You're reading: Separatist headquarters say Ukrainian security forces control only some streets in Sloviansk suburbs

Moscow - The so-called self-defense forces in Sloviansk, the Donetsk region of Ukraine, are keeping almost the entire city under control except several streets in the suburbs, a source from the self-defense headquarters told Interfax.

 “The security forces controlled by Kyiv have failed to take the city but have taken only a couple of streets in the suburbs. The city itself is still fully controlled by the self-defense forces,” he said.

Shooting is still heard in the city, but no large-scale combat activities are under way now, he said.

“Shots are heard here and there. A helicopter was circling above the city about 20 minutes ago. True, this was more of a reconnaissance flight, and no fire was opened from the helicopter. It looks like the enemy wants to wear us down,” the source said.

He claimed that all city residents are determined to oppose an assault.

“Barricades have been set up in the city. Our people are ready both morally and physically to oppose an offensive,” he said.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) had reported earlier that the security forces had fully taken Sloviansk under control.