DONETSK, Ukraine

Nearly 100 people, 50 separatist and between 30 to 50 civilians, have been killed in clashes between the Ukrainian army and pro-Russian separatists since Monday, Denis Pushilin, one of the separatist leaders in Donetsk, said.

The clashes began on Monday following the launch of an Ukrainian army operation to regain control of Donetsk airport.

Armed pro-Russians seized control of the airport in Donetsk on Sunday night, demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops there, the airport’s press office said.

Ukrainian army jets and helicopters shelled Donetsk overnight and due to the clashes, the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" declared a curfew from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m.  

As the Ukrainian army advanced towards the city center, pro-Russian separatists established barricades on the main roads. 

www.aa.com.tr/en