The battle for Donetsk airport

A Ukrainian soldier patrols inside the Donetsk airport. It has been the scene of fierce fighting between government troops and pro-Russia separatists since May.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

A Ukrainian soldier carries grenade launchers brought by a supply convoy. The delivery sparked a shootout with pro-Russia separatists.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Ukrainian army Maj. Valery Rud fights pro-Russia separatists inside the airport.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

A soldier takes a nap during a break in the fighting.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Fighters from the pro-government Right Sector militia provoke an enemy sniper.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Troops cook a meal.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Only three floors remain in the blackened skeleton of the terminal.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

A Ukraine soldier takes a smoking break in the fighting with pro-Russia separatists inside Donetsk airport last week. The airport has been the scene of fierce fighting between the government troops and pro-Russia separatists since last May.  (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Troops have a meal at the airport.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

A Ukrainian soldiers takes part in a shootout with pro-Russia separatists on the road to the Donetsk airport.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

A soldier enjoys a break in the fighting at the airport.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Government forces discuss an operation to deliver supplies and ammo to the Donetsk airport.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

Maj. Rud stands in front of a separatist artillery round that flew into the airport but did not explode.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

A parking lot and the control tower as seen from a terminal at the airport.  (Sergei Loiko / Los Angeles Times)

The new airport on May 14, 2012.  (AFP/Getty Images)