KIEV, May 5. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine’s Interior Ministry claims that four servicemen were killed and about 30 were wounded as a result of an armed clash near Sloviansk (Donetsk region).

In addition, the ministry’s press service also reported victims among local civilians, without specifying their number. “The clashes are currently continuing,” the ministry said.

Spokesperson for the proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic Alexander Maltsev reported earlier that on the highway from Sloviansk to Donetsk near Semyonovka village, a fight begun in the morning between Ukrainian special task units and self-defense forces. Overnight, reports appeared that in Kostiantynivka, Ukrainian servicemen on four armored vehicles attacked a checkpoint and were moving towards Donetsk. According to self-defense activists, in the Khimik district near Semyonovka, about 20 civilians were injured.

Aviation used against self-defense units near Sloviansk

Kiev authorities have used aviation against self-defense forces near Sloviansk. According to the press service of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, the aviation was used to destroy railway cars for transporting coal, which the self-defense activists were reportedly trying to turn into an armored train.

May 5, Ukrainian armed forces have resumed the punitive operation near Sloviansk. According to data provided by self-defense forces, two civilians were killed and dozens of people were wounded in the shootouts.