Rivals show force in eastern Ukraine before talks
- 10 years ago
In Ukraine's eastern city of Slaviansk, a show of force.
Pro-Russian separatist militias rumbled in on Wednesday.
The Russian flag waving high.
The rebel convoy stopped at town hall, where armed separatists have barricaded themselves, demanding a referendum on independence and closer ties to neighboring Russia.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST IN MOTORCYCLE HELMET WITH RUSSIAN ST. GEORGE RIBBON, IGOR, SAYING:
"There were a lot of people supporting us here. They're great guys. We're grateful to them, their support can't be overestimated. They were bringing warm clothes, food, everything."
More Moscow-backed gunmen have captured government buildings across ten eastern cities.
This, as Russia maintains some 40,000 troops near Ukraine's border.
The central government in Kiev launched an offensive on Tuesday to regain control but there's been little actual action.
It wants to reassert control slowly and without bloodshed.
Pro-Russian separatist militias rumbled in on Wednesday.
The Russian flag waving high.
The rebel convoy stopped at town hall, where armed separatists have barricaded themselves, demanding a referendum on independence and closer ties to neighboring Russia.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) PRO-RUSSIAN ACTIVIST IN MOTORCYCLE HELMET WITH RUSSIAN ST. GEORGE RIBBON, IGOR, SAYING:
"There were a lot of people supporting us here. They're great guys. We're grateful to them, their support can't be overestimated. They were bringing warm clothes, food, everything."
More Moscow-backed gunmen have captured government buildings across ten eastern cities.
This, as Russia maintains some 40,000 troops near Ukraine's border.
The central government in Kiev launched an offensive on Tuesday to regain control but there's been little actual action.
It wants to reassert control slowly and without bloodshed.