms, armoured vehicles, tanks, and other equipment to the forces of the DPR and LPR.<ref name="pravdaapr12"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/29/us-ukraine-crisis-arms-specialreport-idUSKBN0FY0UA20140729?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews |title=Special Report: Where Ukraine's separatists get their weapons |agency=Reuters |date=29 July 2014 |accessdate=29 July 2014 |author=Thomas Grove, Warren Stroble}}</ref> A significant number of Russian citizens and military men have fought in the war as volunteers, something that the leaders of the DPR and LPR admitted.<ref name="nytj9" /> Recruitment for Donbass insurgent groups was performed openly in Russian cities, using private and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mk.ru/politics/2014/06/09/gruz-200-iz-donecka.html |title="Груз 200" из Донецка |publisher=MK.RU |date=9 June 2014 |accessdate=23 July 2014 |author=Yans, Georgy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.novayagazeta.ru/politics/63990.html |title=Фермы для "диких гусей" |work=Novaya Gazeta |date=11 June 2014 |accessdate=23 July 2014 |author=Makarenko, Victoria}}</ref> Reports of direct Russian military involvement culminated on 25 August, when the ] (SBU) said that it captured a group of Russian paratroopers on active service in Ukrainian territory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sbu.gov.ua/sbu/control/uk/publish/article?art_id=130629&cat_id=39574 |title=На Донеччині затримано десять громадян Росії, які незаконно перетнули кордон України зі зброєю у складі диверсійної групи |trans_title=Group of Russian citizens held in Donetsk region crossed the border with weapons as part of sabotage group|publisher=Security Service of Ukraine |date=25 August 2014 |accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref> The SBU released photographs of them, and their names.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/955169-oprilyudneno-foto-zatrimanih-rosiyskih-viyskovih.html#ad-image-1 |title=Оприлюднено фото затриманих російських військових |trans_title=Released photos of Russian soldiers|publisher=Unian.ua |date=25 August 2014 |accessdate=25 August 2014}}</ref> On the following day, the Russian Defence Ministry said these soldiers crossed the border "by accident".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazeta.ru/social/news/2014/08/26/n_6425813.shtml |title=Москва: задержанные на Украине военные пересекли границу случайно |publisher=Gazeta.ru |trans_title=Moscow: soldiers arrested in Ukraine crossed the border by accident date=2014-08-26 |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], 21 September 2014]] | |||
| A new front in the war was opened on 27 August. Vast amounts of military equipment and troops crossed the border from Russia into southern Donetsk Oblast, an area previously controlled by the Ukrainian government. Western officials described this new offensive as a "stealth invasion" by the Russian Federation. ] spokesman ] said that "these incursions indicate a Russian-directed counteroffensive is likely underway", and Ukrainian president ] said "An invasion of Russian forces has taken place".<ref name="NYT2782014" /><ref name="REUuars" /><ref name="Pgov31102" /> NATO commander Brig. Gen. Nico Tak said on 28 August that "well over" 1,000 Russian soldiers were operating in the Donbass conflict zone.<ref name="NY28Aug2014" /> During the week prior to the "invasion", Russia had been shelling Ukrainian units from across the border,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russian-humanitarian-convoy-enters-ukraine-despite-warnings/2014/08/22/7b14fa8e-29e1-11e4-8593-da634b334390_story.html|title=Russia escalates tensions with aid convoy, reported firing of artillery inside Ukraine|work=The Washington Post|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref> though instances of cross-border shelling from Russia had been reported since mid-July.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Babiak|first1=Mat|title=Provallia in flames, details on Russian rocket strike|url=http://euromaidanpress.com/2014/07/17/provallia-in-flames-details-on-russian-rocket-strike/|accessdate=28 August 2014|publisher=Euromaidan Press|date=17 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pressimus.com/Interpreter_Mag/press/3365|title=Pressimus - Press - Published by Interpreter_Mag|accessdate=25 September 2014}}</ref> At the time, Russian government spokesmen denied these reports.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/u-s-says-russia-firing-across-border-into-ukraine-1406231618 | title=U.S. Says Russian Artillery Firing Across Border into Ukraine | work=The Wall Street Journal | date=24 July 2014 | accessdate=30 August 2014}}</ref> An August 2014 survey by the ] reported that only 13% of those Russians polled would support the Russian government in an open war with Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/05/vladimir-putin-russians-dying-ukraine | title=Putin walks a tightrope as evidence mounts of Russians dying in Ukraine | work=] | date=5 September 2014 | accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==Humanitarian concerns== | |||
