Russian-backed Separatists Launch Offensive in Ukraine
June 5, 2015 - Hugo Spaulding![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumb-wide/public/Hugo%20Backgrounder%20Final%20Draft%20cover_1.png?itok=eAWaoBrO)
Russian-backed separatists launched a long-anticipated offensive maneuver on June 3 that fully severed a fraying ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. After weeks of military buildup and operational expansion along the front line, the Russian-backed forces stormed government-held military positions immediately west of the separatist stronghold of Donetsk before being driven back by Ukrainian troops.