Ukraine Rebels Are Retreating for Last Stand

[Bob Of Burleson]

By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
The New York Times

KIEV, Ukraine — Separatist rebels retreated Monday from positions in eastern Ukraine, apparently blowing up bridges, and began building barricades in the two largest cities, Donetsk and Luhansk, in anticipation of a final stand against advancing government troops.

While separatist leaders have complained bitterly about being sold out by their allies in Moscow, Ukrainian officials said Monday that they had succeeded in sealing the previously porous border with Russia, stopping the influx of new weapons and fighters.

The action on Monday came after a series of surprising successes by Ukraine’s underequipped and underfunded military, which in recent days has driven the rebels from some strongholds that were seized early in the three-month rebellion. It has accomplished this without encountering strong resistance or a reaction from Moscow.

Ukraine’s president, Petro O. Poroshenko, called off a cease-fire last week and vowed to defeat the rebels on the battlefield. But that has raised the prospect of protracted and bloody urban warfare with significant civilian casualties.

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[Bob Of Burleson]

I thought a deal was in the works between Moscow and Kiev. Now if Putin doesn't renege...

[planosteve]

I don't see how they get away with calling Ukranians who oppose the Chocolate King we installed as the puppet dictator to replace the legitimate govt that we overthrew, "seperatists". But, that's the good ol New York Slimes for you.

[jellowrestling]

I don't see how they get away with calling Ukranians who oppose the Chocolate King we installed as the puppet dictator to replace the legitimate govt that we overthrew, "seperatists". But, that's the good ol New York Slimes for you.

You will need to define "legitimate" for me.

[Bob Of Burleson]

The opponents of the Kiev government want to separate themselves from that entity, so I don't see where calling them "separatists" is inappropriate.