LUHANSK, June 2 (RIA Novosti) – Self-defense forces in Luhansk are evacuating civilians from a residential area on the city outskirts that came under heavy fire after hours-long clashes between freedom fighters and border guards loyal to the newly-elected government in Kiev, a RIA Novosti correspondent in the city reports.
The decision to pull civilians from the district Mirny (Peaceful) in Luhansk, in Ukraine’s breakaway easternmost territory, was taken after a barrage of fire hit the city following more than six hours of intensive gunfight. The battle began at 1 a.m. GMT.
Independence supporters used loudspeakers to alert the local population and called on them to vacate buildings at once.
The sounds of mortar and gunfire can be heard across the city of Luhansk. Our correspondent says many buildings spot broken windows. At least one freedom fighter has been killed, with the Ukrainian border service reporting wounded on its side.
The Ukrainian security operation in southeastern Ukraine is continuing despite a memorandum on peace and accord adopted by the parliament ahead of the May 25 presidential vote. The operation has killed scores of people on both sides.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier that Ukraine must immediately move to stop violence and launch nationwide dialogue following presidential vote in the country.
