Ukraine Kills 5 Pro-Russian Militants

The state's Interior Ministry reported that the fatalities occurred during pro-Russian roadblocks, destabilizing the city of Slavyansk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded, "If the Kiev regime has started to use the army against the population inside the country, it, beyond any doubt, is a very serious crime". Putin claimed consequences would occur for the killings. RIA Novosti state news agency reported, that Russia is planning military activities in the region.

The United States and NATO have consistently voiced their uneasiness, regarding the approximated 40,000 Russian troops at the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian acting President Oleksandr Turchynov declared, "With no reason to do so, the Russian leadership allows itself to boldly interfere in the internal affairs of Ukraine...Russia supports terrorism in our country at the state level".

Russia and Ukraine are not in agreement with how many casualties have actually occurred. Ukraine claims five, while Russia believes the number is more. On a positive note, an American journalist being detained by pro-Russian activities has been freed. The pressure continues to mount between the two nations, as the West and Russia continue to blame each other for disrupting Ukraine's activity.