Pro-Russians declare independence in eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk

Ukrainian standoff

Mainly Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine has seen a sharp rise in tensions since former president Viktor Yanukovych's overthrow in February and the advent of an interim government in Kiev that backs closer ties with the European Union.

Russia has branded the new government illegitimate and has annexed Crimea, citing threats to its Russian-speaking majority - a move that intensified the standoff between Moscow and the West.

The secessionist crisis since Sunday prompted Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk to send his deputy, Vitaliy Yarema, to the region in order to establish a semblance of control.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov vowed to restore order in eastern Ukraine without using violence and also accused Yanukovich, whose political base was in Donetsk, of conspiring with Putin to fuel tensions.

Donetsk Governor Sergiy Toruta urged Ukraine's interim government to hold an urgent meeting of the national security and defense council in his region.

"Today, a plan is being implemented in the Donetsk, Lugank and Kharkiv regions to destabilize peace as well as social and economic stability," Toruta said in a statement.