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Ukraine attack in Sloviansk draws stern Putin warning | Ukraine attack in Sloviansk draws stern Putin warning |
(35 minutes later) | |
Ukrainian commandos have moved on the separatist stronghold of Sloviansk in eastern Ukraine, prompting a warning of "consequences" from Russia's president. | |
At least two separatists were reported killed as commandos, backed by armoured vehicles, cleared checkpoints on the outskirts of the town. | At least two separatists were reported killed as commandos, backed by armoured vehicles, cleared checkpoints on the outskirts of the town. |
But a BBC correspondent says the centre of Sloviansk is currently quiet. | But a BBC correspondent says the centre of Sloviansk is currently quiet. |
Pro-Russian separatists are occupying key buildings in at least a dozen eastern towns, defying Kiev. | Pro-Russian separatists are occupying key buildings in at least a dozen eastern towns, defying Kiev. |
There was also further unrest earlier on Thursday in the south-eastern city of Mariupol. | There was also further unrest earlier on Thursday in the south-eastern city of Mariupol. |
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said government forces had ousted pro-Russian militants from the city hall building. But another BBC correspondent says there is no sign of Ukrainian troops anywhere nearby. | Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said government forces had ousted pro-Russian militants from the city hall building. But another BBC correspondent says there is no sign of Ukrainian troops anywhere nearby. |
Some reports say the Ukrainian armoured vehicles and troops in the Sloviansk operation have now pulled back. | |
Speaking on Russian TV as news of the Sloviansk operation was coming in, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "If the regime in Kiev has begun using the army against the population inside the country, then this is undoubtedly a very serious crime. | Speaking on Russian TV as news of the Sloviansk operation was coming in, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "If the regime in Kiev has begun using the army against the population inside the country, then this is undoubtedly a very serious crime. |
"Of course, this will have consequences for the people who take such decisions, and this also affects our inter-state relations." | "Of course, this will have consequences for the people who take such decisions, and this also affects our inter-state relations." |
In another development, the funeral is taking place for a pro-Ukrainian politician, Volodymyr Rybak, who was abducted and killed in Donetsk region. | In another development, the funeral is taking place for a pro-Ukrainian politician, Volodymyr Rybak, who was abducted and killed in Donetsk region. |
Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has accused Russia of flouting a deal on Ukraine reached in Geneva last week, under which illegal armed groups, including those who have seized public buildings, would return home. | Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has accused Russia of flouting a deal on Ukraine reached in Geneva last week, under which illegal armed groups, including those who have seized public buildings, would return home. |
Mr Obama told a news conference in Japan that Moscow had failed to halt actions by militants in the region and warned that the US had further sanctions against Russia "teed up". | Mr Obama told a news conference in Japan that Moscow had failed to halt actions by militants in the region and warned that the US had further sanctions against Russia "teed up". |
A contingent of US troops has begun landing in Poland for military exercises amid concerns among Nato's eastern member states about Russia's intentions. | A contingent of US troops has begun landing in Poland for military exercises amid concerns among Nato's eastern member states about Russia's intentions. |
Moscow has said it will respond to any attack on its interests in Ukraine. | Moscow has said it will respond to any attack on its interests in Ukraine. |
Unrest began in Ukraine last November over whether the country should look towards Moscow or the West. | Unrest began in Ukraine last November over whether the country should look towards Moscow or the West. |
Are you in Sloviansk? Are you in Mariupol? How has the unrest affected you? You can email us your experiences at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, using the subject line 'Ukraine'. | Are you in Sloviansk? Are you in Mariupol? How has the unrest affected you? You can email us your experiences at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, using the subject line 'Ukraine'. |