Ukrainian officials on April 25 said they were scaling up their anti-terrorist campaign launched on April 24 in its restive eastern region, flouting warnings from Moscow against taking action against Kremlin-backed militants who have captured 29 key government buildings in 10 cities. As the operation got underway, pro-Russian militants reportedly shot down a Ukrainian helicopter, injuring its pilot.

In a message posted to Facebook, Arsen Avakov squashed reports that the mission had been suspended, saying it was still on. “ATO (anti-terrorist operation) continues. Terrorists should beware around the clock. Civilians have nothing to fear,” he said.