From "A Ukrainian Minibus Driver's Surprise Tour Of War Duty" by Sergei L. Loiko in the "Los Angeles Times":
The Ukrainian special forces sergeant jumped into the front seat of Alexander Kosenko's white minibus with two Kalashnikovs slung over his shoulders, his vest stuffed with a dozen ammo clips, some hand grenades and a couple of machete-size daggers.
"Welcome to hell, Daddy!" he shouted over the constant crackle of automatic fire. "From now on your life hangs on how well you can hear me and follow directions. You got it? Don't say a word."
Kosenko, who was wearing only a T-shirt and jeans, obeyed the sergeant. He pushed the gas pedal to the floor.
Read the full story here.
Here is today's situation map of eastern Ukraine by the National Security and Defense Council:
From RFE/RL's News Desk:
Australia has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the G20 leaders' summit next month, despite concerns about Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on October 12 that the Russian government confirmed that Putin "will be coming to the G20 leaders' summit in Brisbane."
There had been doubts over whether Putin's participation due to the six-month conflict between Kyiv and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, which has killed more than 3,300 people.
Russia drew particular condemnation from Australia over the shooting down of a passenger jet apparently by pro-Russia rebels in Ukraine on July 17.
Dozens of Australians were among the 298 victims.
Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has said he would also meet Putin next week.
Poroshenko said the talks would take place in Milan, where a Europe-Asia Meeting summit will be held on October 16-17. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister David Cameron will also attend the meeting.