Russian Spring: Our investigation of the Easter night gunfire

A check point near Slovyansk, manned by unarmed volunteers, witnessed a heinous attack by radical forces today, at about 1 am. According to witnesses, four cars approached the check point and started firing explosive bullets at unsuspecting people, who were there to check the cars and inform any military intrusion. Three of them were shot dead on the spot, one has been hospitalized in a critical condition.

A group of protesters from the city came just in time to prevent further killings. Two of the attackers are reported dead, others fled, leaving 2 cars behind. There are reports of about 7 attackers being injured.

After searching the cars, protesters found more than enough evidence of why is behind this outrageous act. Right Sector ID cards, Dmitriy Yarosh (Sector’s leader) visiting cards, sniper equipment, an array of weapons which are not used by Ukrainian forces, aerial maps, smoke pellets…

The gunfire took place on a Holy Easter day, when both the protesters and the security services of Ukraine announced a peaceful truce, the same brought to attention of OSCE representatives. This was done in order to de-escalate violence and let people enjoy a peaceful celebration of Easter, considered the most holy and auspicious day for Christians.

Nevertheless, protesters chose to stay alert and reinforce strategic points, and this probably saved Slovyansk some grave events, had the radicals managed to enter the city.

— We are aware that days of celebration are usually used for sabotage and provocative acts. Our intention is to introduce strict entry procedures for the area. Cars, IDs will be checked to find any Western Ukraine trace.- said one of the volunteers.

Interior Ministry of Ukraine confirmed the gunfire incident.

A curfew between midnight and 6 am is introduced in Slovyansk, from today onwards.

The investigation continues.