MOSCOW--Ukraine launched a major military operation on May 2 to regain control of the pro-Russian separatist stronghold of Slovyansk, overrunning numerous roadblocks and surrounding the city, Ukrainian officials said. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Ukrainian forces met with stiff resistance from militant fighters who fought back using grenade launchers and shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles. Separatist leaders claimed to have shot down four Ukrainian helicopters in the clash, Russian state media reported, but Mr. Avakov said only that a pilot had been killed without giving details.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Wall Street Journal: Ukraine launches large-scale offensive to regain Slovyansk
Fresh violence erupted in eastern Ukraine as thousands of pro-Russian protesters stormed key buildings, shot down two helicopters and killed one pilot and captured another early on May 2.
