Rebel leader claims Ukraine carries out 'genocide'

DONETSK, Ukraine

Genocide is being carried out on people who reject the rule of Kiev, claimed Alexander Borodai, prime minister of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" in eastern Ukraine.

Holding a press conference on Tuesday at a government building seized by pro-Russian separatists, Borodai said intense clashes in rebel-held Slaviansk were continuing.

The rebel leader maintained that scores of people from both sides were killed during the clashes despite not giving a death toll.

He urged the international public to pay close attention to the issue, pointing out that the city suffers lack of food and medical equipments.

Borodai said there were elderly people and children in the city who were in urgent need of food and medicine, citing problems regarding the entry of such stuff into the city.

Meanwhile, a group of people holding crosses in their hands stood in front of the rebel-held building and prayed before the press conference.

Earlier in the day, Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov issued a warning that Ukrainian troops launched an active offensive against pro-Russian separatists in Slaviansk, warning residents in Slaviansk, Kramatorsk and Krasny Liman against leaving their homes.

As many as 200 separatists attacked border guard stations on Monday in a residential suburb of Lugansk, resulting in a fierce battle.

Neither side has announced death tolls, but Ukrainian officials confirmed that there were casualties and injuries from both sides.

Tensions remain high in eastern Ukraine where pro-Moscow separatists are clashing with government forces, as Ukraine's newly-elected President Petro Poroshenko vowed "to ensure peace and stability" by retaining control in the eastern regions.

www.aa.com.tr/en