Ukrainian forces struck pro-Russian separatist bases yesterday in areas in the eastern part of the country, a few hours after the president of Ukraine announced the end of the ceasefire and the resumption of military operations so that the country can get rid of the “parasites”.

This decision by the Ukrainian president provoked strong reactions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said that Poroshenko ignored the advice that he, and the leaders of Germany and France gave him. He added that the Ukrainian president will now bear the full responsibility of the collapse of peace efforts.

repeating the same threat he made in March after the Crimean annexation, Putin stressed that Moscow will continue to defend the interests of Russians abroad, 3 million of which reside in the eastern part of Ukraine.

On the other hand, the United States claimed that the separatists have not lived up to their end of the ceasefire deal and that Poroshenko has “the right to defend his country”.

Within a few hours after Poroshenko’s announcement, Ukrainian troops mobilized with launching attacks on rebels’ bases and checkpoints, bombing them by air and ground.

So far there have been no reports of casualties.