The Ukrainian army recaptured the rebel strongholds of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk after the pro-Russian separatists fled following a major military offensive, authorities said Saturday according to dpa. A militant spokesman said fighters have pulled back to the eastern city of Donetsk, in what was described as a tactical move to consolidate forces. The leadership in Kiev called the recapture of the two cities, along with other smaller towns, "one of the greatest victories" since the beginning of its "anti-terrorist operation" in mid-April to retake areas under separatist control.
