Ukraine Mobilizes Against Russia-Backed Separatists

At the Washington Post, "Ukrainian troops secure airfield as operations against pro-Russian militants begin."

And at the New York Times, "Tensions Boil Over on Camera in Ukraine’s East and West."

More, from Telegraph UK, "Eastern Ukraine: separatists storm government offices":

Ukraine pushes tanks toward a flashpoint eastern city to quash a separatist surge backed by Moscow.

Ukraine is “on the brink” of civil war as the government launched an “antiterrorist operation” against pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.

In the first sign of a fightback against militias who have now seized key buildings in a dozen eastern cities, Kiev despatched special forces, combat aircraft and heavy armour to the area.

Russian state media claimed that up to 11 people had been killed during an attack on an airbase in Kramatorsk, but there was no immediate confirmation of casualties.

Amid fears that the fighting could push Ukraine and Russia into full-scale hostilities, William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, accused Moscow of “deliberately” stirring the confrontation. He warned that it would damage relations for at least a decade.

“In recent days Russia has deliberately pushed Ukraine to the brink, and created a still greater risk of violent confrontation,” he said.

“Russia must choose whether it is open to diplomacy and de-escalation, and if it decides otherwise, we must be ready for a different state of relations with Russia in the next 10 years than in the last 20.”

Also at Euro News, "Ukrainian forces reassert control over an airfield in the east but locals put up a hostile front."