Donetsk, Ukraine (CNN) -- The world sees Ukraine in turmoil, a country divided between Russian speakers and Ukrainian nationalists, its towns and cities roiled by occupations, its highways dotted with improvised barricades. The reality is rather different. Only one town in eastern Ukraine -- Slovyansk, is truly held by pro-Russian protesters, with roadblocks at several entrances. Its defenders are a mixture of the "men in green," dozens of well-armed fighters wearing fatigues and balaclavas, teenagers looking for some action and what might be termed the Baboushka Brigade, middle-aged women with flashing gold teeth who decry the Kiev "junta" and see Vladimir Putin as their savior (and the prospect of Russian ownership as bringing improved pensions).
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World sees Ukraine in turmoil, but reality is different, writes CNN's Tim Lister
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Lister: Only one town in eastern Ukraine -- Slovyansk, is truly held by pro-Russian protesters
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But most people go about their lives almost oblivious to the upheaval, he writes
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There seem to be more weapons in circulation, compared to two weeks ago, he says
Trucks negotiate the slalom of checkpoints on their way to and from the @placeholder border.