DONETSK, August 28 (RIA Novosti) – After long preparations, forces of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics have finally launched a counter-offensive, Donetsk People’s Republic Prime Minister Alexander Zakharchenko said Thursday.
“It took us a long time to amass forces. We were holding our positions and preparing a retaliatory strike. Eventually, we made it and we will continue our military action to free the Donetsk and Luhansk regions from the occupation forces,” he said.
Zakharchenko added that Ukrainian Army tries to destroy the entire infrastructure in the region to cut the residents from electricity, gas, water and other vital facilities.
Kiev authorities launched a special military operation in mid-April against independence supporters in the southeast of Ukraine, who refused to recognize the legitimacy of the country’s coup-imposed government.
Since the beginning of the military conflict, Kiev has been accusing Russia of sending troops and weaponry to independence supporters in the region.
Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, urging Kiev to stop the bloodshed and establish a direct dialogue with representatives of Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
