Ukraine launched an assault May 2 to regain control of the pro-Russian separatist stronghold of Sloviansk, meeting stiff resistance from militants who shot down two helicopters in the most serious fighting since Kyiv began losing control near Russia's border. Two Ukrainian soldiers and many militants were killed, Ukraine's acting president said. The operation further ratcheted up tensions with Russia, where President Vladimir Putin's spokesman accused Ukraine of ordering aircraft to fire on civilian towns, and said the operation "effectively destroys" an international agreement reached in Geneva meant to calm eastern Ukraine. Officials in the West have already said the agreement was effectively dead, blaming Russia for not making any effort to rein in the separatists.
Wall Street Journal: Ukraine launches large-scale offensive to regain Sloviansk
Ukrainian special forces keep watch from inside an armored personnel carrier in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk on April 24.
