Donetsk \\\'operation\\\' under way: Ukraine

Ukraine's acting President Olexander Turchynov has announced the start of an “anti-terrorist operation” against pro-Russian separatists. He told parliament it was being conducted “stage by stage, in a responsible… manner”. Hours later, gunfire was heard at an airbase which officials said had been in the hands of militants. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the escalation of the conflict had put Ukraine “on the verge of civil war”. The Kremlin said Putin made the warning in a phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. It said that both leaders “emphasised the importance” of planned talks in Geneva on Thursday between Russia, Ukraine, the US and the EU. Turchynov said the airbase at Kramatorsk had been “liberated” from “terrorists”. Pro-Russian rebels have seized buildings in about 10 towns and cities across Ukraine’s eastern provinces, its industrial heartland. Thousands of Russian troops are reported to be deployed along the border, kindling fears that any crackdown on the rebels could trigger an invasion.
Angry crowd
Russia annexed the Ukrainian province of Crimea last month, after it broke away and held a controversial referendum on self-determination. The White House on Tuesday described the Ukrainian government’s response as measured, and warned it was “seriously considering” further sanctions against Russia. President Putin, speaking earlier on Tuesday, said he expected the actions of Ukraine’s government to be condemned by the international community, according to BBC.