| {{Main|Humanitarian situation during the war in Donbass|Casualties of the war in Donbass}} | |||
| The ] observed an "alarming deterioration" in human rights in territory held by insurgents affiliated with the ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27438422|title=Ukraine crisis: UN sounds alarm on human rights in east|date=16 May 2014|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=17 May 2014}}</ref> The UN reported growing lawlessness in the region, documenting cases of targeted killings, torture, and abduction, primarily carried out by the forces of the Donetsk People's Republic.<ref name="un"/> The UN also reported threats against, attacks on, and abductions of journalists and international observers, as well as the beatings and attacks on supporters of Ukrainian unity.<ref name="un">{{cite book|title=Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine|url=http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/HRMMUReport15May2014.pdf|date=15 May 2014|publisher=Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights}}</ref> ] criticised these reports, and said that they were "politically motivated".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/16/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA4F05Y20140516 | title=Russia lambasts U.N. report on rights in Ukraine | agency=Reuters | date=16 May 2014 | accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> A report by ] said "Anti-Kiev forces in eastern Ukraine are abducting, attacking, and harassing people they suspect of supporting the Ukrainian government or consider undesirable...anti-Kiev insurgents are using beatings and kidnappings to send the message that anyone who doesn't support them had better shut up or leave".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/05/23/ukraine-anti-kiev-forces-running-amok | title=Ukraine: Anti-Kiev Forces Running Amok | publisher=Human Rights Watch | date=23 May 2014 | accessdate=24 July 2014}}</ref> There were also multiple instances of beatings, abductions, and possible executions of local residents by Ukrainian troops,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newsweek.com/evidence-war-crimes-committed-ukrainian-nationalist-volunteers-grows-269604 | title=Ukrainian Nationalist Volunteers Committing 'ISIS-Style' War Crimes | work=] | date=10 September 2014}}</ref> such as ]'s militia and the ] ].<ref name="AMsdsd">{{cite press release | url=http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/impunity-reigns-for-abductions-and-ill-treatment-by-pro-kyiv-vigilantes-in-eastern-ukraine | title=Impunity reigns for abductions and ill-treatment by pro-Kyiv vigilantes in eastern Ukraine | publisher=Amnesty International | date=6 August 2014 | accessdate=9 August 2014}}</ref><ref>"". Daily Mail. 16 August 2014</ref> Amnesty Internation noted that pro-Kiev volunteer battalions are increasingly ] humanitarian aid into eastern Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/08/us-ukraine-crisis-aid-idUSKBN0KH1VZ20150108 | title= More than one million flee, Ukraine close to 'humanitarian catastrophe' | agency=Reuters | date=8 January 2015 | accessdate=13 January 2015}}</ref> In August, Igor Druz, a senior advisor to pro-Russian insurgent commander ], said that "On several occasions, in a state of emergency, we have carried out executions by shooting to prevent chaos. As a result, our troops, the ones who have pulled out of Sloviansk, are highly disciplined".<ref name="BBCexec">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28619599 | title=Rebel adviser 'admits executions' | publisher=BBC News | date=2 August 2014 | accessdate=2 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ], 4 August 2014]] | |||
| A report by the United Nations ] (OHCHR) released on 28 July said that based on "conservative estimates", at least 1,129 civilians had been killed since mid-April during the fighting, and at least 3,442 had been wounded.<ref name="IFadaf">{{cite news | url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/215684.html | title=1,129 civilians killed, 3,442 injured in Ukraine during anti-terrorist operation - UN report | work=Interfax-Ukraine News Agency | date=28 July 2014 | accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="OHCHRrep">{{cite press release | url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true&LangID=E | title=Intense fighting in eastern Ukraine 'extremely alarming', says Pillay, as UN releases new report | publisher=Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights | date=28 July 2014 | accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> In addition, the report found that at least 750 million US dollars worth of damage has been done to property and infrastructure in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.<ref name="OHCHRrep" /> Human Rights Watch said that Ukrainian government forces, pro-government paramilitaries, and the insurgents had used unguided ] rockets in attacks on civilian areas, stating that "The use of indiscriminate rockets in populated areas violates international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, and may amount to war crimes".