LUHANSK, Ukraine – The self-proclaimed Luhansk Republic’s second day of existence was marred by an assassination attempt on its leader Valery Bolotov, separatists announced on May 13. They accused the authorities in Kyiv of plotting the attack.

“Today at about 11 a.m. there

was an assassination attempt on Valery Bolotov. He is wounded but there is no

risk for his life or health,” said Vasily Nikitin, a spokesman of Luhansk

separatists, adding that Bolotov lost a lot of blood but is recovering in a private

clinic.