In the Ukraine Conflict, Kiev's Gains Risk Escalation

The conflict in Ukraine has evolved significantly in recent weeks. Ukrainian security forces have made progress against the pro-Russia rebellion that has plagued the country since March. Central to Kiev's efforts was the takeover of Slovyansk, which had been a rebel stronghold, by the Ukrainian military over the weekend of July 4-6. The rebels fled their bases and checkpoints in Slovyansk and the surrounding areas, but rather than cross the border into Russia, many instead joined forces with pro-Russian separatists in and around Donetsk to continue fighting.