<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/07/24/ukraine-unguided-rockets-killing-civilians | title=Ukraine: Unguided Rockets Killing Civilians | publisher=Human Rights Watch | date=24 July 2014 | accessdate=27 July 2014}}</ref><ref>"". '']''. 25 July 2014.</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported that the high rate of civilian deaths had "left the population in eastern Ukraine embittered toward Ukraine's pro-Western government", and that this sentiment helped to "spur recruitment" for the insurgents.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/29/world/europe/civilian-death-toll-rise-in-ukraine.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpSum&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1 | title=Enmity and Civilian Toll Rise in Ukraine While Attention Is Diverted | work=The New York Times | date=28 July 2014 | accessdate=29 July 2014}}</ref> By early January 2015, the number of deaths caused by the war had risen to 4,707, despite the signing of the ] in early September 2014.<ref name="UN14JAN">{{cite press release | url=http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49794 | title=UN strongly deplores civilian deaths as Ukraine fighting continues | publisher=United Nations News Centre | date=14 January 2015 | accessdate=15 January 2015}}</ref> | |||
| By early August, at least 730,000 had fled fighting in the Donbass and left for Russia.<ref name="unhcr-refugees">{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/05/uk-ukraine-crisis-migrants-idINKBN0G517P20140805 |title=About 730,000 have left Ukraine for Russia due to conflict - UNHCR |agency=Reuters |accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> This number, much larger than earlier estimates, was given by the ] (UNHCR). The number of internal refugees rose to 117,000.<ref name="unhcr-refugees" /> By the start of September, after a sharp escalation over the course of August, the number of people displaced from Donbass within Ukraine more than doubled to 260,000.<ref name="OHCR2sept">{{cite press release | url=http://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/number-displaced-inside-ukraine-more-doubles-early-august-260000 | title=Number of displaced inside Ukraine more than doubles since early August to 260,000 | publisher=UNHCR | date=2 September 2014 | accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> The number of refugees that fled from Donbass to Russia rose to 814,000.<ref name="BBC29035">{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29029060 | title=UN says million people have fled | publisher=BBC News | date=2 September 2014 | accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> Despite two months of a shaky ceasefire established by the ], the number of refugees displaced from Donbass in Ukraine escalated sharply to 466,829 in mid November.<ref name="20NOV2014">{{cite press release | url=http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true&LangID=E | title=Serious human rights violations persist in eastern Ukraine despite tenuous ceasefire | publisher=United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights | date=20 November 2014 | accessdate=20 November 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==Reactions== | |||
| {{main|International reactions to the war in Donbass}} | |||
| Many observers have asked both the Ukrainian government and the insurgents to seek peace, and ease tensions in Donetsk and Luhansk. | |||
| ] speaks with ] and other Western leaders during the ], 4 September 2014]] | |||
| {{Flag|NATO}} – NATO published a statement on the war in Donbass and the ] in August 2014.<ref name=natodad>{{cite press release | url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_111767.htm | title=Russia's accusations - setting the record straight | publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization | date=2 August 2014 | accessdate=3 August 2014}}</ref> It attempted to debunk the Russian government's accusations against the Ukrainian government, and also other statements made by Russia to justify its presence in Ukraine. According to the statement, Russia attempted to "divert attention away from its actions" and "levelled a series of accusations against NATO which are based on misrepresentations of the facts". It also said that Russia "made baseless attacks on the legitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities and has used force to seize part of Ukraine's territory".<ref name=natodad/> In response to the ] of the Russian humanitarian convoy on 22 August, NATO Secretary General ] stated that this incident could "only deepen the crisis in the region, which Russia itself has created and has continued to fuel. The disregard of international humanitarian principles raises further questions about whether the true purpose of the aid convoy is to support civilians or to resupply armed separatists".<ref name="NATO112089">{{cite press release | url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20140826122304/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_112089.htm | title=NATO Secretary General condemns entry of Russian convoy into Ukraine | publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization | date=22 August 2014 | accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref> Late in August, NATO generals met and revised their assessment of the military situation in Donbass. They said that, from the Ukrainian government's point of view, the war is already lost.