Ukraine crisis: 'Casualties' reported as Kiev engages in gun battle for control of eastern state buildings occupied by pro-Russian militia - Europe - World - The Independent

Ukraine crisis: 'Casualties' reported as Kiev engages in gun battle for control of eastern state buildings occupied by pro-Russian militia - Europe - World - The Independent:

 Ukraine crisis: 'Casualties' reported as Kiev engages in gun battle for control of eastern state buildings occupied by pro-Russian militia

 

The Ukrainian government says its special forces have engaged armed
pro-Russian militia-men in a gunfight for control of key police
buildings in the eastern city of Slovyansk.

The interior minister, Arsen Avakov, said at least one Ukrainian
officer had been killed and five wounded as both sides suffered
casualties in the exchange.

Earlier, Mr Avakov said his forces
would be launching what he described as an “anti-terror” operation
against the gunmen, issuing a warning for members of the public to keep
clear.

The display of Ukrainian defiance comes despite Russia
warning that it will not take part in a summit in Kiev next week if
force is used against protesters - armed or not.

Yesterday a
pro-Russian militia took control of the security service offices and
police headquarters in the city, calling for a break away from the
control of the central government in Kiev.

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A pro-Russian armed man checks the gun sight of his weapon next to a barricade in front of the police headquarters in Slovyansk