Ukraine separatists seize second provincial capital, fire on police
- 10 years ago
A major escalation in the crisis in eastern Ukraine.
Hundreds of pro-Russia separatists seize the regional government's headquarters and the prosecutor's office.
They targeted provincial buildings in this small city of Lukansk less than 30 kilometres from the Russian border.
Having control of this area would give separatists sway over the entire Donbass coalfield - which accounts for around a third of Ukraine's industrial output.
Shouting "Rise up", they gathered outside demanding a referendum on greater autonomy. Most of the people in this area speak Russian as their first language.
A group of men armed with sticks and bars broke into the building.
They pulled down the Ukrainian flag flying from the roof and replaced it with the Russian tricolour.
Crowds of pro-Russia activists then overran the building housing the prosecutor's office before attacking the headquarters of the interior ministry's police force.
Here some activists can be s
Hundreds of pro-Russia separatists seize the regional government's headquarters and the prosecutor's office.
They targeted provincial buildings in this small city of Lukansk less than 30 kilometres from the Russian border.
Having control of this area would give separatists sway over the entire Donbass coalfield - which accounts for around a third of Ukraine's industrial output.
Shouting "Rise up", they gathered outside demanding a referendum on greater autonomy. Most of the people in this area speak Russian as their first language.
A group of men armed with sticks and bars broke into the building.
They pulled down the Ukrainian flag flying from the roof and replaced it with the Russian tricolour.
Crowds of pro-Russia activists then overran the building housing the prosecutor's office before attacking the headquarters of the interior ministry's police force.
Here some activists can be s