Armed separatists took control of a city in eastern Ukraine on April 12 and Kyiv prepared troops to tackle what it called an "act of aggression by Russia", pushing the conflict between the neighbors into a dangerous new phase. Pro-Russian activists carrying automatic weapons seized government buildings in Slovyansk, a town about 150 km (90 miles) from the Russian border, and set up barricades on the outskirts of the city.
Reuters: Ukraine prepares armed response as city seized by pro-Russia forces
An armed pro-Russian extremist guards at a newly installed checkpoint on the entrance to the Ukrainian city of Slovyansk on April 12.
