SLAVIANSK, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces attacked the rebel-held city of Slaviansk before dawn on Friday and pro-Russia separatists shot down at least one attack helicopter, killing a pilot, in a sharp escalation of the conflict. Describing the use of anti-aircraft missiles as proof of the presence of Russian special forces in the town that has become the military stronghold of the pro-Moscow movement, Ukrainian officials said Slaviansk was “tightly surrounded” and called on separatist leaders to release hostages and surrender. Journalists in the city of 130,000 heard shooting from shortly after 4 a.m. (0100 GMT) and saw a military helicopter open fire. Ukrainian troops could be in seen in armored personnel carriers in a southern suburb. The SBU security service said one military Mi-24 helicopter gunship had been shot down, killing one airman while a second had been taken prisoner by the rebels. – Reuters
