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Ukraine attack in Sloviansk draws stern Putin warning Ukraine move 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. Ukrainian commandos have moved on the separatist stronghold of Sloviansk, prompting a warning of "consequences" from Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
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 the commandos, backed by armoured vehicles, cleared checkpoints on the outskirts of the eastern town.
But a BBC correspondent says the centre of Sloviansk is currently quiet. But a BBC correspondent says the centre of Sloviansk is 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 there.
However, the BBC's Natalia Antelava in Mariupol says that although it appears the mayor and an armed contingent did enter early in the morning there is no sign of Ukrainian troops now.
She says pro-Russian activists plan to re-enter once the building has been checked for mines.
Some reports say the Ukrainian armoured vehicles and troops in the Sloviansk operation have now pulled back.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. BBC correspondents visited one checkpoint, south of a village called Makatikha, and reported seeing smoking tyres and broken sandbags. But they say there was no live fire and no sign of bodies.
The BBC's Steve Rosenberg, in Sloviansk, says the centre of the town appears calm, with people in the streets and the makeshift checkpoints set up by pro-Russian activists still in place.
Speaking on Russian TV as news of the Sloviansk operation was coming in, Mr 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.
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. Separately, the funeral has been taking place in Horlivka for pro-Ukrainian politician Volodymyr Rybak, who was abducted and killed in Donetsk region.
The BBC's Steve Rosenberg, who was earlier in Horlivka, said friends and relatives of Mr Rybak stood nearby listening to an Orthodox Christian priest chanting prayers amid a mood of shock and of deep pessimism for the future.
Moscow has said it will respond to any attack on its interests in Ukraine, and has tens of thousands of troops along its side of the border.
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'.