16/04/2014 10:25
Ukraine says Donetsk 'anti-terror operation' under way
Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has announced the start of an "anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Russian separatists, the BBC reported.
He told parliament it was being conducted "stage by stage, in a responsible... manner."
Hours later, gunfire was heard at an airbase which officials said had been in the hands of militants.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the escalation of the conflict had put Ukraine "on the verge of civil war."
The Kremlin said Mr Putin made the warning in a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
It said that both leaders "emphasised the importance" of planned talks in Geneva on Thursday between Russia, Ukraine, the US and the EU.
Mr Turchynov said the airbase at Kramatorsk had been "liberated" from "terrorists."
Pro-Russian rebels have seized buildings in about 10 towns and cities across Ukraine's eastern provinces, its industrial heartland.