Missile attacks by separatists kill 30 in Ukraine

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Missile attacks by separatists kill 30 in Ukraine

As many as 30 Ukrainian soldiers and border guards are reported killed in a missile attack by separatists. CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports from Kiev.

Missile attacks by separatists kill 30 in Ukraine

As many as 30 Ukrainian soldiers and border guards are reported killed in a missile attack by separatists. CCTV's Stephanie Freid joins us live from Kiev.

The United Nations’ refugee agency says the number of Ukrainians displaced by fighting and conflict is growing. They estimate that 66,000 Eastern Ukrainians have fled fighting for shelters and centers for internally displaced people.

Eastern Ukraine\'s number of internally displaced rising

The United Nations' refugee agency says the number of Ukrainians displaced by fighting and conflict is growing. They estimate that 66,000 Eastern Ukrainians have fled fighting for shelters and centers for internally displaced people. CCTV's Stephanie Freid reports.

When Father Nikolai Elliot was asked to help Eastern Ukrainians fleeing their homes for safety, he heeded the call, opening up this former kindergarten classroom to families with nowhere else to go. Today there are 168 people living there, fifty-five of them children.

With fighting between the militia and Ukraine’s army ongoing in the East, more are expected to arrive in the coming days and weeks.

The United Nations’ refugee agency says there are about twenty other internally displaced persons absorption centers like the classroom in the greater Kiev area alone. Centers rely on local community members to donate food, clothing, toiletries and toys. Food is in short supply and space is a luxury.

Center coordinator Nicole Elliot troubleshoots, culls donations, and helps out when a child needs help jarring a loose tooth. She also listens to those who are displaced.

Yvgeny, an IDP, brought his wife Olga and four-year-old son Danilla here from Donetsk in May. A pro-Ukrainian activist, he fled after pro-independence militia showed up at Danilla’s kindergarten class threatening to burn down the family’s home if Yvgeny didn’t change his political ways.

The family says they will return to Donetsk when the militia leaves. If that does not happen, they will make a new home in Kiev. One of the biggest challenges remaining is shielding Danilla from the reality left behind.

Meanwhile, Russia is now saying it has no plans to start a peace-keeping operation in eastern Ukraine. CCTV’s Anya Ardayeva reports from Moscow.

Russia has no plans for peace-keeping in Eastern Ukraine

Russia is now saying it has no plans to start a peace-keeping operation in eastern Ukraine. CCTV's Anya Ardayeva reports from Moscow.


Follow Anya Ardayeva on Twitter @AnnaArda