Ukraine says its military has killed 30 pro-Russian separatists, as government forces try to retake Slovyansk and other cities near the border with Russia. At least four Ukrainian soldiers have died; separatists also shot down a helicopter in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov announced the death toll in Slovyansk Tuesday.
From Donetsk, about 75 miles to the south of Slovyansk, NPR's Jessica Golloher filed this report for our Newscast unit:
"Ukraine's interior ministry is saying that it is continuing its anti-terrorism campaign to root out pro-Russian demonstrators here in eastern Ukraine, with Arsen Avakov posting on his Facebook page that around 800 demonstrators are using large-caliber weapons and mortars in an attempt to push back Kiev's troops.
"This after gunbattles and explosions could be heard north of Donetsk in the pro-Russian stronghold of Slovyansk. The West and Ukraine say Russia is stoking dissent here. Moscow denies the claims and says Kiev needs to pull its troops back in order for there to be dialogue."