2. Detail of where Ukrainian flag symbol has been removed
3. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Strelkov, Defence Minister of self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk:
"Now the fight between Shakhtarsk and Torez continues. Militia (separatist fighters) attack the enemy (Ukrainian army) trying to push them (fighters) out of the strategically important checkpoint number 20 at the crossing between Torez and Shakhtarsk.
4. Cutaway of map
5. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Strelkov, Defence Minister of self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk:
"I will not estimate the outcome (of the battle with Ukrainian government) because not all operations are clear. I can say only this: the enemy is throwing everything they have into battle, all possible resources (have been deployed) to close the circle around the militia forces of Donetsk."
6. Cutaway of helmet rested on map
7. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Strelkov,Defence Minister of self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk:
"Yesterday and today forces of the militia (fighters) massively withdrew from Donetsk to participate in the counterattack near Shakhtarsk. After accomplishing the task, they will return to their positions."
8. Cutaway of map
9. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Igor Strelkov, Defence Minister of self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk:
"I cannot comment on anything, because I do not know how the plane (MH 17) was shot down. I only know that it was shot and that's it. The only thing I can say is that my subordinates didn't shoot it down. Igor Bezler (another separatist military leader) is in Horlivka, the plane was shot in a different place.
(reporter question: What kind of support do you receive from Russia?)
A pro-Russia separatist leader said on Monday his forces continue to battle with the Ukrainian army for control over the strategic eastern Ukrainian town of Shakhtarsk.
Igor Strelkov, minister of defence for the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk, also denied any part in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.
"Yesterday and today forces of the militia (separatist fighters) massively withdrew from Donetsk to participate in the counterattack near Shakhtarsk," Strelkov told a news conference.
Panicking residents in Shakhtarsk fled their homes carrying a few possessions in plastic bags and small suitcases as shells exploded in the distance, fighting that also prevented an international police team from reaching the site of the Malaysia Airlines crash.
The fighting there and elsewhere in the area kept Dutch and Australian police from reaching the site for a second day, where they had planned to begin searching for remaining bodies and gathering forensic evidence.
"I do not know how the plane (MH 17) was shot down," Strelkov said in response to a reporter's question.
"I only know that it was shot and that's it. The only thing I can say is that my subordinates didn't shoot it down."
