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Ukraine crisis: 'Shelling hits' rebel-held Donetsk Ukraine crisis: 'Shelling hits' rebel-held Donetsk
(35 minutes later)
Heavy shelling has been heard in the rebel-held Ukrainian city of Donetsk as a Russian convoy approaches the Ukrainian border.Heavy shelling has been heard in the rebel-held Ukrainian city of Donetsk as a Russian convoy approaches the Ukrainian border.
Initial reports say people poured out of offices in the centre of the city after an evacuation warning sounded.Initial reports say people poured out of offices in the centre of the city after an evacuation warning sounded.
Donetsk has been surrounded for several weeks by Ukrainian forces battling pro-Russian rebels.Donetsk has been surrounded for several weeks by Ukrainian forces battling pro-Russian rebels.
Meanwhile, more than 100 lorries carrying Russian aid are approaching a rebel-controlled border crossing.Meanwhile, more than 100 lorries carrying Russian aid are approaching a rebel-controlled border crossing.
There is continuing confusion over their final destination. There is continuing confusion over their final destination. On Thursday afternoon, the lorries had got to within a few miles of the border, where they had parked in a field, reports the BBC's Steve Rosenberg, who is following the convoy.
Russia has dismissed as absurd claims that its convoy is a pretext to send military supplies to the rebels.Russia has dismissed as absurd claims that its convoy is a pretext to send military supplies to the rebels.
The situation is reported to be desperate in the rebel-held city of Luhansk, where civilians have been short of water, food and electricity for more than a week. Phone lines are also down as shelling continues.
But Ukraine has said the Russian convoy must be inspected by international monitors before it can be let in.But Ukraine has said the Russian convoy must be inspected by international monitors before it can be let in.
The situation is reported to be desperate in the rebel-held city of Luhansk, where civilians have been short of water, food and electricity for more than a week. Phone lines are also down as shelling continues.
A senior International Red Cross (ICRC) official, Laurent Corbaz, is flying to the Ukrainian capital Kiev and then on to Moscow to discuss the Russian aid initiative.
The ICRC says Ukraine and Russia need to clarify border crossing procedures.
Also on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Crimea where he has announced that he has approved a defence ministry plan to set up a "Russian military task force" in Crimea. But he says the task force will not be "excessive", Reuters reports.Also on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Crimea where he has announced that he has approved a defence ministry plan to set up a "Russian military task force" in Crimea. But he says the task force will not be "excessive", Reuters reports.
Russia annexed the territory from Ukraine in March, in a move that drew international condemnation.Russia annexed the territory from Ukraine in March, in a move that drew international condemnation.
Fighting in eastern Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks, with the UN saying there has been a spike in the number of deaths.Fighting in eastern Ukraine has intensified in recent weeks, with the UN saying there has been a spike in the number of deaths.
Some 2,086 people have been killed since the conflict began in mid-April, and more than half of them died in the past two weeks, the UN said.Some 2,086 people have been killed since the conflict began in mid-April, and more than half of them died in the past two weeks, the UN said.
The violence began when pro-Russian rebels seized government buildings and tried to declare independence.The violence began when pro-Russian rebels seized government buildings and tried to declare independence.
The military launched an operation to retake the east, and stepped up its activities in June.The military launched an operation to retake the east, and stepped up its activities in June.
Are you in the region? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk adding 'Ukraine crisis' in the subject heading and including your contact details.Are you in the region? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk adding 'Ukraine crisis' in the subject heading and including your contact details.