Russia accused Kiev of waging war on its own people . The uprisings began when President Viktor Yanukovych , a supporter of closer ties with Moscow , was toppled by demonstrations led by pro-Western figures in February , namely in Kiev , the capital . Ukrainian forces clashed with pro - Russian militants in the flashpoint city of Slovyansk . Ukraine 's Interior Ministry says four people were killed and nearly 30 injured in the city . Ukraine says it launched a military campaign to dislodge pro - Russian militants .
Russia accused Kiev of waging war on its own people . Ukrainian forces clashed with pro - Russian militants in the flashpoint city of Slovyansk . Ukraine 's Interior Ministry says four people were killed and nearly 30 injured in the city . Ukraine says it launched a military campaign to dislodge pro - Russian militants .