Kiev: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Saturday ordered the army to raise the national flag in the separatist stronghold of Slaviansk, eastern Ukraine, after hearing reports of military successes there, the presidential website said.
Earlier, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said a large number of pro-Russian separatists had fled the flashpoint city following sustained fire from Ukrainian forces.
Poroshenko's website said the newly appointed head of the armed forces general staff had told him separatist fighters came under mortar fire as they tried to break through government forces' lines. The separatists had lost one tank and other armoured vehicles.
"The President gave the order ... for the state flag to be raised on Slaviansk's town council offices," the website said, referring to one of the main buildings where the rebels had been based.
Earlier, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said a large number of pro-Russian separatists had fled the flashpoint city following sustained fire from Ukrainian forces.
Poroshenko's website said the newly appointed head of the armed forces general staff had told him separatist fighters came under mortar fire as they tried to break through government forces' lines. The separatists had lost one tank and other armoured vehicles.
© Thomson Reuters 2014
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Ex-Ukraine President Says Blocked From Leaving War-Torn Country "Don't Trust Putin", Former Ukraine President Warns Ahead Of Russia Talks Ukraine Comedian Volodymyr Zelensky Wins Presidential Election By Landslide 9 Dead, 2,800 Hurt As Pagers Explode Across Lebanon, Hezbollah Blames Israel "Wear Proper Undergarments": Delta Airlines' New Memo For Flight Attendants IndiGo Flight Tailstrike Leaves Huge Dent During Take-Off From Delhi Airport New Security Arrangements Needed If...: Head Of Secret Service To Trump India, US To Explore Strengthening Energy Cooperation North Korea Fires 'Unidentified Ballistic Missile': Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.