A woman carries a baby as she passes destroyed houses following what locals say was overnight shelling by Ukrainian forces in the eastern town of Slovyansk on June 9.
-- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that Moscow and Kyiv have reached a "mutual understanding" on key parts of a plan proposed by President Petro Poroshenko for ending violence in separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine.
-- Reports say up to 20 armed gunmen were trying to seize property from a factory (Topaz) that makes communications and electronic-warfare equipment in the Donetsk region.
-- A deputy foreign minister says Russia will consider any expansion of NATO forces near its borders a "demonstration of hostile intentions" and "take the necessary political and military-technological measures to support our security."
-- A two-man crew for Russian Zvezda TV arrived in Moscow after being released from detention in Ukraine.
-- Serbian officials say their own work on the Russian-backed South Stream gas pipeline will have to be suspended after Bulgaria stopped construction of its portion based on EU and U.S. concerns.
-- Ukrainian security forces are reportedly still battling pro-Russian separatists in the east near Slovyansk and Donetsk.
*NOTE: Times are stated according to local time in Kyiv
Scenes from Donetsk, where the Ukrainian security forces' battle to retake an international airport from militants continues.
Gunfire, Blasts As Donetsk Airport Becomes Scene Of Heavy Fighting
1/11Pro-Russian separatists of the self-proclaimed "Vostok Battalion" preparing to board a truck at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the city of Donetsk on May 25.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
2/11Pro-Russian separatists said to be from the self-proclaimed "Vostok Battalion" cheered on their comrades aboard a truck at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Donetsk on election day, one day before the airport fighting.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
3/11A military truck with heavily armed pro-Russian militants drives through a police checkpoint toward the airport of the eastern city of Donetsk.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
4/11Pro-Russian militants patrolling Donetsk's international airport early on May 26, before the heavy fighting erupted.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
5/11A pro-Russian militant takes up a position atop the Donetsk airport's roof.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
6/11The militants set up a mortar launcher atop Donetsk's international airport.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
7/11The terminal of Donetsk international airport is seen behind a cemetery.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
8/11Smoke rises from Donetsk's international airport during heavy fighting between Ukrainian and pro-Russian forces on May 26.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
9/11Smoke rises through a cemetery over the Donetsk airport during fighting between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
10/11Smoke billows from Donetsk airport during heavy fighting between Ukrainian and pro-Russian forces.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
11/11A Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter gunship fires its cannons at rebels at the main terminal building of Donetsk's international airport on May 26.
Heavy fighting broke out on May 26 at the international airport in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, a major foothold for pro-Russian separatists. After reports early in the day said gunmen had stormed the airport and forced its closure, Ukrainian troops rushed to the scene. Explosions and gunfire erupted, sending smoke into the skies as the fighting continued. Fighter aircraft were also deployed to the scene. With the battle still raging, AFP reported that Ukrainian security forces had attacked after a deadline to the separatist occupiers expired.
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14:3526.5.2014
Joao Soares, special coordinator of the OSCE observer mission in Kyiv, speaking today at a news conference in Kyiv:
"The remarkable efforts that authorities and voters went to in [eastern and southern] regions, is a clear message to the separatist rebels: 'You cannot win by breaking the laws.' This is a very comprehensive statement."
"Yesterday was [a] critical [day], but so it is tomorrow and the next day. Dialogue, dialogue between all forces whatever their position in the country, must continue and must improve. Dialogue is the only solution in a democratic state."
"This election has provided the stability needed for a clear and forward looking discussion on Ukraine's future."
14:0426.5.2014
An update on the Donetsk situation, from our newsroom:
Reports say the Ukrainian military has launched an offensive backed by combat aircraft at the main airport in Donetsk following its seizure by armed separatists.
AFP quotes a Ukranian military spokesperson as saying privately that forces launched the attack after an ultimatum to the separatists expired.
Western media report the sounds of explosions and shooting at the airport, with smoke billowing from inside its perimeter.
The main airport in Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine, shut down earlier May 26 after armed men demanded that soldiers guarding the perimeter of the airport be withdrawn.
The development comes as the leader of the separatist, self-declared Donetsk People's Republic said he is imposing martial law in Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Denis Pushilin said in a tweet that martial law went into effect at 0000 on May 26.
Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
14:0226.5.2014
Here are some of AFP photographer Alexander Khudoteply's amazing pictures from Donetsk airport today. These are the heavily armed pro-Russian gunmen who initially seized the facility are are presumably engaged in the current pitched battle against Ukrainian military forces.
