Conflict in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels has resulted in more than 2,100 people being killed and more than 5,000 injured. Over 300,000 civilians have fled their homes. 

In Russia, the Committee of Soldiers’ Mothers stated that more than 400 Russian soldiers have been injured or have died under mysterious circumstances since the civil war in Ukraine began in April 2014. Also, a Russian human rights council reported that Russian hospitals were “overflowing” with wounded soldiers, suggesting that they have been participating in the fighting.

On Aug. 22, more than 100 Russian trucks entered Ukraine without clearance from the Ukrainian government or monitoring by the Red Cross. Russian authorities said the trucks were carrying food, generators and other aid for the besieged city of Luhansk, held by pro-Russian rebels. There was concern in Ukraine that the convoy was a cover to smuggle in soldiers and weapons.

On Aug. 25, the Ukrainian military stopped a column of up to 50 vehicles, including armored vehicles, heading toward the port of Mariupol. Ukrainian officials said the vehicles crossed into the country from Russia.

On Aug. 27, pro-Russian rebels took control of parts of the southeastern port town of Novoazovsk.

In late August, Ukrainian forces captured 10 Russian soldiers 13 miles inside the border, for the first time proving that active, uniformed Russian military were in Ukraine. Russia said they had become lost patrolling the border. 

On Aug. 28, Nato estimated that more than 1,000 Russian troops were operating in Ukraine, covertly assisting rebels. Russian authorities claimed that any Russian soldiers in Ukraine were volunteers.