DONETSK, August 24 (RIA Novosti) - Militia of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic have started an offensive against the cities of Severodonetsk and Debaltseve, militia’s representatives told RIA Novosti Sunday.
Severodonetsk is located in the northwest of Luhansk region, and parts of the militia retreated from the city in July. Debaltseve is in the east of Donetsk region, bordering Luhansk region.
On the way Debaltseve, self-defense forces destroyed Kiev’s reconnaissance and sabotage group of seven people and an infantry fighting vehicle, a howitzer, three other infantry fighting vehicles.
They also seized two checkpoints of the Kiev forces near the village of Beloye, as well as two T-72 tanks.
Since mid-April, Kiev forces have been conducting a military operation in southeastern Ukraine, aimed at suppressing independence supporters who refused to acknowledge the new government that came to power following a February 22 coup.
