Russian separatists planning major offensive in eastern Ukraine

World Today

Fighting has intensified in eastern Ukraine as Russian separatists announced an offensive on Ukrainian forces who are in the processing of regaining control of rebel strongholds Donetsk and Luhansk.

Three senior rebel leaders have been removed from their posts in past weeks, but morale seems to remain strong among the rebels.

The prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic said 1,200 Russia-trained fighters are on their way and that the rebels are planning a major counter-offensive. The rebels also said they have the support of local citizens, despite the fighting that has been happening daily.

The advancement of Ukrainian forces on Donetsk and Luhansk, however, could change the level of public support. CCTV America’s Kate Parkinson reports.

Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter @katecctvnews

Russian separatists planning major offensive in eastern Ukraine

Fighting has intensified in eastern Ukraine as Russian separatists announced a plan to an offensive on Ukrainian forces who are in the processing of regaining control of rebel strongholds Donetsk and Luhansk. CCTV's Kate Parkinson reports.

More Ukraine coverage on CCTV America.

For more on the situation in Ukraine, CCTV America was joined by Steven Fish, a political science professor at the University of California at Berkeley.

What's the next step to solve the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine?

For more on the situation in Ukraine, CCTV America was joined by Steven Fish, a political science professor at the University of California at Berkeley.