Slovyansk Celebrating Liberation Anniversary. Poroshenko is Expected

June 5 is the second anniversary of liberation of Slovyansk, Kramatorsk and other Northern cities and towns of Donetska Oblast from separatist militants. President Poroshenko is expected to visit Slovyansk on this day, according to the press-service of Donetska Oblast State Administration.

In April 2014 an armed conflict started in Donbas. Armed militants, who were trained and supported by Russia, attacked and seized a number of Ukrainian cities and towns under the separatist banners and slogans.

On July 5, 2014 fighters of the National Guard of Ukraine raised the Ukrainian National Flag over Slovyansk City Council. Ukrainian army also liberated the city of Kramatorsk the same day. Kostyantynivka, Druzhkivka, Bakhmut [ed: by then it was called Artemivsk] were also liberated in July 2014. Since October 13, 2014 Kramatorsk became temporarily administrative center of Donetska oblast.

Sources: Ukrinform, Ukrayinska Pravda