Minister: Ukraine govt forces advancing near Slovyansk
KYIV. July 4 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said on Friday that government forces were currently advancing against militia forces in Mykolayivka, having been fighting them for nearly eight hours in the village, which lies near Slovyansk, Donetsk region.
"Area after area, with their joint action, the armed forces, the National Guard and Interior Ministry special units are liberating the village from the armed bandits. The greater part of Mykolayivka is already under the control of our forces," Avakov wrote on Facebook.
"I've had a report from National Guard Gen. Mykola Balan, commander of the operation, directly from the frontline: 'We've been working for nearly 8 hours. Advancing normally, albeit slowly. But at least without any losses! After yesterday's fierce clash, the terrorists have weakened their resistance. Kyiv 1 [a battalion] has been especially good today - it's their second day in battle, but they're very confident. I'm satisfied, they've proven to be well-trained,'" the minister said.
"On the premises of a hospital that has been taken under control, there are large numbers of wounded, both militants and civilians who asked for assistance. Medical personnel are seeing to all of them," Balan said, as quoted by Avakov.
"We've found 150 women and children who were hiding from the terrorists and war in the basement of the cultural center. We gave them all first aid. After I asked Kharkiv governor Ihor Baluta, we co-organized evacuation to Kharkiv region for the period of hostilities," the general said.