Ukraine’s interim President Olexander Turchynov says the armed forces have commenced an “anti-terrorist operation” aimed at dislodging pro-Russian separatists from government buildings and police stations in the eastern part of the country.  Russian president Vladimir Putin reportedly phoned German Chancellor Angela Merkel to say Ukraine is “on the verge of civil war”.

Pro-Russian rebels have seized buildings in about ten towns and cities across Ukraine's industrial eastern provinces.  The US, EU, and Ukraine accused Moscow of directing the occupations and sending in agents to help.

Turchynov told parliament the operation was being conducted “stage by stage, in a responsible.. manner”.  Within hours, witnesses heard gunfire at an airbase that officials said had been in the hands of militants.

The escalating conflict is raising fears in the West and in Kiev that Russia might intervene militarily to “protect” Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine, just like it did when it annexed the Crimean Peninsula.