Militia capture Ukrainian soldier in fighting near Maryinka
DONETSK. June 5 (Interfax) - A Ukrainian serviceman who was captured by militia in the fighting near Maryinka said Ukraine has lost some 200 people, sources in the DPR said.
"Ukrainian Private Roman Marchenko was captured during the assault on Maryinka. The Ukrainian troops tried to go around the checkpoints and take positions on the frontlines. However, our battalions were able to hold the enemy and inflict massive damage on them," Ivan Kondratov, commander-in-chief of the republic's Guard, told reporters on Friday.
Marchenko, for his part, said some 200 Ukrainian troops were killed in the fighting.
"Some 200 people were killed and very many were wounded in Maryinka. Most servicemen in the Ukrainian army are now depressed," he said.
Eduard Basurin, a senior official with the DPR Defense Ministry, said the Ukrainian troops sought to establish full control over Maryinka.
"The Ukrainians intended to take over that populated area," he said.