Base in Ukrainian City of Luhansk Attacked

World Today

In eastern Ukraine at least five pro-independence fighters are reported dead. CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports from eastern Ukraine with the latest on the escalating violence there.

Separatist militiamen attacked a Ukrainian border patrol base in the city of Luhansk early Monday and the fighting continued throughout the day.

In the early hours of Monday morning, Ukraine’s border patrol was ambushed.

Base in Ukrainian City of Luhansk Attacked

In eastern Ukraine at least five pro-independence fighters are reported dead. CCTV's Stephanie Freid reports from eastern Ukraine with the latest on the escalating violence there.

Using RPG’s and automatic weapons, several hundred pro-Russia militia assaulted the base located in Luhansk on Ukraine’s border with Russia

Ukraine’s military responded with heavy artillery and helicopter gunship fire and a fighter jet was reportedly deployed to provide ground cover for Ukraine’s troops.

The battle raged throughout the day – Ukraine’s acting president claimed Ukraine’s military is holding its ground.
Eyewitnesses report at least half a dozen casualties. According to local reports, some of the fighting has spread to the city center.

Twelve Ukraine State border units guard approximately 750 kilometers along the Ukraine-Russia border. The Luhansk region has been the sight of pro-independence militia versus Ukraine military fighting during past months – Monday’s battle could mark the fiercest clashes along Russia’s border since Eastern Ukraine erupted in March.