Avakov confirms the death of the pilot, Slavyansk is in a tight ring, 9 checkpoints have been recaptured from the rebels
Kyiv, May 02 (Navigator, Mikhail Ryabov) – Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov said that what is happening in Slavyansk is “an active phase of the anti-terrorist operation.” The official wrote about this on Facebook.
“At 4-30 am, the active phase of the ATO began in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk area. By forces of units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Guard, and the Armed Forces. Currently, 9 terrorist checkpoints within the city limits of Slavyansk have been taken under control. The city is surrounded by a tight ring.
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Terrorists opened fire against Ukrainian special forces using heavy weapons. Including grenade launchers and man-portable air defense systems. There is a dead pilot and wounded. There is a real battle with professional mercenaries. Terrorists do not hesitate to fire, hiding behind civilians in Slavyansk, from residential apartment buildings - they know about the order to ATO units not to return fire threatening residential buildings.
The operation continues as planned.
I ask residents of Slavyansk and Kramotorsk not to go out into the streets and be careful near windows.
We, together with the Minister of Defense and the commander of the National Guard, are here.
Railway traffic in the ATO zone will be closed in the next hour. Traffic on roads in the Slavyansk area is limited to a minimum. I ask everyone to refrain from traveling during the AT.
Thank you to all soldiers and officers with honor,” Avakov wrote.
Avakov confirms pilot 's death, Slovyansk is surrounded, 9 checkpoints have been recaptured from rebels