KIEV, May 29 (RIA Novosti) – The active phase of the special operation launched by Kiev's authorities in Ukraine's east last month has been put on hold in the cities of Slaviansk and Kramatorsk, according to Ukraine's UNIAN news agency.
"The active phase of the antiterrorist operation has been put on hold in Slaviansk and Kramatorsk," the agency said.
No shooting or explosions have been reported from Kramatorsk on Thursday, but Slaviansk has been shelled for several days. Several dozen houses came under fire in the nearby towns of Andriivka and Serhiivka. Local residents hid in the basements of their homes, and several dozen people were injured.
Two Ukrainian military helicopters were downed in Slaviansk earlier on Thursday, witnesses told RIA Novosti. A total of 14 Ukrainian servicemen, including a general, were killed when one of the helicopters was downed, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov said.
Fierce clashes between Kiev regime loyalists and federalists have plagued Ukraine's east and south in recent weeks and intensified after the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence from Ukraine earlier this month.
The active military phase was put on hold during last Sunday's presidential elections, but resumed Monday.
