Ukrainian forces approach rebel-held stronghold as residents build barricades
- 10 years ago
Ukrainian troops land in the eastern village of Andriivka.
They're here to take back the nearby rebel-held city of Slaviansk.
It's part of the central government's operation to disarm pro-Russian separatists in the east.
And this is one of its most concerted military operations yet.
But at the village, they're confronted by angry residents, urging them not to advance.
"Facsists," some of them shout at the soldiers.
These are the rebels the military wants to disarm.
They've taken up positions in Slaviansk and demand a referendum on independence.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MASKED SLAVIANSK SEPARATIST, NO NAME GIVEN, SAYING:
"I will fight with whatever I have, if not a rifle, then I'll fight with my hands and strangle these bastards so that they won't, mess on my land, fuck, so there will be no Nazis on this land."
It's not just the armed rebels who are in the streets.
Ordinary citizens are chipping in.
Trees come down to
They're here to take back the nearby rebel-held city of Slaviansk.
It's part of the central government's operation to disarm pro-Russian separatists in the east.
And this is one of its most concerted military operations yet.
But at the village, they're confronted by angry residents, urging them not to advance.
"Facsists," some of them shout at the soldiers.
These are the rebels the military wants to disarm.
They've taken up positions in Slaviansk and demand a referendum on independence.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MASKED SLAVIANSK SEPARATIST, NO NAME GIVEN, SAYING:
"I will fight with whatever I have, if not a rifle, then I'll fight with my hands and strangle these bastards so that they won't, mess on my land, fuck, so there will be no Nazis on this land."
It's not just the armed rebels who are in the streets.
Ordinary citizens are chipping in.
Trees come down to