Ukrainian forces storm Slovyansk

The Ukrainian military have started an attack on several control posts of Slovyansk. The local resistance siad that the military took over a barricade on the outskirts of the city and the TV center on Karachun. According to the resistance commander of the control post in Bylbasovka (west of Slovyansk), the military were moving from Barvenkovo (Kharkov Oblast) in the morning. 8 armored vehicles and 6 buses of the National Guards were sighted. The rebel added that they only had SMGs to withstand the attack, RIA Novosti reports.

The local administration said that helicopters had dropped airborne troops and the fight was in the center of the city. Three armored vehicles of the local resistance were destroyed. One helicopter pilot died and one was captured. The Ukrainian military were reported preparing artillery at the TV center in Slovyansk.

Igor Strelkov, commander of the resistance, said that about 20 helicopters were seen flying around the city. Shots were heard in Cherevkovka. Slovyansk self-proclaimed Mayor Vyacheslav Ponomarev said that one man was killed and one injured.

Ukrainian acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said that one pilot was dead. He said that the local terrorists were using heavy weapons. Avakov added that nine control posts on the outskirts of the city were taken under control. A total of ten posts and their resistance were captured.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said that two Mi-24 helicopters were shot down and one Mi-8 damaged, two soldiers died and several were wounded.