05:45
2.5.2014
05:38
2.5.2014
05:36
2.5.2014
Slovyansk seems to be completely closed off now.
05:26
2.5.2014
05:18
2.5.2014
Vyacheslav Ponomaryov, the self-styled separatist mayor of Slovyansk, is saying that two Ukrainian helicopters have been shot down.
He said one pilot had been killed and another captured.
Just a reminder: Slovyansk has been firmly under the control of the separatist forces since last month when insurgents first took control of the police headquarters.
He said one pilot had been killed and another captured.
Just a reminder: Slovyansk has been firmly under the control of the separatist forces since last month when insurgents first took control of the police headquarters.
05:15
2.5.2014
Here is a picture, purportedly of the pilot from a downed Ukrainian helicopter in Slovyansk.
05:13
2.5.2014
05:12
2.5.2014
05:03
2.5.2014
It's a murky situation in Slovyansk this morning, but here's the latest from our news desk.
Pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk say that Ukrainian security forces are trying to retake control of the city in a "large-scale operation."
A Reuters photographer said he a Ukrainian Air Force helicopter had fired on the outskirts of the city, which has a population of more than 100,000 people.
A reporter also said he heard gunfire in the city.
An aide to Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said he could not comment. "until it's over."
Slovyansk has been firmly under the control of the separatist forces since last month when activists first took control of the police headquarters.
They have since taken the city hall and other government buildings.
The pro-Russian rebels in the city have detained Slovyansk's mayor, several journalists, three Ukraiian Security Service (SBU) members, and are also holding Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) military observers, including three Germans.
A Reuters photographer said he a Ukrainian Air Force helicopter had fired on the outskirts of the city, which has a population of more than 100,000 people.
A reporter also said he heard gunfire in the city.
An aide to Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said he could not comment. "until it's over."
Slovyansk has been firmly under the control of the separatist forces since last month when activists first took control of the police headquarters.
They have since taken the city hall and other government buildings.
The pro-Russian rebels in the city have detained Slovyansk's mayor, several journalists, three Ukraiian Security Service (SBU) members, and are also holding Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) military observers, including three Germans.
15:49
1.5.2014
Barring major events, that concludes our live blogging for May 1.