Kiev started on Sunday deadly operation against pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s east.

Kiev started on Sunday deadly operation against pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine’s east.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said both sides had suffered casualties in the offensive in Slavyansk that threatens to further escalate tensions with Russia.
"There are dead and wounded on both sides," Avakov wrote on his Facebook page.

"On our side -- an SBU (Ukrainian Security Service) officer. On the side of the separatists -- an unidentified number... The separatists have started to protect themselves using human shields."

Russia Today reported a gunfight in the city of Slavyansk in eastern Ukraine, where anti-government protesters seized several buildings.

“Helicopters are flying over the defiant city in the Donetsk region. The aircraft are Ukrainian, judging by two white markings on their tails painted on all Ukrainian military hardware to distinguish them from Russian ones of the same design.

Armored infantry vehicles have been also spotted near the city,” RT said.
Earlier, Avakov announced “anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Russian gunmen holed up in a police station in the restive east.

“An anti-terrorist operation has begun in Slavyansk. It is being directed by the anti-terrorist center of the state security service. Forces from all the security units of the country have been brought in,” he said.

Earlier on Saturday, the interior and defense ministries announced their plans to launch operational responses to separatist sentiments in the eastern parts of the country after the seizure of government buildings by the pro-Russian protesters in Slavyansk in southern Donetsk.

Following the secession of Crimea from Ukraine in March, the secessionist movement soon spread to other regions including Odessa, Lugansk, Nikolayev, Slavyansk, Kramatorsk and Druzhkovka, which are all located in Donetsk Province.

Protesters in these areas have taken control of government buildings and raised the Russian flag on the buildings.

Reports say fighting has erupted in several towns in eastern Ukraine. Protesters demand a referendum on breaking away from Ukraine and integrating into Russia, but Ukrainian officials say their demands are unacceptable.