DONETSK, UKRAINE—Fighting raged Sunday on the western outskirts of Donetsk as the advancing Ukrainian army tried to seize control of the rebel stronghold. In danger of being encircled, the separatists renewed their calls for Russia to send troops to their aid.

To support their operations, the pro-Russian fighters have been confiscating vehicles and food from residents and businesses in Donetsk. The centre of the major industrial city is all but deserted, with few people or cars on the streets, and most stores and restaurants closed.

A spokesman for the Ukrainian military operation, Alexei Dmitrashkovsky, said government soldiers were fighting Sunday to hold positions they had taken on the edge of Donetsk but were meeting resistance.

In the part of the city closest to the fighting, an artillery shell hit a school overnight, but no one was reported hurt.

“The shell went through the roof and exploded inside the building, setting off a fire, but we still don’t know who fired it,” said Dmitry Levonchik, a 45-year-old coal miner. “Who needs this war? What are they fighting for?”

Pavel Gubarev, the self-proclaimed governor of the separatist Donetsk region, said the rebels would win quickly if Russia sent troops.

“Of course it would be great to see Russian peacekeepers here: strong artillery units, tank brigades,” Gubarev said. “This war would be over in a day, maybe two.”

Ukraine and the West say they have evidence Russia is arming the separatists. Russia denies this and describes the Russian citizens fighting in eastern Ukraine as volunteers.

Many Donetsk residents have counted on help from Russia.

“What is Putin waiting for? He inspired us to fight,” said Ilya Sumyatin, a 38-year-old separatist fighter. “We had hoped for help from Russia, but we have been abandoned.”

The separatist fighters in Donetsk have proclaimed the right to confiscate any “strategically important resources” to support their operations.

On Sunday, a major trucking company that delivers to grocery stores said it was suspending its operations in Donetsk after rebel fighters raided its warehouses. The company, Deliveri, said in a statement on its website that the goods stolen Saturday evening were worth about $840,000.

With the Ukrainian army approaching the city, many Donetsk residents have become reluctant to express support for the rebel fighters.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

“Donetsk has turned into a dark hole where you can be taken prisoner, robbed, killed or have your home destroyed,” said Inna Statsenko, a 52-year-old bank employee, who said she once supported the separatists.

“Now I see that nothing good will come of this. It’s time to escape this nightmare,” she said.

Read more about: