KIEV, August 17 (RIA Novosti) - Ukrainian security forces continue their offensive in six cities in the Donetsk region, the spokesperson of the National Security and Defense Council said Sunday.
The security forces are trying to take control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Horlivka, Pervomaisk, Ilovaisk and Krasnyi Luch, spokesperson Andriy Lysenko said. They also hold the high ground near the mound Savur-Mohyla, where the militia is trying to drive them off.
Since mid-April, Kiev authorities have been carrying out a military operation in the east of Ukraine against the independence supporters who refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new government after February coup.
In May, Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republic declared their independence and steadied their protest against Kiev’s aggression.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned the special operation, which has already led to numerous casualties on both sides, including among the civilian population.
Russian Foreign Ministry called the operation “punitive” and called on the international community to take all possible measures to stop the hostilities.
