Pro-Russian rebels shot down two Ukrainian helicopters on May 2, killing two crew, as troops tightened their siege of separatist-held Slaviansk in what Moscow called a "criminal" assault by Kyiv that wrecked hopes of peace.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Reuters: Rebels down Ukraine helicopters, Putin denounces Slovyansk assault
Religious icons are placed on bricks as residents gather near a checkpoint which Ukrainian troops seized in the early morning in the village of Andreevka, 7 kms from the centre of the southern Ukrainian city of Slavyansk, on May 2, 2014. Ukraine's military lost two helicopters and two servicemen on May 2 in a deadly offensive launched just before dawn against pro-Russian rebels holding the flashpoint town of Slavyansk, insurgents and authorities said. AFP PHOTO / VASILY MAXIMOV
