Government troops pressed attacks on Aug. 19 in the two largest cities held by pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv also pursued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that has killed more than 2,000 and displaced another 300,000.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Associated Press: Ukrainian forces press attacks on rebel-held areas
A Ukrainian soldier gestures as he talks with children on Aug. 18, 2014 in the small easter city of Popasna, Luhansk oblast, recently freed by Ukrainian forces from pro-Russia militants.