Rebels in eastern Ukraine appeared to be successfully closing in on the government-held airport in Donetsk Wednesday, a strategic victory for the pro-Russian separatists.
At least 10 people were killed as residential areas near the airport were caught in the crossfire, further undermining a shaky truce that was imposed last month and has been riddled by violations since.
Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko told journalists in Kiev that the airport was still under control of government troops who were “brilliantly carrying out their duty” and holding ground there.
However, rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying that the rebels control 90% of the airport, which has been the focus of the worst fighting in the region for weeks.
“In two, or maximum three, days the Donetsk airport will come under our control,” he said.
