MOSCOW — Separatist forces in the eastern Ukrainian stronghold of Slovyansk brought down two government helicopters on Friday, killing two of their occupants, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said, as government forces launched what was termed the “active phase” of an assault to dislodge militants.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
New York Times: Clashes in eastern Ukraine as Moscow issues new warnings
Ukrainian soldiers wait on the road as Pro-Russia separatists block the Kramators to Slavyansk road to prevent them from advancing on May 2, 2014. Russia warned on May 2 that Ukraine's use of the army against its own people in the east will lead to catastrophe and urged the West to renounce its \"destructive policies.\" \"As we repeatedly warned, the use of the army against one's own people is a crime and is leading Ukraine towards catastrophe,\" the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. AFP PHOTO/ GENYA SAVILOV
