DONETSK, May 26. /ITAR-TASS/. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic’s militia units have temporarily recaptured the Sergei Prokofiev International Airport, which was controlled by Ukrainian army and security forces. “However, fighting has resumed near the airport just now,” the press service of the Donetsk People’s Republic told ITAR-TASS.
The press service did not confirm that fighting was under way near the city railway station.
Many shops and public places, including the city’s biggest Shakhtar Plaza center, were shut down. The city streets are deserted. In connection with the ongoing security operation, many people left work ahead of time.
Explosions were heard at the airport on Monday morning, and a cloud of smoke could be seen rising over the runway. Three army helicopters flew in the airport’s direction and intensive shooting, including from large-caliber guns, could be heard at the airport.
It is believed that assault aviation could have delivered missile strikes at the airport.
Earlier on Monday, three Ukrainian army helicopters fired at the Tochmash engineering plant in Donetsk. One person was hurt in the shooting attack.