Armed pro-Russia rebels inspect a vehicle at a checkpoint near an airbase in Kramatorsk Cheap Patriots Jerseys , eastern Ukraine, yesterday. Pro-Russia rebels earlier in the day shot down two Ukrainian helicopters, killing two crew members, as troops tightened their siege of the separatist-held Slaviansk in what Moscow called a “criminal” assault by Kiev that had wrecked hopes of peace. — Reuters
PRO-RUSSIA troops yesterday shot down two Ukrainian helicopters, killing two crew, as forces tightened their siege of separatist-held Slaviansk Danny Etling Patriots Jersey , and Moscow accused Kiev of launching a “criminal” assault that had wrecked hopes of peace.


Though Ukrainian forces appeared to be carrying out one of their most concerted military operations yet, their advance on the ground was limited. Nevertheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman accused Kiev of firing on civilians from the air in a “punitive operation” that destroyed an international peace plan.


Russia was “extremely worried” about the fate of Russians in the city, including an envoy sent to help free German and other foreign hostages, the Kremlin spokesman said.


The dramatic language seems to raise the stakes, as Moscow has tens of thousands of troops massed on the border and claims the right to invade if needed to protect Russian speakers.


In Slaviansk Duke Dawson Patriots Jersey , the most heavily fortified bastion of pro-Russians in eastern Ukraine, shooting broke out and a helicopter opened fire before dawn. Ten hours later, the city was largely quiet, with shops shut and armed separatists in control of the streets.


Advancing Ukrainian forces in armored vehicles took up positions closer in to the suburbs, but rebels still controlled most of the city of 130,000.


The pro-Russia militants also made more moves on Thursday Sony Michel Patriots Jersey , seizing a rail control center for the Donetsk region, a railway official said.


By cutting off power, they had all but paralyzed train traffic.


Kiev said the firing of missiles that brought down its helicopters was evidence that Russian forces were present in the town. Moscow denies that its troops are on the ground.


Nonetheless, Kremlin accounts of threats to civilians highlight the risk of a Russian move to seize territory ahead of a vote the pro-Russians aim to hold on May 11 seeking a mandate to break with Kiev, like that held in the Crimea region before Moscow annexed it in March.