Rebel leader Alexander Zacharchenko believes his forces are on the offensive following a retreat by the Ukrainian army from the ruins of Dontesk airport. The rebels say they will drive any remaining forces out of Dontesk proper and ‘neutralise’ any other attacks. Zacharchenko said his forces could meet hostile actions in three directions.
Russia heavily criticised the attack launched by President Petro Poroshenko on Dontesk airport over the weekend accusing Kiev of shelling civilian areas in eastern Ukraine.
The West has accused Russian forces of fighting alongside the rebels – Moscow says Russian volunteers have joined the rebels.