<ref name=natogrim>{{cite news|url= http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/ukraine-nato-haelt-niederlage-fuer-kiew-fuer-sicher-a-989308.html | title=Analysis of the military situation: NATO sees Ukraine as already loser | work=] | date=1 September 2014 | accessdate=1 September 2014|first1=Benjamin|last1=Bidder|first2=Matthias|last2=Gebauer}}</ref> It was anticipated that the late-August offensive in southern Donetsk Oblast could be used to create a Russian land corridor to Crimea, consolidating the illegal annexation of the peninsula. NATO general ] said on 20 September that the ceasefire implemented as part of the ] was "a ceasefire in name only", and criticised Russia for allowing men and equipment to flow freely across its border into Donbass.<ref name="CBC20SEPT">{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ukraine-crisis-ceasefire-in-name-only-says-nato-chief-1.2772932 | title=Ceasefire 'in name only,' says NATO chief | publisher=CBC News | date=20 September 2014 | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=21 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| {{Flag|Russia}} – The Russian ] accused Ukrainian authorities of "blaming" the Russian government for all its troubles and stated "Ukrainian people want to get a clear answer from Kiev to all their questions. It's time to listen to these legal claims".<ref name=BBCtha/><ref>, ] (7 April 2014)</ref> It also stated it was "carefully observing" events in the east and south of Ukraine, and again called for "real constitutional reform" that would turn Ukraine into a ].<ref name=GopL74>, '']'' (7 April 2014)</ref> In a 7 April ] that appeared in '']'', Russian foreign minister ] wrote that it was Europe and the United States, and not Russia, that was guilty of destabilising Ukraine and that "Russia is doing all it can to promote early stabilisation in Ukraine".<ref name=GopL74/><ref>, '']'' (7 April 2014)</ref> The ] issued a stern condemnation of the "criminal order" by Kiev for armed aggression against Donetsk: "The Kiev authorities, who self-proclaimed themselves as a result of a coup, have embarked on the violent military suppression of the protests," demanding that "the Maidan henchmen, who overthrew the legitimate president, to immediately stop the war against their own people, to fulfill all the obligations under the Agreement of 21 February."<ref>, ''Moscow slams Kiev's military op order as 'criminal', calls for UNSC meeting'', 13 April 2014.</ref> Russian president ] compared the siege of the DPR and LPR-controlled cities of Donetsk and Luhansk to the ] during the Second World War: "Sadly, it reminds me of World War II, when German fascist forces surrounded our cities, like Leningrad, and shelled population centres and their residents".<ref>, '']'', 29 August 2014</ref> | |||
| {{Flag|United States}} – ] ] said on 7 April 2014 that the events "did not appear to be spontaneous" and called on Russia to "publicly disavow the activities of separatists, saboteurs and provocateurs" in a phone call to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.<ref name=BBCtha/> A spokeswoman for the ] noted that the separatists appeared to be supported by Russia. "We saw similar so-called protest activities in Crimea before Russia's purported annexation," she said in a statement, adding: "We call on President (Vladimir) Putin and his government to cease all efforts to destabilize Ukraine, and we caution against further military intervention."<ref name=reutersa12 /> American ambassador to Ukraine ] characterised the pro-Russian insurgents as "]".<ref>, ''Q&A with US Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt: Ukraine Crisis Escalates as War Fears Grow'', 14 April 2014.</ref> The US government is sending ]s to Ukraine to aid the Ukrainian government in its fight against the insurgents.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jul/22/pentagon-team-dispatched-to-ukraine-amid-crisis-wi/?page=all |title=Obama orders Pentagon advisers to Ukraine to fend off Putin-backed rebels |work=]|date=22 July 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140605/NEWS08/306050088/U-S-sending-advisers-military-gear-Ukraine |title=U.S. sending advisers, military gear to Ukraine |work=]|date=5 June 2014}}{{Dead link|date=November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/world/europe/ukraine-rebels.html |title=Pentagon Plan Would Help Ukraine Target Rebel Missiles |work=]|date= 26 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/melikkaylan/2014/04/16/why-cia-director-brennan-visited-kiev-in-ukraine-the-covert-war-has-begun/ |title=Why CIA Director Brennan Visited Kiev: In Ukraine The Covert War Has Begun |work=]|date= 16 April 2014}}</ref> In April, the ] shipped a 7 million ] package of non-lethal military equipment to the Ukrainian forces. Plans for another 8 million dollar million aid package were announced on 1 August. The package was meant to include armoured personnel carriers, goods and patrol vehicles, binoculars, night vision goggles and small patrol boats.