Fierce fighting continues to rage in eastern Ukraine today as government forces claimed they killed 300 pro-Russian separatists. Kiev's 'anti-terrorist operation' said the rebel fighters were killed and about 500 wounded in the past 24 hours in and around the city of Slaviansk, a strategically located separatist stronghold. Government forces used aircraft, helicopters and artillery in a fierce attack to try to root out the separatists who have controlled Slaviansk and surrounding areas since early April. Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama issued a new warning to Russia saying the West will 'refuse to allow the dark tactics of the 20th century to define the 21st.'
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Kiev's 'anti-terrorist operation' said 300 rebel fighters were killed
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Fighting has raged for 24 hours in and around city of Slaviansk
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The area is a strategically located separatist stronghold
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Meanwhile, Obama announced new U.S. help for Ukraine's army
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He said he will 'refuse to allow dark tactics to define the 21st century'
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G-7 group will meet in Brussels today, without Vladimir Putin
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But Cameron, Hollande and Merkel will meet with him on Friday
Russia
'Our free nations will stand united so that further Russian provocations will only mean more isolation and costs for @placeholder,' Obama said.