This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-prorussian-rebels-retreating-from-slovyansk-9323522.html

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Ukraine crisis: Pro-Russian rebels 'retreating' from Slovyansk Ukraine crisis: 'Several dead' in fighting in Slovyansk
(35 minutes later)
Pro-Russian rebels are reportedly retreating from Ukrainian troops after heavy fighting in Slovyansk. Several people have reportedly been killed in fighting between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian troops in Slovyansk.
At least two armoured vehicles used by separatists were seen fleeing the eastern outskirts of the city, which has become a rebel stronghold.
Heavy gunfire could be heard almost continuously on Monday and seemed closer to the centre, according to correspondents, and ambulances were seen in the area.
Several people have reportedly been killed, including a woman who was accidentally shot.
The Interior Minister, Arsen Avakov, said on his agency's website that pro-Russian forces were deploying powerful weapons and mortars in the region and there were injured people on both sides.The Interior Minister, Arsen Avakov, said on his agency's website that pro-Russian forces were deploying powerful weapons and mortars in the region and there were injured people on both sides.
Government troops were facing about 800 insurgents, he said.Government troops were facing about 800 insurgents, he said.
A spokesman for a pro-Russian group in Slovyansk said an unspecified number of people had been killed and wounded in the clashes, including a 20-year-old woman killed by a stray bullet.A spokesman for a pro-Russian group in Slovyansk said an unspecified number of people had been killed and wounded in the clashes, including a 20-year-old woman killed by a stray bullet.
Heavy gunfire could be heard almost continuously on Monday and seemed closer to the centre, according to correspondents, and ambulances were seen in the area.
Earlier reports said some pro-Russian rebels were retreating from the violence.
At least two armoured vehicles used by separatists were seen fleeing the eastern outskirts of the city, which has become a rebel stronghold.
Ukrainian forces were expected to launch an offensive against the pro-Russian militants, who had taken control of several checkpoints and buildings including a television tower.Ukrainian forces were expected to launch an offensive against the pro-Russian militants, who had taken control of several checkpoints and buildings including a television tower.
On Sunday the army cut off the main road into the city. The government in Kiev have called the manoeuvres an “anti-terror” operation.On Sunday the army cut off the main road into the city. The government in Kiev have called the manoeuvres an “anti-terror” operation.
It comes days after rebels shot down two Ukrainian helicopters on the outskirts of Slovyansk. It comes days after rebels shot down two Ukrainian helicopters in the outskirts of Slovyansk.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has accused Russian special forces of backing the separatists in an effort to take control of the east of the country following the annexation of Crimea.The Ukrainian Defence Ministry has accused Russian special forces of backing the separatists in an effort to take control of the east of the country following the annexation of Crimea.
Meanwhile, rebels are claiming that mercenaries and spies from Britain and the US are fighting on the government’s side in Andrievka, near Slovyansk.Meanwhile, rebels are claiming that mercenaries and spies from Britain and the US are fighting on the government’s side in Andrievka, near Slovyansk.
In Odessa, which has seen days of bloody clashes between nationalist and pro-Russian rebels, a victim of the violence has been buried.In Odessa, which has seen days of bloody clashes between nationalist and pro-Russian rebels, a victim of the violence has been buried.
Regional parliament member Vyacheslav Markin died from burns sustained when the city's Soviet-era trade union building was set on fire.Regional parliament member Vyacheslav Markin died from burns sustained when the city's Soviet-era trade union building was set on fire.
More than 30 people were killed in the blaze and clashes outside, where shooting, grenades and molotov cocktails were reported.More than 30 people were killed in the blaze and clashes outside, where shooting, grenades and molotov cocktails were reported.
It had been occupied by pro-Russian protesters, who are now vowing to take control of buildings in the Black Sea port.It had been occupied by pro-Russian protesters, who are now vowing to take control of buildings in the Black Sea port.
As Mr Making,  who was known for speaking out against the government in Kiev, was buried, 300 supporters shouted “Hero, hero!”.As Mr Making,  who was known for speaking out against the government in Kiev, was buried, 300 supporters shouted “Hero, hero!”.
Many of those at the funeral wore the Saint George black and orange ribbon that has become a symbol of the pro-Russian movement in Ukraine and said they were planning to storm the regional government building in Odessa later that afternoon.Many of those at the funeral wore the Saint George black and orange ribbon that has become a symbol of the pro-Russian movement in Ukraine and said they were planning to storm the regional government building in Odessa later that afternoon.
Additional reporting by ReutersAdditional reporting by Reuters