<ref>{{cite news| last1=Saffren|first1=Jarrad|last2=Brook|first2=Tom Vanden|title=Pentagon sends more equipment and aid to Ukraine| url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/01/pentagon-ukraine-russia/13482157/|accessdate=25 August 2014|work=]|date=1 August 2014}}</ref> On the same day, the ] also proposed a 19 million dollar aid package to help train the ]. This proposal required congressional approval, and would come into effect in 2015. It had been announced in July that a group of Defence Department specialists in strategy and policy would visit Kiev to evaluate the military needs of the Ukrainian government.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ybarra|first1=Maggie|title=Obama orders Pentagon advisers to Ukraine to fend off Putin-backed rebels|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jul/22/pentagon-team-dispatched-to-ukraine-amid-crisis-wi/?page=all#pagebreak|accessdate=25 August 2014|work=]|date=22 July 2014}}</ref> On 8 September, ''The New York Times'' reported that only a portion of the initial non-lethal aid package had actually arrived in Ukraine.<ref name="AidDelayed">{{cite news | url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/10/world/europe/amid-intensifying-requests-american-military-aid-to-ukraine-stalls.html?_r=1# | title=Amid Intensifying Requests, American Military Aid to Ukraine Stalls | work=The New York Times | date=9 September 2014 | accessdate=13 September 2014 | last1=Gordon|first1=Michael|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric}}</ref> While this report cited concerns about provoking escalation in the region as the reason for the delay, a 13 September report by '']'' cited various sources that indicated that both the American package and a $200 million Canadian military aid package were delayed by concerns about diversion of saleable equipment due to corruption among Ukrainian officials.<ref>{{cite news| last1=Saunders|first1=Doug|title=Why we aren't arming Ukraine| url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/why-we-arent-arming-ukraine/article20566515|accessdate=13 September 2014|work=]|date=13 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Ukrainian public opinion=== | |||
| ] with Ukrainian soldiers, 26 August 2014]] | |||
| A poll of the Ukrainian public, excluding Russian-annexed ], was taken by the ] from 12–25 September.<ref name="IRI14OCT">Press release: {{cite press release | url=http://www.iri.org/news-events-press-center/news/iri-ukraine-pre-election-poll-shows-strong-opposition-russian-aggressi | title=IRI: Ukraine Pre-election Poll Shows Strong Opposition to Russian Aggression, Support for Kyiv Government | publisher=International Republican Institute | date=14 October 2014 | accessdate=17 October 2014}}<br>Full text: {{cite web | url=http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2014%20October%2014%20Survey%20of%20Residents%20of%20Ukraine%2C%20September%2012-25%2C%202014.pdf | title=Public Opinion Survey – Residents of Ukraine: 12–25 September 2014 | publisher=International Republican Institute | date=14 October 2014 | accessdate=17 October 2014}}</ref> 89% of those polled opposed ]. As broken down by region, 78% of those polled from ] (including ]) opposed said intervention, along with 89% in ], 93% in ], and 99% in ].<ref name="IRI14OCT" /> As broken down by native language, 79% of Russian speakers and 95% of Ukrainian speakers opposed the intervention. 80% of those polled said that Ukraine should remain a ] country.<ref name="IRI14OCT" /> 56% of those polled said that Russia should pay for the reconstruction of the Donbass, whereas 32% said Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts should pay. 59% of those polled said that they supported the government military operation in Donbass, whereas 33% said that they opposed it. 73% of respondents said that the war in Donbass was one of the three most important issues facing Ukraine.<ref name="IRI14OCT" /> | |||
| ===Labelling of the conflict=== | |||
| ] considers the conflict a war with Russian ],<ref name="defencedad">{{cite press release | url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=122576 | title=Russian Actions Bring Europe to Decisive Point | publisher=American Forces Press Service | date=30 June 2014 | accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref> and others consider it to be a war between Russian proxies and Ukraine.<ref name="FTintal">{{cite news | url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/3192c7a0-0cd2-11e4-bf1e-00144feabdc0.html | title=Nato must focus on the 'hybrid wars' being waged on the west | work=Financial Times | date=17 July 2014 | accessdate=19 July 2014}}</ref> The ], the arbiter of international humanitarian law for the ], described the events in the Donbass region as a "non-international armed conflict".