Ukraine Launches Military Operations Against Pro-Moscow Separatists. Russia Says Ukraine Close To Civil War

In this photo taken on Monday, April 14, 2014, Ukrainian soldiers stand on military vehicles with Ukrainian national flags in a field about 70 kilometers from the eastern Ukrainian town of Slovyansk, where the Ukrainian regional administration building was seized by pro-Russian activists. Russian Reporter magazine, Maxim Dondyuk

Russia Says Ukraine Close To Civil War As Kiev Begins Offensive -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Russia declared Ukraine on the brink of civil war on Tuesday as Kiev said an "anti-terrorist operation" against pro-Moscow separatists was under way, with troops and armored personnel carriers seen near a flashpoint eastern town.

Twenty-four hours after an Ukrainian ultimatum expired for the rebels to lay down their arms, witnesses however saw no signs yet that Kiev forces were about to storm state buildings in the Russian-speaking east that armed militants have occupied.

Interim President Oleksander Turchinov insisted the operation had started in the eastern Donetsk region, although it would happen in stages and "in a considered way".

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More News On Ukraine Launching Military Operations Against Pro-Moscow Separatists

Ukraine says Donetsk 'anti-terror operation' under way -- BBC
Ukraine’s Interim Leader Announces Start of Operation Against Protesters in Donetsk Region -- RIA Novosti
Kiev launches military operation in eastern Ukraine -- RT
Ukraine leader says anti-terror operation under way in Donetsk region -- CNN
Turchynov announces start of ‘anti-terror operation’ in eastern Ukraine -- Euronews
Ukrainian troops have begun 'anti-terrorist operation', Kiev says -- The Guardian
Report: 2 people wounded in gunbattle between Ukrainian troops, pro-Russian protesters -- AP
Army Attacks Protesters in Eastern Ukraine, First Wounded Reported -- RIA Novosti
Ukraine on Verge of Civil War – Russia’s Medvedev -- RIA Novosti
‘A civil war could break out’: Russia threatens reprisal as Ukraine launches attacks on insurgents -- National Post/Bloomberg

My Comment: Russian news is reporting the movement of tanks and armored personnel carriers into eastern Ukraine. Fighting and casualties have already been reported. The Ukraine crisis is now getting hot. I will be updating this story in the next few hours with a full news roundup and analysis .... I am busy on the phone and on Skype talking to people that I know who live there.