Russia has not received any official request from the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) for Russian help, Presidential aide Yury Ushakov said on Wednesday.

      “I did not the request on my table, but if the Republic’s Head Denis Pushilin sent it, then it would probably arrive,” Ushakov said.

      On Tuesday, Donetsk self-declared governor Denis Pushilin released an online video message asking Russia to provide the rebellious region with “any possible help,” following a spike in hostilities around its capital city Donetsk. He also announced the DPR was switching to Russian law.

      On Monday, Donetsk became the focal point of the Ukraine authorities’ anti-terror operation involving strike helicopters and fighter jets. After a battle at the Donetsk airport, which had been previously seized by DPN's armed forces, they were forced to retreat. National Guard units of the Kiev regime moved out towards the center of the city, but separatists blocked their path with vehicles.

      The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics in eastern Ukraine held referendums on self-determination on May 11, with over 90 percent of voters supporting greater autonomy. The two republics signed a treaty on May 24 to establish the Union of People’s Republics.