<ref name="reuterswar">{{cite news | url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/22/us-ukraine-crisis-warcrimes-idUSKBN0FR0V920140722 | title=Ukraine war crimes trials a step closer after Red Cross assessment | agency=Reuters | date=22 July 2014 | accessdate=22 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="IClaw">{{cite press release | url=https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/news-release/2014/07-23-ukraine-kiev-call-respect-ihl-repatriate-bodies-malaysian-airlines.htm | title=Ukraine: ICRC calls on all sides to respect international humanitarian law | publisher=International Committee of the Red Cross | date=23 July 2014 | accessdate=23 July 2014}}</ref> Some news agencies, such as the ] and ], interpreted this statement as meaning that Ukraine was in a state of "]".<ref name="Reudad">{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/07/23/ukraine-crisis-redcross-idINL6N0PY47N20140723 | title=Red Cross urges all sides in Ukraine civil war to uphold law | agency=Reuters | date=23 July 2014 | accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="ITcw">{{cite news|title=Red Cross admits Ukraine is in a state of civil war|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/world/742051|agency=Information Telegraph Agency of Russia|accessdate=25 July 2014}}</ref> From early September, ] said that it considered the war to be "international", as opposed to "non-international".<ref name="AI7SEPT" /> Secretary General of Amnesty International ] said that "satellite images, coupled with reports of Russian troops captured inside Ukraine and eyewitness accounts of Russian troops and military vehicles rolling across the border leave no doubt that this is now an international armed conflict".<ref name="AI7SEPT">{{cite press release | url=http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/ukraine-mounting-evidence-war-crimes-and-russian-involvement-2014-09-07 | title=Mounting evidence of war crimes and Russian involvement | publisher=Amnesty International | date=7 September 2014 | accessdate=7 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ] and former acting Ukrainian president ] considers the conflict a direct war with ].<ref name="IBua">{{cite news | url=http://lb.ua/news/2014/06/27/271204_aleksandr_turchinov_pri_vtorzhenii.html | title=Александр Турчинов: "При вторжении со стороны Чернигова, русские танки уже через пару часов могли быть в Киеве" (Alexander Turchinov: "With the invasion by the Chernigov, Russian tanks in a couple of hours could be in Kiev") | publisher=LB.ua | date=27 June 2014 | accessdate=19 July 2014 | language=Russian}}</ref> According to Ukrainian president ], the war will be known in history of Ukraine as the "Patriotic War".<ref>. ]. 24 August 2014</ref> | |||
| According to a ] survey taken in August 2014, 59% of the citizens of the Russian Federation polled viewed the war in Donbass as a civil war.<ref name="RTukcivpoll">{{cite news | url=http://rt.com/politics/182860-russia-ukraine-civil-poll/ | title=Most Russians see Ukrainian turmoil as civil war - poll | publisher=RT | date=26 August 2014 | accessdate=14 September 2014}}</ref> Most of those polled said that direct war with Ukraine was either "absolutely impossible" or "extremely unlikely". 28% said that such a conflict could happen in the future.<ref name="RTukcivpoll" /> | |||
| ==Gallery== | |||
| <gallery> | |||
| File:Civilians block ukrainian military near Slavyansk.jpg|Civilians block the Ukrainian military's movement near Sloviansk (April 2014) | |||
| File:VOA-Pro-Russian Militants Seize More Public Buildings in Eastern Ukraine.jpg|Pro-Russian militants inside the occupied Donetsk police headquarters (12 April 2014) | |||
| File:BMDs of Sloviansk self-defense.jpg|Pro-Russian militants with captured vehicles in Sloviansk (16 April 2014) | |||
| File:Ukrainian soldiers near Kramatorsk.jpg|Ukrainian soldiers from ] near Kramatorsk (25 April 2014) | |||
| File:Amphibian Azov.jpg| A captured (by the Ukrainian ]) LPR vehicle (9 June 2014) | |||
| File:Lugansk-2014-06-18.jpeg|Civilians killed by shelling in east Ukraine (18 June 2014) | |||
| File:Battalion Donbass Semenchenko1.jpg|Leader of the pro-Ukrainian ] ] (2 June 2014) | |||
| File:Yasynuvata resident standing inside her shelled flat.jpg|Donbass resident standing inside her shelled flat (September 2014) | |||
| File:Yasynuvata residents hiding in a makeshift bomb shelter.jpg|Donbass residents hiding in a makeshift bomb shelter (September 2014) | |||
| File:2014-12-20. Праздник солидарности 067.jpg|DPR militants and separatist supporters in Donetsk (20 December 2014) | |||
| File:East Ukraine conflict dynamics.gif|Changes of the territories controlled by insurgents since 2014.07.01. | |||
| File:2014-07-30. War in Donbass 03.jpg|Pro-separatist supporter detained by Ukrainian soldiers (30 July 2014) | |||
| </gallery> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist|25em}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Sister project links |commons=Category:War in Donbass |n=Category:War in Donbass |wikt=no |q=no |s=no |b=no |v=no}} | |||
| * by the ] Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights | |||
| * by the ] | |||
| * in Donbass by ] | |||
| * by the ] | |||
| {{2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine}} | |||
| {{Post-Cold War European conflicts}} | |||
| {{Ongoing military conflicts}} | |||
| {{Euromaidan}} | |||
| {{Ukraine topics}} | |||
| {{portal bar|Current events|Russia|Ukraine|War}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||