Fierce fighting between Ukraine government troops and rebels is continuing. In the cities of Kramatorsk and Slovyansk up to a dozen militia are said to have been killed with several soldiers reportedly wounded since Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the commander of pro-Russian forces in Donetsk has given Ukraine troops a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw or face sustained attack.

It comes after the Ukraine government held the first in a series of round-table discussions on decentralising power as part of a peace plan.

Despite the absence of any of the separatist groups, who were not invited, the talks broke up with no sign of a breakthrough.

But the government insists it will not put off plans to hold the presidential election on May 25.

Some eastern regions have clearly stated they will not take part while others say the pro-Russian rebellion risks undermining the results.