Government claims full control over Sloviansk, Kramatorsk; starts to fix infrastructure

“We
have also started the process of solving problem issues of receiving
cash for payment of pensions, stipends and wages to the local
poulation,” the ATO press service said in a statement.

The
government also said that the “gangs of terrorists are demoralized,
but continue insidious attacks on the Ukrainian troops.” There was
an attack on a military base in the village of Pisky in Donetsk
region late last night, but the army fought it off without
casualties. There was also a mortar fire attack at a check point in
the middle of the night, but no location was specified.

The
ATO press service also said that two drones were sighted close to
Mariupol, and one of them shot down.

According
to eyewitness reports, many of the insurgents who had been located in
Sloviansk and Kramatorsk had run to Donetsk on July 5, when the
cities were liberated. The mayor’s office in Donetsk said this
morning the city remained quiet, but there are “intensive shootouts
and explosions” coming from the direction of the airport,” which
are loud enough to be heard across the whole city.