Special operation in Slovyansk, helicopters put down, mass media

Photo: Shooting in Slovyansk (@sashakots#)

Active phase of the special operation began this morning in Slovyansk. Russian mass media reports about people wounded and two Ukrainian helicopters put down.

In particular, Russian reporter of Komsomolskaya Pravda informed via his Twitter that the explosions and shooting can be heard in Slovyansk, there are helicopters in the sky and Ukrainian military equipment near the town. The local churches rang the bells when the assault began.

The officer of the Russian Chief Intelligence Department, who acts in Ukraine, heading the local separatists under the name of Ihor Strelkov told that the town was surrounded by the infantry and armored vehicles. "They fear to attack. You can see it by yourselves, they don't want to fight".

Russian media RIA Novosti reports that the military showdown between the Ukrainian law enforcement officers and the supporters of the federalization are already taking place in the center of Slovyansk, there are casualties.

There is a heavy smoke over the outskirts of the town after the rebels have set the tires on fire. The helicopters of the Ukrainian army are flying over Slovyansk.

"The Ukrainian army land its troops into the area, cleans up the streets and the clashes shifted to the center of Slovyansk", the source told. According to him, the heavy military equipment stays in the outskirts.

The source of the agency has noticed there are casualties. The "Self-Defense" of Slovyansk has reported 2 helicopters were put down.