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Patrick Wells

Produced by Patrick Wells

March 27, 2015
Civilian Casualties Push Men to Join Rebels in Eastern Ukraine

Many new recruits — 'born as Russians in our blood' — are residents of Ukraine made bitter by grievances new and old
March 27, 2015
Civilian Casualties Push Men to Join Rebels in Ukraine

The continued fighting in eastern Ukraine and the shelling of civilian neighborhoods seem to be pushing more men to join the separatist fighters. Many of the new recruits are residents of Ukraine made bitter by new grievances, as well as old. VOA's Patrick Wells reports.
March 12, 2015
In E. Ukraine, Civilian Deaths Push Men to Join Rebels

Presence of Ukrainian military and shelling of civilian neighborhoods after months of fighting seem to be pushing many to join pro-Russian separatists
March 10, 2015
War in Ukraine Leaves Many Elderly in a Vulnerable Position

The UN estimates 60% of the internally displaced in Ukraine are senior citizens, who often experience poor health and increased anxiety
March 06, 2015
In Ukraine Town, No Home Untouched by War

Ninety percent of Nikishino is damaged, destroyed as government forces fail to stop rebel advance
March 06, 2015
In Ukraine's Nikishino, No House Untouched by Fighting

In the village of Nikishino, in eastern Ukraine, recent fighting has brought utter devastation. Ninety percent of the houses are damaged or destroyed after government forces tried and failed to stop rebels advancing on the strategically important town of Debaltseve nearby. Patrick Wells reports for VOA from Nikishino.
March 04, 2015
Ukrainian Authorities Struggle to Secure a Divided Mariupol

Since cease-fire, shelling around city has decreased, but pro-Russian separatists are believed ready to attack — and residents are on edge
March 04, 2015
Ukrainian Authorities Struggle to Secure a Divided Mariupol

Since last month's cease-fire went into effect, shelling around the port city of Mariupol has decreased, but it is thought pro-Russian separatists remain poised to attack. For the city’s authorities, a major challenge is gaining the trust of residents, while at the same time rooting out informants who are passing sensitive information to the rebels. Patrick Wells reports for VOA.
March 04, 2015
At Least 33 Dead in Ukraine Mine Blast

Mine officials say explosion most likely caused by gas and not linked to fighting between pro-Russian rebels, Kyiv government at nearby front line in Donetsk
March 01, 2015
Ukrainian Forces Prepare to Defend Mariupol

Despite cease-fire deal, soldiers in key port city fear that pro-Russian separatists may be preparing for attack
May 26, 2014
Ukraine - Donetsk Airport

Battle erupted at the main airport in the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine Monday, after a rebel attack was met with government airstrikes and assault by paratroops. Patrick Wells was at the scene.
May 26, 2014
Ukraine Government Battles Rebels at Donetsk Airport

Renewed violence follows Sunday's presidential vote, with apparent winner Petro Poroshenko calling for faster military responses to separatist attacks
May 25, 2014
Donetsk Region's Voting Turnout Highest Where Military Controlled Polls

Despite threats, intimidation from pro-Russian separatists, Sunday's vote proceeded in areas broadly under government control, though pro-Russian separatists shut down polling stations in Donetsk city
May 25, 2014
Donetsk Region's Voting Turnout Highest Where Military Controlled Polls

In eastern Ukraine, most polling stations were closed amid threats and intimidation from pro-Russian separatists, but stations did open in some areas. Patrick Wells reports from Krasnoarmeysk, in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
May 23, 2014
Intimidation Mars Donetsk Preparations for Sunday's Ukraine Vote

As fresh attacks in eastern Ukraine left 13 government soldiers dead, armed separatists in the Donetsk region visited polling stations, ordering election officials to cease their preparations for Sunday’s general election. Patrick Wells reports from Donetsk.
May 23, 2014
Intimidation Mars Donetsk Preparations for Sunday's Ukraine Vote

VOA visits polling station where preparations are taking place amid serious doubts about whether vote will actually go on as planned
May 21, 2014
Ukraine Tycoon's Workforce Protests Against Pro-Russians

Employees of Rinat Akhmetov stage small demonstrations against separatists
May 21, 2014
Ukraine Tycoon's Workforce Protests Against Pro-Russians

For the second day in a row, employees of the Ukrainian steel magnate Rinat Akhmetov staged small demonstrations against separatists in Donetsk and other cities across eastern Ukraine. Patrick Wells reports from Donetsk, Ukraine
May 20, 2014
Ethnic Minorities in Donetsk Fear Intolerance from Increased Russian Influence

Donetsk -- in eastern Ukraine -- is a cosmopolitan city, home to Tatars, Jews, Turks, Greeks and international students who come from all over the world to study medicine. But some among the city's minorities fear that increased Russian influence will lead to intolerance of ethnic and religious diversity. Patrick Wells reports from Donetsk.
May 20, 2014
Donetsk Minorities Fear Intolerance from Increased Russian Influence

Some students say they have faced increased suspicion, racist abuse since pro-Russian separatist movement began

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