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© RIA Novosti/Mikhail Voskresensky
The self-defense forces who are opposing the assault on Slaviansk by the Ukrainian law enforcers this Friday claim that the Ukrainian soldiers are acting strangely, as if they are under the influence of some drugs.

"These people are overexcited, I personally witnessed a few episodes of unexplained aggression and merriment. As if they are fed pills with food, or something else," a pro-federalization activist told RIA Novosti, after observing the Ukrainian security forces at the abandoned protesters' checkpoint.

Previously, social networks and media reported that psychostimulants could have been given to people on Maidan under the guise of sports nutrition.

Specialists of the Kiev detoxication clinic Socioterapiya diagnosed the Euromaidan participants with signs of withdrawal symptoms, the so-called "cold turkey," which happens when an addict stops using drugs.

Nevertheless, these people deny having ever used drugs. The method of pumping up soldiers with psychotropic substances is a long known one, in particular, it has been has been practiced by the US military.

This helps to create a feeling of euphoria and invincibility, and also allows people to function better without rest for several days.

On February 22, Ukraine went through a regime change. The Verkhovna Rada ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, changed the Constitution and scheduled early presidential elections for May 25. Yanukovych was forced to flee Ukraine under threats to his personal safety but remains the legally elected head of the state.

Moscow has contested the legitimacy of the new leadership. Eastern Ukraine has been hit by pro-federalization protests in mainly Russian-speaking regions.

The Ukrainian government earlier announced a special operation to crack down on the unrest. Moscow has denounced Kiev's actions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly condemned the Kiev authorities' attempts to use their army against civilians.