Donetsk Donuts: Insurgents Take a Joyride in Ukraine APC

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By Brian Ries2014-04-16 11:39:10 UTC

Tensions may be simmering in eastern Ukraine, but that doesn't mean they can't have a little fun.

After reporters there spotted a column of armored personnel carriers rolling into the city of Slovyansk on Wednesday, which is occupied by pro-Russian insurgents, one of them was filmed doing donuts in the streets. A man sits on top of the military vehicle holding his gun like a cowboy riding a bull.

See also: My Escape From Eastern Ukraine

Reporters say the vehicles entered the city flying Russian flags, and some of the troops said they were Ukrainian soldiers who had defected for the pro-Russian militia. Insurgents have seized police headquarters and government buildings across the region, demanding greater autonomy and independence from the acting central government in Kiev.

The APCs had been sent to the region as part of an "anti-terrorist operation" launched by Ukraine's acting President Oleksander Turchinov.

"The anti-terrorist operation began during the night in the north of Donetsk region. But it will take place in stages, responsibly, in a considered way," he told parliament on Tuesday. "I stress again: The aim of these operations is to defend the citizens of Ukraine."

Moscow has warned the Ukrainian government against using force to clear the demonstrators, as Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said "the country is on the brink of civil war" on his Facebook page.

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Image: Efrem Lukatsky/Associated Press