SLOVYANSK, Ukraine
Ukraine started a new offensive against pro-Russian activists in the southeastern cities of Mariupol and Konstantinovka on Sunday.
Acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said several Ukrainian soldiers were injured in a clash between separatists and government forces in a television station building in Konstantinovka.
The special operation in Mairupol centered around the city hall held by pro-Russian gunmen.
Eyewitnesses said gunshots were heard near the administrative building and the occupiers later moved to a nearby restaurant.
Military operations in Ukraine's east have stepped up after interim President Oleksandr Turchynov signed a decree last Thursday, reinstating compulsory military service for men aged between 18 and 25 years.
The move came after pro-Russian separatists stormed the regional General Prosecutor’s Office in Donetsk following the May Day protests at Lenin Square, taking over the last government building in the city under Kiev's rule.
Government buildings and police stations in several eastern Ukraine cities are in the hands of armed pro-Russian groups as government forces continue operations in those cities.
Kiev has accused Russia for the occupation of buildings while Russia denies responsibility.
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