In eastern Ukraine, pro-Russian rebels have warned they will do everything in their power to prevent presidential elections taking place.

In Donetsk, pro-Russian separatist fighters smashed ballot boxes and patrolled polling stations.

Fewer than 18% of polling stations were open, with many residents saying they were scared to vote.

Meanwhile it is being reported that a 30 year old Italian journalist and his Russian translator have been killed near the town of Slaviansk by mortars, in circumstances that remain unclear. Another French photographer was also wounded.

Italy’s foreign ministry said photojournalist Andrea Rocchelli had been covering the conflict ahead of the presidential election.