Ukraine Coup Leaders Launch Operation To 'Take Back' Eastern City: Pro-Russia Protesters Shoot Down 2 Attack Helicopters, Townspeople Build Barricades — Assault Pauses

Pro-Russia activists assist helicopter pilot after he was shot down.
(Screen capture from YouTube video)

By Bertrand de Saisset
Loud detonations followed by the clatter of ground-skimming helicopter gunships heralded what the rebels controlling Slavyansk had been warning about for days: a frontal assault by the Ukrainian military.

Armoured vehicles and scores of paratroopers quickly moved in, sweeping aside nine outlying insurgent roadblocks and taking up position just at the entry to the town.

But the pro-Russian rebels struck back with unexpected expertise, shooting down two of the Mi-24 helicopters and killing two servicemen on board.

Others set fire to tyres piled up at roadblocks to cloak their retreat, sending dark smoke spewing into the sky.

And, while Slavyansk's church rang its bells under a flapping Russian flag, locals of all ages rushed to build barricades on the streets.

Five trucks were parked across the road leading to the town hall, which is serving as the rebels' headquarters. Side streets were strewn with boarding, planks, branches and furniture.

"We are ready to block the way with our bodies if we need to," said one woman.

Read More