Pro-Russian rebels from Ukraine are trying to capture the airport in Donetsk, which is momentarily under government control. In the past few weeks, the rebels have tried to take over the airport. Initial statements were released saying the rebels had captured most of the airport. A spokesman for the Ukrainian government said that the country’s anti-terrorism operation forces stopped four attacks on the airport, on Wednesday evening. Seven rebels died in the process and one of their tanks was destroyed. It was stated that the rebels used multiple-launch rocket systems, tanks, artillery and mortars.
The rebels insist on capturing the airport because it is an important strategic point. It would help them re-supply more easily. The Ukrainian government has been using the airport to shell separatist positions inside Donetsk. The Associated Press in Donetsk declared on Wednesday that Ukraine might have already lost the airport. The leader of the pro-Russian rebels, Alexander Zakharchenko firmly confirmed on Thursday that the airport was indeed under the rebels’ control. He was quickly contradicted by military spokesman Andriy Lysenko who told the press that the airport was still under the Ukrainia government’s power and that they were using it to get reinforcements: “They have manpower, they have munitions and food supplies. They have everything to sustain defense. Reinforcements are coming regularly because the airport has not been surrounded”.
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Over 3,500 people were already killed in Ukraine, during the conflict between the government and pro-Russia rebels. The dispute between the two counties began due to the different opinion among the Ukrainian population, over whether the country should take a more western or more eastern direction. Since the fights began, Ukraine has suffered a significant economical downfall. The representative of World Bank in Ukraine, Qimiao Fan said that this economical decrease is caused by the lack of activity on the eastern side. Jens Stoltenberg, the new Nato Secretary General addressed Russia on Wednesday. He urged Russia to change its behavior and return to its initial compliance with international law. Russia firmly denies the accusations of the western countries, who believe Russia is supplying heavy weaponry and supplies. However, it is well established that volunteers from Russia have gone to eastern Ukraine to support the population.