Pro-Russia forces shot down two Ukrainian helicopters on Friday. Two helicopter crew members are killed and pro-Russia militiaman was also reported as killed.
The Ukrainian Security Service said that one of the helicopters was hit by a surface to-air missile. This is in response to groups that seized government buildings. Right now, the fighting is centered around the city of Slovyansk, located 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the Russian border. The troops took control of nine checkpoints on the roads around Slovyansk,
According to the Associated Press, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said in a statement, "We are ready to negotiate with protesters and their representatives," Avakov added, "But for terrorists and armed separatists, there is only punishment."
On his Facebook page, Avakov posted, "Against Ukraine's special forces, terrorists used heavy artillery, including grenade launchers and portable anti-aircraft missile launchers,” according to Reuters. He verified that a pilot is dead.
Ukrainian troops met fierce resistance Friday morning. In February, Kiev's interim government came to power after President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia. Ukraine plans to hold a new presidential election on May 25.