Ukraine Says Forces Will Advance After Capturing Rebel Stronghold, According to Reuters

By Maria Tsvetkova
Slaviansk, Ukraine – The Ukrainian government announced plans to rapidly expand territorial gains against pro-Russian separatists following the recapture of their stronghold in Slaviansk. President Petro Poroshenko described this moment as a crucial turning point in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"My order is now in effect – tighten the ring around the terrorists," Poroshenko stated on Sunday. He emphasized the need to continue operations to liberate the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which have been hotspots for separatist activity since April.

There were no immediate reports of casualties resulting from the government offensive in Slaviansk, which resumed after Poroshenko declined to extend a unilateral ceasefire on June 30.

In Slaviansk, Ukrainian forces had strengthened their presence for over a month. Approximately 200 residents gathered in the city’s central square to receive food supplies like meat, potatoes, onions, and bread distributed by soldiers.

"Everything is different now. Tonight is the first night with no shelling," said Mikhail Martynenko, a local market guard. He noted that people felt more at ease and began to venture out again, having lived in fear of unpredictable mortar attacks.

Under the leadership of rebel commander Igor Strelkov, known as the defense minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Slaviansk had fiercely resisted government forces, damaging military helicopters and an intelligence plane.

The recapture of Slaviansk marks the most significant military achievement for Kyiv in three months of conflict that has claimed the lives of over 200 Ukrainian troops, along with many civilians and insurgents.

"This isn’t a full victory. However, clearing heavily armed individuals from Slaviansk holds significant symbolic importance. It marks the beginning of a turning point in Ukraine’s battle for territorial integrity," Poroshenko remarked. He added that hostages held in the city had been freed and a considerable amount of weapons had been confiscated.

Despite the success, Poroshenko warned that rebels were regrouping in other major towns and that challenges remained ahead.

Rebel commander Strelkov estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the insurgents in Slaviansk managed to escape the city. He also noted that a miscalculation had led to the loss of several militants during a diversionary attack.

Ukrainian forces reported full control over Slaviansk and the nearby town of Kramatorsk, with many rebels retreating towards Donetsk, the eastern industrial center where separatists first declared a "people’s republic."

Strelkov, whose specific location is unknown, indicated plans to fortify Donetsk for defense, asserting it was "much easier to defend than small Slaviansk."

In Donetsk’s central square, over 1,000 pro-Russian separatists and supporters gathered, prompting the mayor’s office to issue warnings about armed individuals in the area.

A senior official in Ukraine’s anti-terrorist operation reported that many rebels were surrendering and providing valuable information about rebel positions and weapon caches.

Deputy security council chief Mykhailo Koval unveiled plans for blockades around the capitals of both separatist regions, affirming that a comprehensive blockade would compel insurgents to lay down their arms.

Meanwhile, Moscow has denied Western and Ukrainian claims regarding its support of the separatists, amidst ongoing economic sanctions from the West.

The unrest in eastern Ukraine erupted in April, spurred by rebel takeovers of state buildings, the accumulation of weaponry, and declarations of independence from Kyiv, which the rebels deemed illegitimate.

The crisis initially ignited when protests led to the ousting of Moscow-backed President Viktor Yanukovich, who had rejected a political and trade agreement with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia. Following this, Russia annexed Crimea, leading to further separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, with rebels seeking affiliation with Russia.