On 3 June 2015 fresh violence returned to the town as pro-Russian rebels launched an offensive there, involving 1,000 troops, tanks and heavy artillery.[5] The rebels stated they only engaged in defence measures after an assault by the Ukrainian army. Video footage showed outgoing artillery fire originating in residential areas in Donetsk held by the rebels, directed at Ukrainian government positions, a violation of both the Minsk II agreement and Geneva Conventions. The attacking rebel forces included a number of Russian regular soldiers.[11] The Ukrainian government accused Russia of inciting the conflict.[12] Western diplomats stated that the assault was carried out by combined Russian-separatist forces.[11]
^Wolkov, Nicole; Hird, Karolina; Harward, Christina; Mappes, Grace; Barros, George (9 April 2024). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 9, 2024". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 9 April 2024. Geolocated footage published on April 8 shows that Russian forces made gains along Vatutin Street in southeastern Krasnohorivka