The ATO has begun in Donetsk: Ukrainian troops are operating at the airport, fire is coming from helicopters and planes - eyewitnesses (PHOTO, VIDEO)
Donetsk, May 26 (Navigator, Victoria Litovchenko) – The active phase of the Anti-Terrorist Operation has begun in Donetsk: there is a shootout at the airport, military planes and helicopters are flying over the city.
Subscribe to the news "Navigator - Kyiv" в Facebook or In contact with
Let us remind you that today from 7 am the international airport named after. Sergei Prokofiev in Donetsk suspended work. According to eyewitnesses, at about 3 a.m. several dozen armed representatives of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” arrived at the airport with demands for the withdrawal of the Ukrainian military guarding the internal perimeter of the airport. Later information appeared that they had taken control of the Donetsk airport.
As reported in the ATO press center, representatives of the DPR were asked to surrender their weapons. At 13:00, after the expiration of the ultimatum, the ATO entered the active phase.
“Two Su-25 aircraft fired warning shots in the direction of the terrorists. In response, they opened fire from all types of weapons. After this, two MIG-29s went into operation. After their work, there was a chaotic scattering of terrorists throughout the airport,” the Ostrov publication quotes information from the press center.
After this, 4 MI-24 helicopters were put into operation.
“In addition, helicopters landed troops at the airport, which are currently clearing the area. There is no information about security forces injured during the ATO,” the press center said.
According to eyewitnesses, powerful shooting and explosions were heard in the area of the airport in Donetsk. Military planes and helicopters are flying in the sky, presumably scattering heat traps.
At the same time, the DPR Twitter account reported that Ukrainian forces were launching missile and bomb attacks on the airport: “Attack aircraft have been deployed.”
At the same time, the landing of the Ukrainian troops is not confirmed by representatives of the DPR.
According to social media users, there are at least two casualties among the military. According to unconfirmed information, a helicopter was shot down, and fuel warehouses were also on fire.
DPR supporters' groups report that reinforcements have been sent to the airport.
“Right now, shots are heard near the airport. From something heavy. Smoke is visible,” social media users write.
Let us remind you that yesterday Petro Poroshenko said that his inauguration could take place in Donetsk.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.